Simple Health Cures

   Acupuncture is a science and art for healing. However, knowledge of acupuncture is useful for those who practices the martial arts as well. We know already that those who practice martial arts as well. We know already that there are many knids of acupuncture points and stimulating different acupuncture points yields different results.

   The stimulation of some acupuncture points can be painful because of the nerves found in the area. Our body has a pain withdrawal reflex which causes us to move away from the source of pain. Martial artists make use of this knowledge, often unknowingly.

   Pressure applied to the collar bone from above will cause one to move down, while poking between the jaw and neck will  make one move upwards. Some points on the body will react more violently than others. When a muscle is subjected to a direct attack, it will contract. For example, an attack on the outer leg will cause one to fall over as in this situation a person’s leg automatically loses power. Applying pressure on acupuncture points may also hurt your opponent.

   For example, applying pressure to the carotid artery will make the body think that it’s blood pressure is too high and it will therefore automatically lower blood pressure, which will bring on a black out.

   There are also certain acupuncture points which when struck are more likely to break than others. At it’s most basic level, an attack on the body affects the flow of chi around the body and thus effects the condition of that body. Some acupuncture techniques are potent enough to cause serious injuries and even death.

   Insomnia can have serious debilitating effects on a person, as it is so much more than simpy tossing in bed.

   Insomnia can manifest itself in many ways. The most common symptom of insomnia is being unable to fell asleep for extended periods of time, if at all. Othe symptoms include the inability to fall into deep sleep. The accumulated effects can and do include physical tiredness, difficulty in concertrating, lethargy, depression andirritabilitty. Sleep needs in terms of hours vary for each person. the important issue when dealing with insomnia is the quality of day time activirt.

   Acupuncture treatment for insomnia treats a person on an individual basis and creates a holistic treatment system. insomnia can be caused by anxiety, stress, depression, taxing work schedules, medications, alcohol and drug abuse, chronic pain.

   Acpuncture has proven to be good for each of these insomnia causes and symptoms. It is therefore able to treat insomnia at the grassroots for the vast majority of sufferers.

   Traditional Chinese medicine sees insomnia in relation principally to the heart but other organs may also be involved.

   Insomnia is often caused by stress. Stress weakens the liver system which has a direct affect on our nerves. The five element theory says that there is a relation between the liver and the nerves. This means that the liver is weakened by things that tend to get on our nerves.

   When the liver is unbalanced and required to deliver chi it does not have, then the uneasy symptoms brought on by this are the body’s way of sinaling that something is wrong and needs to be put in order. 

   Acupuncture also calms our nerves. It helps to clear obstructions of the muscle and nerve channels. The most commonly noted advantages of acupuncture include deeper breathing, better digestion, decrease in pain, improved sleeping patterns and all over well being. These benefits in thenselves are excellent treatment for insomnia.

   Nicotine is probably one of the most powerful addictions known to man, as it is no le addictive than cocaine or heroin. It is estimated that smokers will try to quit the habit two or three times before they are successful.

   So, when measures such as nicotine gum, or patches fail, many smokers often turn to alternative methrods for help. Acupuncture will be part of a often the preferred alternative method to help break the habit and , in some cases, acupuncture is actually mandated by the court of law to help those with drug addictions.

   It is important to note that acupuncture is not the magic cure- all “bullet” for stopping smoking instantly. Acupuncture will be part of a program to help someone break the habit that must also include preparation, commitment and an understanding of what acupuncture can and cannot do for that person. Nevertheless, acupuncture treats the smoking addication in a unique and very individual way.

   A typical treatment by acupincture for smoking will include a detailed interview to determine a person specific habits. This will be followed by a physical exam which will include taking blood pressure and pulse measurements and observation of the tongue.

   That indications as well as the person emotional state will create a picture for the acupuncture practitioner who can then create a specific, tailored program of acupuncture treatment for that persons.

   Acupuncture treatments focus on the restlessness, irritability and cravings that ones experiences when trying to break the habit. They also help to detrox and relax the body.

   As mentioned earlier, acupuncture treatments for smoking are unique for each person. However, in most causes, a combination of acupuncture points on the body and ear are used. these points are said to influence the organs and the chi pathways that are connected to smoking.

   Various points on the ear deal with sifferent symptoms of smoking. Acupuncture alleviates tension, diminishes appetite and craving as well as increasing will power.

   An acupuncture point found on the wrist is another crucial point for helping to break the addiction.

   The treatment lasts between five and thirty minutes, with the persons being treated once or twice a week. Ear press needles or silver pellents may be applied to the acupuncture points in between treatments to lesson cravings. A stop smoking program consists of four to six treatments in the first few months and then they became less frequent, falling to monthly treatments for rour to six months.

   The causes of headaches can be extremely varied. One of the most common and annoying types of headaches that most people experience is a rhythmic throbbing in the temple area. This is known as a vascular headache.

   In acupuncture, the treatment for such a headache will most commonly involve stimulating the acupuncture points located in the middle of the webs between the thumbs and palms of the person. These points are indicated for treating the face and head and are therefore the most crucial acupuncture points for dealing with anything affecting the face and head.

   Most of us know that our ideal weight is often more difficult to achieve than it really should be, and that there are numerous expensive designer diets out there designed to help us. However, more and more people are trying acupuncture to help them in their weight loss effects.

   Acupuncture for weight loss works in the same way as acupuncture for other conditions, as inserting needles into particular spots still helps the body function properly. We already know that acupuncture helps the body in releasing endorphins, natural “feel good” pain relieving chemicals. Acupuncture weight loss treatments play on this through helping to control appetite by releasing endorphins.

   However, the course of treatment will be different from most other acupuncture procedures and treatments. The acupuncture practitioner will most likely ask a variety of questions and perform various examinations to understand the primary causes of the escess weight. There could be either a behavioral or physiological reason, or even both. Once the primary reason has been identified, acupuncture is applied to different parts of the body to improve body function so that it promotes weight loss.

   Acupuncture weight loss treatment involves a muilt-targeted approach. Body weight can be reduced by increasing the hormone output from the pituitary gland. It could also include work on reducing cravings for certain “danger” foods even dampening our natural appetite. Some needle placements are even known to lower the levels of insulin and lipids in the blood stream.

   One of the major advantages of weight loss through acupuncture treatment is that, unlike certain weight los medications, it has no harmful side effects. However, it is important to note that acupuncture weight loss treatments need to be repeated on a regular basis to maintain and reinforce its effects.

   One also needs pays careful attention to diet and get some exercise as well, for a well rounded weight loss program. Many acupuncture practitioners also provide their persons with a diet guide one that ensures the regular flow of energy throughout the body.

   Another type of acupuncture involves the application of a low voltage electric current to the acupuncture point. This may be done together with the insertion of a needle or by simply applying a tiny wire to the acupuncture point and allowing a low electric current to flow. The currents feels like a very light tingling sensation and is hardly painful.The most commonly used form of electrical acupuncture is to insert the acupuncture needle as usual in order to get the desired chi reaction, by hand. Then an electrode is attached to the needle to apply continued stimulation of the acupuncture are often achieved for chronic pain, paralysis and spasms. The standard duration of electrical acupuncture is ten to twenty minutes but never more than thirty minutes.

   The next form of acupuncture is probably the least “scary”. It is similar to Japanese acupuncture. Here no instrument is used, as it needs nothing more than the application of a finger pressed on the acupuncture point. This techique is used in other treatments such as shiatsu massage and reflexology.

   Acupuncture actually predates acupuncture. It is an ancient art that heals by using fingers pressing on acupuncture points, which stimulates the body’s self-healing properties.

   When these acupuncture points are pressed they are said to release tension, improve blood circulation, and aid the overall healing process.

   Acupressure and acupuncture use the same points on the body but acupuncture uses the firm yet gentle pressure of the hands and sometimes even the feet.

   Acupuncture is probably the most effective methrod of self treating tension related ailments. Acupuncture is most effective in relieving eyestrain, headaches, sinus problems, neck and back aches and tension caused by stress. It can also “fix” ulcer pain, lower back pain, indigestion, constripation and menstrual cramps.

   Moxibustion has been practiced not only in China but across Asia for thousands of years. Actually, the traditional Chinese character for acupuncture when literally translated means “acupuncture moxibustion”. The aim of moxibustion is the same as acupuncture, that is, to promote blood circulation, stimulate the flow of energy and maintain a healthy body and mind. Moxibustion involves burning a small, spongy herb called mugwort on acupuncture points.

   There are two types of moxibuston termed direct and indirect.

   In direct moxibuston a small cone shaped piece of moxa (mugwort) is applied to the acupuncture point and burned.

   Indirect moxibuston is the preferred methrod these days due to a lower risk of burning and pain. In this methrod, a moxa stick about the shape and size of a cigar is burned and held near the acupuncture point for a few minutes until the spot turns red.

   Another kind of direct moxibuston used both needles and moxa. A needle is inserted into the skin and kept there. Then a piece of moxa is burned and wrapped around the needle. This treatment heat to the acupuncture point and surrounding areas. Once the desired affect is achieved the moxa is extinguished and the needle is pulled out.

   In traditional Chinese medicine, moxibustion is used for people suffering from cold or stagnant diseases.

   Burning the herb expels the cold and emits heat to the meridians. This ensures a much smoother flow of chi and blood in the body.

   Moxibuston has also proved to be useful in turning breech babies into the proper head down position before childbirth. This can be achieved by getting moxibustion treatment on a bladder meridian acupuncture point.

   Moxibustion has also proved to increase the movement of the fetus in pregnant women and ease menstrual cramps. The herb mugwort also possesses the quality of improving blood flow to the uterus and pelvic area, as well as stimulating menstruation.

   This is a kind of acupuncture in which the practitioner uses his/her sense of touch to diagnose the affliction. Touch is used to find the location of the particular acupuncture point. Once the acupuncture point is found, a guiding tube is used ti insert the extremely thin needles at a shallow depth. Japanese acupuncture is often used in conjunction with moxibustion.

   Korean acupuncture combines the theory and techniques of traditional Chinese acupuncture and Japanese acupuncture. Diagnosis is made by assessing one’s basic body type. A sub type of Korean acupuncture is hand acupuncture. The hand is seen as a microcosm on the body by applying treatment to the hands.

   Trigger point acupuncture is specially targeted towards treating tight or knotted muscles which are known as trigger points. Touch is used to locate the tightness of muscles and then an extremely thin acupuncture needles is inserted into the selected muscle which is then probed. This cause some twitching causing the tight muscle to loosen up and relax and this eventually reduces overall muscle tightness.

   Laser acupuncture has exactly the same principle as traditional Chinese acupuncture. With the use of a laser beam the acupuncture practitioner stimulates the acupuncture points of the body and this helps to release blockages along the meridians. Laser acupuncture can be used on people of all ages including infants.

   In this methrod of treatment, a device that produces sound waves is applied to the acupuncture points. in conjunction with the sound producing device, other vibrating instruments may also be used such as tuning forks.

   Sonopuncture, like acupuncture, is based on traditional Chinese medicine and in some part on New Age speculation which aims to incorporate the harmony of outer space into our bodies.

   Technically the more accurate terms for sonopuncture is sonopressure or phonophorese since there is no real “puncturing” involved.

   Somopuncture is totally painless. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with other therapies. The aim is to harmonize a person with the subtle energies of the universe. Special tuning forks that are supposedly in accordance with the laws of physics and the harmonies of the solar system are also used. Other devices for sonopuncture include chimes, Tibetan bowls or even any musical instrument. It is said that, when properly used, sonopuncture can be applied in exactly the same way as acupuncture.

   Sonopuncture is a stimulation of acupuncture points often done by using a thin cylindrical high frequency sound beam. High frequency sound waves of 750,000 to one million cycles per secord are the most effective for sonopuncture.

   The human ear can only hear sounds waves between twenty and twenty thousand cycles per secord. Sonopuncture is a quick method of treatment, lasting only fifteen to forty five secords. The sounds waves can penetrate to a depth of six to eight centimeters.

   Acupuncture uses very fine needles that are insected at particular points on the body. The needles used in any treatment by acupuncture are extremely thin.

   Acupuncture needles are not designed to cut the skin, so they are quite solid and thin, but extremely sharp.

   When inserted properly, the person should feel no pain at all. What a person will feel is the chi arriving at the point where the needle is inserted. In this situation you should experience a tingling or heavy sensation.

   Acupuncture points are found either on or near the surface of the skin.

   The needles are initially inserted to a dept of one-quater of an inch. After that, how far the needle needs to inserted depends on the condition for which the person is being treated, as well the size and age of the person.

   There are nine different kinds of needles used in the practice of acupuncture. The most commonly used needle is the filiform needle.

   These filiform needles are solid and vary in lenght. They are made of flexible stainless steel. Acupuncture needles are inserted and left in the person for twenty to forty minutes.

   Other than the filiform needles, other types of needles are also used for the clinical practice of acupuncture.

   The common ones include the plum flower needle, the subcutaneous needles, and the three- edged needle. The plum flower needle is in fact a group of seven needles arranged to look like a flower and then attached to a handle. The needles are inserted very gently and then tapped. Subcutaneous needles are very small and are superficially embedded under the person skin. They are usually used on the ears. The three edged needles has a triangular body and sharp tip. It is most often used for pricking the superficial blood vessels and is primarily designed to treat chronic pain and addictions.

   There are many different types of acupuncture as well as various techniques. /There is even animal acupuncture for cats, dogs and horses.

   When we think of acupuncture, the first thing that comes to mind is needles. However, this may not always be the case. What we have described so far is the most common form acupuncture the traditional Chinese method.

   There are also Japanese and Korean  variations, as well as electro-acupuncture, sono-puncture, acupressre and moxibustion.

   Different techniques may be applied to treat different symptoms. The principals of complete acupuncture include spinal adjustment, nutrition and spiritual rejuvenation ( faith, belief, and confidence). The main idea is that in order to be completely healthy, it is important that we have positive energy around us, we all know that we are more likely to fall ill when under stress.

   There  are variations of acupuncture that do not involve the use of needles, but even these variations have the same basic premise as the standard acupuncture that we have discussed so far. The location of acupuncture points, organization of the body and the importance of the proper energy flow are exactly the same. The major difference is that instead of a needle a different technique or instrument is used to work the acupuncture points.

   These points ascribe each of the five elments, wood, fire, metal, earth and water to each one of the five transporting points.

   All  the jing well points are associated with wood. The ying spring points are related to fire. All of the jing river points are associated with metal. The shu stream points are associated with earth. The he sea points are all related to the element of water.

   The above relationships are relevant for the yin channels only. For the yang channels it is different. The jing well points are associated with metal. The ying spring points are related to water. The jiing river points are associated with the element of fire and shu stream points are related to wood. All the he sea points are earth related.

   XI Cleft Points are the points on the channel where both blood and chi gather to plunge deeper into the body. These acupuncture points are often indicated for acute pain.

   Yuan are source points are found on the meridian where each meridian diverges. Each of the twelve main meridians have a luo connecting point where it diverges from the main channel.

   These luo connecting points are found on the meridian where each meridian diverges. Each of the twelve main meridian have a luo connecting point where it diverges from the main channel.

   Back shu points are located on the paraspinal muscles found on either side of the spine. The chi of every organ of the body is transported to the from these points. The chi of these organs can be influenced and manipulated by working these back shu points.

   These points called “front mu” are actually located very close to their corresponding organs. They are unique in the sense that they have a direct effect on the organ but not on the corresponding meridian.

   These meeting points are said to have a “special” effect on the particular organs and tissues.

   There are some acupuncture points that do not lie on any particular meridians. For example, auriculotherapy utilizes the external surface of the ear to treat conditions. It makes use of hundreds of points on the ear. Hand acupuncture only uses acupuncture points on the hands.

   This describes the transportation or flow of chi in the meridians. It is described in comparison to a river. Functional points along this line of flow are described according to their location. This analogy of a river sees chi bubbling up from a spring which then grows in dept and breadth to became a river, which finally flows to the sea.

   1. Jing (well) points are those points where the chi bubbles uo or, in other words, originates from. These are always the first points on the yang channels or the last points on the yin channels. These points are indicated for that feeling of fullness and heaviness below the heart and disorders of the yang organs (small intestine, large intestine, gall bladder, urinary bladder, stomach and the triple warmer or san jiao)

   2. Ying (spring) points are where the chi glides down the channel or meridians. These points are indicated for treating body heat and changes in skin complexion.

   3. Shu ( stream) points on the body are where the vital energy or chi pours down the meridians. These acupuncture points are indicated for the treatment of bodily heaviness, pain of the joints and intermittent diseases.

   4. Jing (river) points are where the chi flows in the meridians. These acupuncture points are indicated for the treatment of chills, fever, cough and diseases of the bones and sinews.

   5. He (sea) points are where the chi collects and then begins to seep more into the body. These acupuncture points are indicated for treating disorders such as the counter flow of chi in the body.