Acupuncture & Acupressure

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of traditional medicine, dating back
at least
2,500 years to ancient China.


What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is centered on the premise that optimal health requires a
balanced flow of Qi (pronounced "chee" and sometimes-spelled "chi"); a vital
life energy the flows through the body along major energy pathways called
meridians. Illness, say acupuncturists, results when the balance is thrown
out of whack by stress, injury, poor diet, emotional trauma or other factors.


Acupuncturists aim to restore harmony and correct health problems by
inserting
needles at meridian points, which regulate energy flow. According to
acupuncture
theory, more than 1,200 'acu-points' exist in the body, each corresponding to
particular organs and their function.


During sessions, acupuncturists insert sterile, hair thin stainless steel
needles into various parts of the body and leave them in place
for a short period of time, often 15 to 30 minutes. To boost the effect, they
may twirl
or rotate needles. Usually, patients feel very little, if any pain.
Sometimes, acupuncturists combine needle treatmentwith other forms of
stimulation, such as
finger pressure, heat, lasers, ultrasound,herbs or electro-stimulation.


What is it used to Treat?
Acupuncturists treat hundreds of conditions, ranging from chronic pain to
sinusitis to anxiety. Numerous medical studies suggest acupuncture is
effective
for pain relief, addiction and the vomiting and nausea associated with
pregnancy or chemotherapy. More broadly, it may aid people with pain-related
conditions such as dental pain, headache, low back pain, and fibromyalgia
(general muscle pain). It also may have a relaxant effect.Western researchers
explain acupuncture's effect by theorizing that it triggers the release of
endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. Generally, acupuncture is
considered safe, as long as needles are sterile and disposable.


More problems commonly treated by Acupuncture are listed below:


Peripheral Neuropathy:
Headaches, Migraines, Post-operative
pain, Stroke residuals, Parkinson's
disease, Bladder dysfunction.


Muscular- skeletal Problems:
Muscle pain and weakness, Sciatica, Backaches, Muscle cramping, Arthritis,
Disc problems, frozen shoulder.


Gastro-Intestinal Disorders:
Abdominal pain, hyperacidity,
Chronic diarrhea, Indigestion,
Constipation.


Eyes, Ears and dental Problems:
Poor vision, Central retinitis, Cataract
(without complication), Tinnitus, Nervous deafness, Toothaches, Post
extraction
pain, Gum problems. Respiratory Problems: Sinusitis, Common cold,
Tonsillitis,
Bronchitis, Asthma and Allergies.


Gynecological Problems:
Infertility, PMS, Cramps, Menopausal symptoms.


Emotional Problems:
Insomnia, Depression, Anxiety,
Nervousness, Neurosis.


Preventative Treatments and their Benefits
§ Increasing vitality and energy.
§ Reducing stress to achieve deep relaxation.
§ Rejuvenating skin.
§ Controlling weight
§ Quitting smoking, alcohol and drug addictions.
§ Enhancing athletic performance.
§ Relieving pain.
§ Strengthening immune systems.
§ Regulating Blood Pressure.
 

Acupressure

Acupressure is Chinese Massage (TUINA) and is based on the same principles as
acupuncture but using pressure instead of needles. Pressure is applied by the
use of the palms of the hands, thumbs, elbows, knees and feet. This full body
treatment corrects internal energy imbalances, promotes release of stress and
gives a sense of well being and deep relaxation. One session of Chinese
Massage lasts between half to one full hour.


The problems commonly treated by Acupressure are the same as for Acupuncture.