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Natural Healing by ACUPUNCTURE.
Natural Healing by ACUPUNCTURE
The technique known as acupuncture started to be used in China over 5,000 years ago. However it was not widely known in the US until 1971 when James Reston, a reporter from the New York Times, noted in an article that the pain he experienced after surgery was reduced when doctors inserted needles into various points in his body. The word acupuncture itself encompasses various procedures which promote stimulation of different points on the body using different techniques. Though in the US acupuncture relies on medical traditions adopted from different countries such as Korea, Japan and China, the method which has undergone the most amount of scientific research is that which inserts slim, hard, metallic needles into points on the skin. These needles either undergo electrical stimulation or are manipulated by the therapist. How does acupuncture work? In traditional Chinese medicine, the human body is composed of a delicate balance between of yin and yang. Yin is the passive, slow, or cold force in the body. On the other hand, yang makes up the active, excited or hot force. As far as traditional Chinese medicine is concerned, a person remains healthy if these two forces remain proportional to one another or “in a balanced state.” When an imbalance occurs, the human body becomes ill. This is because an imbalance causes an obstruction in the flow of the body’s vital energy (called chi) through pathways dubbed meridians. Traditional Chinese medicine maintains that the human body has 12 major meridians, as well as 8 secondary meridians. Over 2,000 acupuncture points can be found which are interlinked with these meridians. Acupuncture is believed to work by adjusting the body’s nervous system to allow certain biochemicals that reduce pain to become more active. (Examples of these biochemicals would be endorphins.) Research has also indicated that acupuncture can facilitate the release of neurohormones and neurotransmitters, changing one’s brain chemistry. This has an impact on the parts of the central nervous system linked to involuntary body functions and sensation. Research has shown that cancer patients who experience nausea due to chemotherapy and surgical anesthesia stand to benefit from acupuncture. The procedure is also useful for those who undergo dental surgery. In addition, addictive behaviors like alcoholism or smoking are reduced through acupuncture. People afflicted with headaches, are undergoing rehabilitation from strokes, or need help with different musculoskeletal conditions (such as tennis elbow, low back pain, or carpal tunnel syndrome) also find acupuncture to be helpful. Acupressure is related to the healing method of acupuncture since they both treat the same parts of the body. The difference is that acupressure relies on pressure and massage applied to pressure points, while acupuncture uses slim solid needles inserted into the skin. Since acupressure is less invasive, many people prefer it to acupuncture. The principle behind acupressure is that ailments are caused by the accumulation of chi (life energy) at pressure points because of blockage, and can be relieved through pressure applied by elbows, thumbs, or fingers. Occasionally, electrical currents may be used. Another variation is moxibustion. In moxibustion, the practitioner will stimulate acupuncture points by burning small amounts of herbs (shaped into cones) right on the skin of the patient. The method was formulated in parts of China where it was cold, and is still practiced today. Only therapists who are formally trained in Chinese medicine should carry out moxibustion. Jin Shin Do is a school of thought that merges some ideas on psychotherapy and body-mind management from the West with ancient Oriental practices – such as yogic breathwork, Taoist theory, Chinese acupuncture theory, and Japanese acupressure. The acupoints of Jin Shin Do are founded on 8 energy channels in the body that co-exist with the usual 12 energy meridians. The 8 energy channels, dubbed the strange flows, are opened through Jin Shin Do so that our life force keeps flowing yet remains balanced.
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