Acupressure Cure for Common Diseases

Acupressure for Weight Control

2010-01-20T14:28:00.001-08:00

Acupressure for Weight Control

Apply steady, penetrating finger pressure to each of the following points for 3 minutes.

1. Begin with 'Appetite Control' ear point. This appetite control point can help you avoid overeating. Begin your acupressure session stimulating this point. We suggest that you end your session by stimulating these point again.

Appetite control point is located in your ear. While looking in a mirror, place your fingers on your jaw, in front of your ears. Open and close your mouth a few times until you feel your jaw bone moving underneath your fingers. Put one finger where you feel the most movement of the jaw. Your finger should be right next to a little fleshy protrusion of the ear (not the ear lobe). Grab this part of the ear with your thumb and index finger and press with steady pressure.

2. Spleen 6 (Sp 6) has a strengthening effect on the digestive system.

This point is located on the inside portion of your leg, above the ankle bone. From the center of the ankle bone, slide up four finger widths. The point is just off the bone, toward the back of the leg. When you find it, press with your thumb or knuckle. Increase pressure until you are pressing quite firmly, hold about a minute, and gradually release.

Caution: Do not press this point if you are pregnant.

3. Stomach 36 (St 36) is the best point to nourish the chi and blood. It has a beneficial effect on the digestive system.

St 36 is located four finger widths below the lower border of the kneecap and one finger width off the shin bone to the outside. You've found the point correctly if you feel the muscle move under your fingers when you flex your foot up and down. Using moderate to firm pressure, hold for about one minute.

4. Spleen 9 (Sp 9) This point is a close neighbor of St 36. After pressing St 36, slide your finger across the shinbone until you are just off the shinbone on the inside side of the leg. Now slide your finger upwards along the shinbone towards the knee about an inch, until you fall into a natural depression. Sp 9 is in this depression, right below a rounded prominence in the top of the leg bone (tibia). This point is involved with the regulation of water metabolism in the body.

5. Stomach 40 (St 40) An important point for clearing excess damp and phlegm. It is also useful for eliminating excess weight.

St 40 is located

6. Large Intestine 11 (Li 11) is useful for clearing excess heat and damp from the body and to regulate intestinal activity.

Li 11 is located at the outer end of your elbow crease on the thumb side. Hold your arm in front of your chest, as if holding a cup in your hand. The point is at the outside end of the crease on your arm at the elbow joint. Another way to find it is to note the length of your thumb from the tip to the first joint, then move this distance up from the outside tip of the elbow bone toward the crease lines at the elbow joint. Hold your left hand close to your chest and use firm pressure with your right thumb; press for about a minute, then switch arms.

7. Liver 3 (Lv 3) prevents chii stagnation in the body and is the most important point for combating stress.

Lv 3 is situated on top of your foot in the webbing between your big toe and second toe. Start at the web margin of skin between the two toes, and slide your index finger up between the bones until you feel a depression about 1/2 inch up. Still using your index finger, press between the bones (in the direction of the root of the second toe). Start with light pressure, as this point can be sensitive, and increase as much as you can until you are using moderate to firm pressure. Press for about 1 minute.

The following two steps (8 and 9) are optional.

8. Four Gates relaxes the nervous system.

9. Neck and Shoulder Release will help to relax and calm you as you make the transition to a new dietary and exercise regime.

10. End your Acupressure session by again stimulating the appetite control point on both ears.

Acupressure for sex

2009-09-28T00:07:00.000-07:00

Acupressure is an ancient healing art developed in India over 5,000 years ago that uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities & for the healthy human body as they considered human body as the image of god where one could see his presence if it is in harmony. The word "Acu"is derived from latin language which means a very minute point.Hence these techniques stand for the therapeutic methods aimed to achieve cure by applying pressure at an acute point.Taking advantage of the modern development in scientific fields now the pressure is also applied with electric stimulation or by the electrodes.However the simplest & safest methods of stimilutaing the site is performed with fingers whihc press the particular points of the body to ease pains,tensions,fatigue & other symtoms of variuos diseases. In earlier times in ancient India this was also done with acupuncture as it was believed that peircing the ear lobes of young girls protects them from asthamatic disorders or piercing the nose was done to insure the fertility of the Female beings to for smooth flow of mensural cycles & good health.One of the important principle of Acupressure therapy is based upon purely a scientific basis : nerve ending of all small-big blood vessels & that of the nervous system lie at the base of the hand & feet.Hence the hands & feet have the control points of the entire human system. The whole human body is divided vertically & horizontally & they would correspond to the points in the hand & the palm which are know as reflex points. Acupressure reflex points are quite capable to find out the basic cause of the troubles or diseases in the body whre clinical tests might fail.Hense they are the mirror of the body ailments.these reflex points may differ from person to person slightly according the frame of body.Pressure is aplied by means of the physicans thumb, fingers or wooden objects on the reflex points moderately & whereever the patient feel the uncomfortable there the pressure point being defective may indicate health problems in the corresponding body parts.Human body is not only a unique machine but a store house o infinaite energy too.This energy is called pranicn energy or Bio-energy in the acu-parlance get dissipated everday owing to age & other fctors.This leakage accentuates process of aging & hence the body gets aflicted with a variety of diseases.But in acupressure therapy we control & plug this leakage by applying pressure on certain relfex point in the arm so taht this bio electricity is plugged to ensure healthy & longer life.

Advantages of using acupressure include relieving pain, balancing the body and maintaining good health. The healing touch of acupressure reduces tension, increases circulation, and enables the body to relax deeply. By relieving stress, acupressure strengthens resistance to disease and promotes wellness.Several kinds of acupressure are taught at the Institute all using the same ancient trigger points. Varying rhythms, pressures, and techniques create different styles of acupressure. Shiatsu, for instance, the most well-known style of acupressure, can be quite vigorous, with firm pressure applied to each point for only three to five seconds, while the Jin Shin style of acupressure gently holds each point for a minute or more. More On Acupressure Healing Ayurveda Herbs Sujok Reflexology Alternative Medicine

Motion sickness and acupressure

2009-08-11T17:28:00.000-07:00

Motion sickness

Introduction:

Motion sickness is a normal response to real, perceived, or even anticipated movement. People tend to get motion sickness on a moving boat, train, airplane, car, or amusement park rides. Although this condition is fairly common and often only a minor nuisance, it may be incapacitating for people who travel frequently -- although the more you travel, the more you get used to the motion.
Signs and Symptoms:

The most common signs and symptoms of motion sickness include:

* Nausea
* Paleness of the skin
* Cold sweats
* Vomiting
* Dizziness
* Headache
* Increased salivation
* Fatigue

Causes:

Motion sickness occurs when the body, the inner ear, and the eyes send conflicting signals to the brain. This most often happens when a person is in a moving vehicle such as a car, boat, or airplane, but it may also happen on flight simulators or amusement park rides. From inside a ship's cabin, the inner ear may sense rolling motions that the eyes cannot see, and, conversely, the eyes may see movement on a "virtual reality" simulation ride that the body does not feel. Interestingly, once a person gets used to the movement and the motion stops, symptoms may return (although usually only briefly). Sometimes just anticipating movement can cause anxiety and symptoms of motion sickness. For example, a person who had previously had motion sickness might become nauseous on an airplane before take-off.

Acupressure

Some studies suggest that acupressure may help reduce symptoms of motion sickness in the same way as acupuncture, although the evidence is not clear. An acupressure practitioner works with the same points used in acupuncture, but stimulates these healing sites with finger pressure, rather than inserting fine needles.

The acupuncture point known as Pericardium 6, traditionally has been said to help relieve nausea. It is located on the inside of the wrist, about the length of 2 fingernails up the arm from the center of the wrist crease. Many travel stores sell wrist bands with built in buttons designed to apply acupressure to this point.

Using information from other sources ("cun")

2009-07-30T22:41:00.001-07:00

Using information from other sources ("cun")

To be able to use information from other sources for locating points, you'll need to know what the "cun" is.

The "cun" is the standard unit of measurement for the body used in acupuncture. As everyone's body has different dimensions, it is defined according to the person whose body is to be treated.

1 cun = width of the thumb, in the middle, at the crease
3 cun = combined breadth of the 4 fingers, at the level of the pinky finger's first joint above the palm of the hand
12 cun = the distance from the elbow crease to the wrist crease.

Acupressure for shyness

2009-07-20T04:56:00.001-07:00

Acupressure point LIV-1. It's location, photograph, use for emotional well-being and warnings.

LIV-1

Name: Great Esteem (Liver 1)
Location: On the big toe, at the bottom corner of the nail at the side of the other toes.
Use: Press.
Effects: Assertiveness, discerning when to go along with others and when to assert oneself. Self-esteem.

Acupressure Wristbands Help Cancer Patients

2009-07-09T19:12:00.000-07:00

Practitioners of Chinese medicine techniques have long used stimulation of points on the wrists through acupuncture or acupressure to relieve nausea. However, mainstream medical doctors have generally dismissed claims that acupressure wristbands could have any power to stop nausea. But a study by Rochester Medical Center researchers just published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management has found the Chinese approach really does work -- and it is not due to the placebo effect, either.

The significance of the study, the scientists noted in a statement to media, is that acupressure wristbands appear to be a safe, low-cost way to help cancer patients cut down on nausea when undergoing radiation, chemo and other treatments.

"We know the placebo effect exists, the problem is that we don't know how to measure it very well," said Joseph A. Roscoe, Ph.D., corresponding author and research associate professor at the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center at URMC, in the press release. "In this study we attempted to manipulate the information we gave to patients, to see if their expectations about nausea could be changed. As it turned out, our information to change people's expectations had no effect -- but we still found that the wristbands reduce nausea symptoms."

The study involved 88 people divided into three groups. All the participants were suffering from some degree of nausea after receiving at least two radiation treatments for various types of cancer. Dr. Roscoe explained that while chemotherapy is more often linked with producing nausea and vomiting, radiation to the intestinal tract can also cause those distressing symptoms.

A control group received no wristbands while a second group used wristbands and received information leading them to expect the treatment to work. A third group also received wristbands but only neutral information about wearing them, so they were not psychologically influenced to believe the wristbands would relieve their nausea. The results? All the patients who wore the acupressure wristbands experienced a 23.8 percent decrease in nausea compared to a 4.8 percent decrease in the control group.

Acupressure

2009-07-02T16:36:00.000-07:00

The healing art of Acupressure is at least 5,000 years old and remains the third most popular method for pain and illness relief in the world. It is a complete health system that has been documented to be used for over 3000 conditions. Anyone looking for options to their current treatments or are concerned about situations in which they may not be able to get to medical help, should consider this as the first treatment choice for any home self care system.

Based on the same principles as Acupuncture using pressure instead of needles, Acupressure works by stimulating specific reflex points located along the lines of energy which run through the body, called meridians. There are fourteen main meridian lines each of which corresponds to an individual organ of the body. When the vital energies are able to flow through the meridians in a balanced and even way the result is good health. However, when we experience pain or illness it is an indication that there is a block or leak in the energy flow within your body.

There is a natural source of healing power in everyone. When this healing power is activated, it triggers a series of complicated internal processes producing a Healing Response. Pain or injury act to alert the body that damage control is needed, at which point the Healing Response begins and endorphins are generated to repair the affected area. This increases the heart rate and alters the blood pressure to speed up the elimination of toxins from the damaged area.

Acupressure induces this Healing Response by simulating injury through pressure. When applied to specific sore points along the meridians at different points for different conditions, this pressure tricks the body into thinking it has been damaged. The body then produce endorphins to relieve distress in the organs and systems corresponding to that Acupressure point. While the body is healing at the point of pain, it produces a Healing Response all along the meridian.

The goal with Acupressure is to learn the points that will produce the Healing Response for the conditions we want to fix. Through repetitive Acupressure treatments, the body learns a new and effective way to activate the Healing Response on its own and increases the power to heal itself without any outside intervention.

For the conditions listed below, you will find points that the experts agree help these conditions and that are easy to find. Sometimes you only need a few points to get results. The points follow (as shown in the diagrams below):

* GB 20 – just under the base of the skull in two small muscular grooves at the back of the neck
* GB 21 – on top of the shoulder, 2"-3" from the side of the neck
* GB 30 – near the "ball-joint" of the hips in the depression formed by squeezing the buttocks (relax before stimulating)
* Li 4* – on the back of the hand between the thumb and index finger, in the center of the large bone on your finger – to be probed inward toward the main body of the hand, directly on the bone
* Li 11 – on the extreme end of the outer crease of the elbow – bend arm tightly to find point (open arm and relax before stimulating)
* SP 6* – on the front of the leg, just behind the shin bone – the width of one hand (three thumbs) above the crown of the inner ankle
* St 36* – in the trough or valley just away from the most prominent shin bone, the width of one hand (three thumbs) below the bottom of the kneecap toward outside of leg the width of one thumb.
* T 5 – on the forearm two thumb widths above the most prominent crease of the upper wrist, in line with the middle finger
* UB 54 – at the rear of the knee, in the center of the crease between the two ligaments
* UB 60 – in the hollow or valley behind the crown of the outer ankle

*Pregnant women should avoid using SP 6, Li 4, and St 36.

Conditions:

* Allergies: Li4,11 SP6 St36
* Arthritis: GB20 Li4,11 St36 T5 UB60
* Asthma: Li4 GB20,21 SP6 St36
* Bronchitis: Li4 GB20,21 St36
* Cold and Flu: Li4,11 T5 GB20 St36 SP6
* Constipation: St36 SP6 Li4,11
* Diarrhea: St36, SP6 Li4
* Ear Infection: Li4,11 T5 St36 GB20
* Fainting: St36 Li4 GB20
* Fatigue: St36 GB21
* Fever: Li4,11 T5
* Hemorrhoids: Li11 SP6 UB60
* Indigestion: SP6 St36 Li4
* Infection: Li4,11 St36
* Insomnia: SP6 GB20 St36
* Menstrual Cramps: Li4 St36 GB20 SP6
* Motion Sickness: GB20 St36 SP6
* Multiple Sclerosis: GB20 UB60 St36 SP6
* Nausea: GB21 St36
* Pain Control: Li4 SP6 St36 Gb20 UB60
* Pneumonia: St36 Li4,11
* Sciatica: GB30 UB54,60 SP6
* Sinusitis: GB20 Li4,11 SP6
* Toothache: Li4,11 St36
* Vertigo: Li4 GB20,21 UB60 T5 St36

Administration:

To find the appropriate point, read the description and look at the diagram illustrating the location of the point, and then find the general area on your skin. Gently probe the area until you find that point which gives you a "funny bone" feeling or is sensitive, tender or sore. Then press hard enough to make the point hurt.

You can use a steady pressure or a five seconds on and five seconds off rotating pressure for the time you stimulate the point. Usually one minute is sufficient for each treatment session.

Regular, systematic treatment usually gets the best results because the effects of Acupressure are cumulative. At first, frequent treatment is recommended. Treatment three times daily for five to ten minutes may be necessary. Or treat more frequent, such as every two hours, until you start feeling relief. You cannot overdose.

Some report almost immediate results; others may need a few weeks to get lasting results. Acupressure is safe. Side effects are very rare. Treat while sitting down and do not administer after meals.

Acupressure for Menstrual Cramps

2009-06-26T05:53:00.000-07:00

Acupressure for Menstrual Cramps

Menstrual cramps affect more than 50 percent of women worldwide and more than 15 percent suffer from severe cramping that limits physical activity. The process of acupressure, which involves applying pressure to spots on the body known as acupoints that correspond to junctions of physiological systems, can reduce the pain associated with menstrual cramps.
What Kind of Acupressure Relieves Menstrual Cramping?

Women suffering from menstrual cramps can use a variety of acupressure points to relieve pain and other symptoms. The basic technique is to locate the acupressure point and apply pressure using the tip of the finger, the knuckle or a soft rounded object, such as a pencil eraser. Pressure should be applied for 1 to 3 minutes, but care should be taken to ensure that the fingers remain comfortable while applying pressure.

Acupoints are named for the part of the body they correspond to rather than the part of the body where the acupoint is located. For instance, an acupoint commonly used for menstrual cramping is “Three Yin Intersection” (the Chinese term for which is San Yin Jiao), which is located behind the calf, about three inches from the ankle. The acupoint is also known as SP-6 or “Spleen 6” because it is part of a pathway that Chinese medicine specialists believe includes the spleen.

Other acupoints known to help with menstrual cramping include:

* The Sea of Energy (Qi Hai) located two finger widths below the belly button. Also called Conception Vessel (CV) 6. The CV-6 point is also used to treat digestion problems, edema, and bloating.

* The Inner Pass (Nei Guan) located approximately 2 inches from the wrist on the inner arm. Also known as Pericardium (PC) 6. This point has also been demonstrated, in clinical studies, to relieve vomiting and abdominal problems during pregnancy.

* The Union Valley (He Gu) located in the webbing between the thumb and the forefinger. Also known as Large Intestine (LI) 4. This point is believed to aid in any problem involving chronic pain.

* The Wind Pool (Feng Chi) located at the rear of the skull about two to three inches from the ear. Also called Gall Bladder (GB) 20. The GB-20 point is often prescribed for headache and hypertension.

* The Leg Three Li (Zu San Li) located about one finger width from the juncture of the tibia on the outside of the leg. Also known as Stomach (ST) 36. The ST-36 point is also used to relieve any other issue involving the stomach or spleen.

* The Middle Gate (Mu Guan) located about one finger width from the wrist crease on the palm. This is an extra point discovered by Master Tong, although it is on the Pericardium (PC) pathway. Mu Guan is also used for heel pain.

What is Acupressure?

Acupressure is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which includes acupuncture, moxibustion, and Chinese Herbal Medicine. Medical manuscripts and other artifacts indicate that Chinese healers have been using acupressure for at least 3000 years to treat ailments from fractured bones to depression.

There are two views on how acupressure works. In traditional Chinese medicine, the body is believed to be composed of channels of energy, known as meridians, that connect all the body’s organs and other components into a single system. It is believed that by applying pressure to certain points (acupressure) or piercing the points with needles (acupuncture), the flow of energy (qi) is altered. These changes in energy result in corresponding effects on the body.

Research indicates that acupuncture and acupressure can alter levels of neurochemicals, which are chemicals that flow through the bloodstream and regulate a variety of bodily processes. It is also possible that by altering body chemistry, acupressure can have an effect on a variety of ailments.

Experiments have indicated that acupressure is highly effective at relieving tension and stress. It has also been shown to have significant positive effects on pain and circulatory problems. Some medical professionals have suggested that by relieving stress in one part of the body, acupressure may have peripheral effects on other parts of the body, including lessening sensations of pain.
What Causes Menstrual Cramps?

Menstrual cramping, known as “dysmenorrhea,” is a painful affliction that accompanies menstruation in approximately 50 percent of women. As the lining of the uterus (endometrium) begins breaking down during menstruation, dying tissues release hormones called prostaglandins into the blood stream. Prostaglandins cause the muscles of the uterus to contract as they force the endometrial material through the cervix and the vagina.

As pieces of the uterine lining pass through the cervix, pressure from contracting muscles may cause pain in the uterus. Most menstrual cramps last from 15 to 90 seconds and generally start in the lower abdomen and pelvis. Pain can be continuous or periodic and usually lasts for 2-4 days.

The intensity of menstrual cramping is related to the concentration of hormones and other neurochemicals in the blood. Women with narrow cervical canals also tend to suffer from more painful cramping. The cramps endured by some women during menstruation are similar to those experienced by women during early stages of childbirth.

While traditional medicines and pain relievers are often used to treat the symptoms of menstrual cramps, some women prefer a more naturalistic approach. Certain types of exercise, dietary changes, and herbal remedies have all been developed to address cramping. As information about Traditional Chinese Medicine has become more widely available, a number of women have turned to treatments like acupuncture and acupressure as potential solutions to menstrual cramps.

Acupressure Cautions to Consider

2009-06-20T16:37:00.000-07:00

Acupressure Cautions to Consider

* Apply finger pressure on acupressure points gradually in a slow, rhythmic manner to enable the layers of soft tissue and muscle fibers to respond. Never press any area in an abrupt, forceful, or jarring way.

* Use the abdominal acupressure points cautiously, especially if you are ill. Avoid the abdominal area entirely if a patient has a life-threatening disease, such as intestinal cancer, tuberculosis, serious cardiac conditions, and leukemia.

* Gently press or touch lymph areas, such as in the groin, the area of the throat, in the soft tissue just below the ear lobs, and the area around the breast near the armpits. These areas are often extremely sensitive and thus should be touched only lightly, not pressed.

* Do not work directly on a serious burn, an ulcerous condition, or an infection: for these conditions, medical care and attention is indicated.

* Do not work directly on a recently formed scar. During the first month after an injury or operation, do not apply pressure directly on the affected site. However, gentle continuous holding a few inches away from the periphery of the injury will stimulate the area and help it heal.

After an acupressure point session, your body temperature is lowered; thus your resistance to cold is also lower. Because the tensions have been released, your body’s vital energies are concentrating inward to maximize healing. Your body will be more vulnerable, so be sure to wear extra clothing, do not eat cold foods or drinks, and keep warm after receiving an in-depth acupressure routine.

Acupressure Boundaries & Limitations

Patients with life-threatening diseases and serious medical problems should always consult their doctor before using acupressure or other alternative therapies; it is important for the novice to use caution in any medical emergency situation, such as a stroke or heart attack, or for any serious medical condition such as arteriosclerosis or an illness caused by bacteria. Acupressure therapy must be used as an adjunct to western medicine and other complementary treatments for cancer, contagious skin diseases, or sexually transmitted diseases. In conjunction with proper medical attention, gentle touch on acupressure points safely away from the diseased area or internal organs can soothe and relieve a patient’s distress and pain.

Acupressure for Pregnancy and Lactation

Avoid the abdominal area during pregnancy. Use special care applying acupressure points during pregnancy by using lighter pressure – consciously approaching the pressure points slowly and gradually. Please refer to chapters 29 and 36 in Acupressure’s Potent Points by Michael Reed Gach for pregnancy points and breast feeding acupressure points are effective, what points to avoid during pregnancy, acupressure points for relieving discomforts due to pregnancy, labor pain pressure points, postpartum recovery points, acupressure points for nursing, and further acupressure therapy guidance.

Better Than Sedatives: Acupressure Calms Children Before Surgery

2009-06-13T16:01:00.000-07:00

Better Than Sedatives: Acupressure Calms Children Before Surgery

An acupressure treatment applied to children undergoing anesthesia noticeably lowers their anxiety levels and makes the stress of surgery more calming for them and their families, UC Irvine anesthesiologists have learned.

According to Dr. Zeev Kain, anesthesiology and perioperative care chair, and his Yale University collaborator Dr. Shu-Ming Wang, this noninvasive, drug-free method is an effective, complementary anxiety-relief therapy for children during surgical preparation. Sedatives currently used before anesthesia can cause nausea and prolong sedation.

"Anxiety in children before surgery is bad because of the emotional toll on the child and parents, and this anxiety can lead to prolonged recovery and the increased use of analgesics for postoperative pain," said Kain, who led the acupressure study. "What's great about the use of acupressure is that it costs very little and has no side effects."

In this study, Kain and his Yale colleagues applied adhesive acupressure beads to 52 children between the ages of 8 and 17 who were to undergo endoscopic stomach surgery. In half the children, a bead was applied to the Extra-1 acupoint, which is located in the midpoint between the eyebrows. In the other half, the bead was applied to a spot above the left eyebrow that has no reported clinical effects.

Thirty minutes later, the researchers noted decreased anxiety levels in the children who had the beads applied to the Extra-1 acupoint. In turn, anxiety levels increased in the other group. Overall, they found the use of acupressure had no effect on the surgical procedure.

"As anesthesiologists, we need to look at all therapeutic opportunities to make the surgical process less stressful for all patients," Kain said. "We can't assume that Western medical approaches are the only viable ones, and we have an obligation to look at integrative treatments like acupressure as a way to improve the surgery experience."

Surgery is traumatic for most children, and Kain leads research to find integrative methods, such as soothing music, massage, and Chinese acupuncture and acupressure treatments, to make the surgical period more calming for patients and their families.

Simple Acupressure weight loss method

2009-06-09T23:26:00.000-07:00

Simple Acupressure weight loss method

Friends from overseas came back, not seen for two months,her figure become so fine, weight was reduced by as much as eight kilograms. How can she get so fast weight loss? She told me that the latest weight loss acupressure technique is popular in London , not only do not need to take weight loss pill, but also do not have any instruments, but can be done anytime, anywhere, as long as the use of a short period of time to spare a few minutes. Is the most easy way to lose weight.

1. Acupressure lips before meal

Put the forefinger on the Point Renzhong, thumb on the upper lip of the front-end, rapid pinch for 30 times, this method can control the appetite, so that the stomach is no longer feel hunger. However, this method should not be done in public places, easy to eye-catching.
2. Avoid snacking method

Use the front-end of the two fingers hand, to pressure inside of the wrist, by the thumb to little finger slowly in front of the bottom, can be used right-hand man. slowly moved from the bottom of the Thumb to the front of the little finger, each hand can be used.

3. Press stomach when eating by the middle finger

Put the fingertips of index and middle fingers on the center between the sternum and the navel, this method can control the filling of hunger. 30 times around in 10 seconds.

Acupressure for LIVER problems

2009-06-06T13:37:00.000-07:00

Liver and Vision-enhancing Massage

1. Thumb-knead the depressions below the occipital bone (Gb20), at the bottom of the skull, 30 times.
2. Place the thumbs on the temples and use the middle knuckles of the index fingers to press the inner canthi of eyes, then scrape apart along the upper and lower orbits, 30 times.
3. Thumb-knead the inner sides of the eyebrows (Bl2), 30 times.
4. Pinch the nasal bridge closest to the inner canthi of eyes (Bl1), 30 times.
5. Thumb-knead the temples, 30 times.
6. First rub the hands together to get them warm, then put them over the closed eyes with the palms for 30 seconds; then slightly rub the eyeballs 10 times or more.
7. Nip and knead on the middle part of the palm web (Li4), between the thumb and index finger, 30 times.
8. Knead the sides of the ninth thoracic vertebra (Bl18), 30 times.
9. Knead the dorsum of the foot, in the depression between the big toe and the second toe (Lr3), 30 times on each foot.

This massage enhances liver function and helps improve vision. When kneading or pressing on particular points, there should be enough force to bring about numbness or soreness, while rubbing or wiping should create a feeling of warmth.

Acupressure for liver and vision enhancement

Acupressure for hair loss

2009-05-24T08:23:00.000-07:00

Stimulating acupressure points will help reduce hair loss.

For who have thinning hair, hair loss is a very serious trouble.
Hair loss is caused by various factors such as poor food balance and bad shampoo method. The main causes are heredity and psychological stress. Is there any effective acupressure point for stopping such fallen hair?
In China, it has been thought that blood raises hair. The deep black hair is a proof whose blood is abundant (because blood carries nutritive substance to hair).
Therefore, it is important for the measure against hair loss to improve the flow of the blood of the head first.
The acupressure point that has an effect in improving the blood circulation of a head is the “Paihui” located in the top of the head.

Paihui

The “Paihui” is located in the top of the head, at which the extension from a nose crosses the extension top of an ear on either side.
Stimulation method

Use about ten toothpicks bundled with the rubber band to stimulate the “Paihui.” Also, let's stimulate the portion from which hair tends to fall. And finally please give a stimulus uniformly to the whole head. Generally, perform the above method for 2 to 3 minutes, once a day. Be careful not to damage the head at this time.
In addition, it is still more effective if "a head massage" is practiced.
Head massage

As shown in the figure, with five fingers of one hand, push the “Paihui” and its surroundings lightly in the vertical direction. It is because many acupressure points that have an effect to hair loss exist in the surroundings of the ”Paihui.”

Acupressure and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)

2009-05-19T23:54:00.001-07:00

Let's consider an aspect from the world of the mind. Many researchers believe that inferior diet and poor blood circulation to the brain, cause a large majority of mental problems. Attention deficit disorders and violent behavior, in adolescents and adults,
has been treated and remedied through proper diet and thinning of the blood. And, it can all be done without any numbing or dumbing down.

If you have blood pressure, or other blood related problems, diet and exercise are a good place to start. But, if you've been there, done that and still have problems, another remedy maybe acupuncture. One of the problems with acupuncture, for some people, is the puncture part. The other problem is in order to make it work, you have to know exactly where to make the puncture. An option is acupuncture's sibling, acupressure. Acupressure is something you can do yourself and don't have to have a laser sight to hit the mark. You do have to press hard at times because many of the acupoints are fairly deep in the skin.

Someone 4' 11' isn't going to have an acupoint in exactly the same place as someone who's 7' 2". So, just find the general location and feel around. If there's a problem, there'll also be a tender spot. The tender spot is an indication of an energy blockage. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the originators of acupuncture, springtime is the optimum time of year for treating the blood and liver.

Is Acupressure an Effective Pain Relief Gout Treatment?

2009-05-10T07:29:00.000-07:00

When suffering from the disorder, the pain relief gout remedies can offer can become one of the most important goals in your life. Though exercise is considered to be a great preventative for gout, it is neither a comfortable nor a practical method for relieving the discomfort that is felt at the time of an attack. Many people are lead to believe, therefore, that medications are their only options in this case.

However, if you'd rather use a method that is not based on pharmaceuticals as a pain relief gout treatment, then you may wish to look into alternative and complimentary remedies such as acupressure.

Before beginning any therapy, it is wise to speak to your doctor, since you will need to make sure that there isn't any existing condition that would stop you from practicing an alternative therapy such as acupressure.

Acupressure itself is a form of Shiatsu massage. This type of massage is based on ancient Chinese medicine that uses the same concepts as the more commonly recognized treatment of acupuncture.

Essentially, Acupressure is based on the belief that there are around 2000 different points on the body that can be manipulated in order to affect the energy flow of the body. Each of the points is located on one of the body's 20 different meridians - the lines along which the energy flows. This energy - also known as Qi - flows between the surface of the body (where the acupressure points are located) inside until it reaches through the internal organs. Manipulating the flow of the Qi by using the pressure points can help a person to achieve an improved balance throughout the body and mind.

When the body becomes ill or is injured, an imbalance to the Qi occurs. Acupressure can manipulate the flow of the Qi, directing energy to the imbalanced area so that better healing can be achieved. This can be very effective for releasing muscular tension and increasing blood flow to needy parts of the body - an essential part of pain relief gout success. Once the energy allows healing to accelerate, the balance of the body can be restored.

The primary difference between using acupressure and acupuncture for pain relief gout treatment is that acupuncture uses needles whereas acupressure simply requires the practitioner use his or her thumbs, fingers, or knuckles in order to apply pressure to the specific points, encouraging circulation to the joint or area affected by the gout.

Many gout sufferers report the following benefits when undergoing acupressure:

- Pain relief,
- Reduced inflammation
- Increased circulation
- Reduced tension
- Better relaxation
- Reduced stress
- Improved mental health

Acupressure for gout pain relief is best administered by a trained professional who will use gentle, yet firm pressure to the correct points on the body, using a knuckle, finger, or thumb. This pressure is held for between fifteen and thirty seconds. It usually feels like quick, jolting sensation that is immediately followed by numbness or a tingling that then dissipates over time. Once the pressure is released, most people feel some immediate pain relief.

Between acupressure sessions, many people choose pain relief gout herbal remedies to help the healing process along and treat attacks. Some of the natural treatments that are gaining some attention lately include Juniper berries.

Acupressure for Sciatica(nerve treatment)

2009-05-04T08:07:00.000-07:00

If acupuncture is a mainstay of sciatica nerve treatment under Traditional Chinese Medicine’s (TCM) then acupressure is a closely related to it. The basic principles of acupressure are the same as acupuncture:

* Identification of cause of sciatica on the basic principles of yin and yang.
* Earmarking pressure points called meridians.
* Unblock what is known as Qi, the vital energy force.

Acupressure differs from acupuncture only in the procedure adopted to release Qi. Acupuncture involves insertion of needles at the pressure points. Acupressure attempts to achieve the same results by applying consistent pressure at the same meridians.

The specialist uses thumbs, fingers and elbows depending upon the amount of pressure required. For sciatica pain it is advised to find the center of the depression at the side of both the buttocks. ‘Hard’ pressure is then applied on both sides simultaneously. It is important that the pressure applied is ‘hard’ since the pressure points lie deep below the skin. The pressure has to be consistent and kept till the count of 15. The idea is to free the sciatic nerve from muscular tension and entrapment.

Sciatica pain is a symptom of a disease and not an ailment in its own right. Whether it is chronic, mild or episodic the primary objective of acupressure is to relieve pain before determining the underlying cause. Sciatica pain is mostly caused by the compression of a sciatic nerve root that exits from under the spine and extends along the both legs via the buttocks. The compression can be due to trauma, natural narrowing of the spinal cord or degeneration due to advancing age. Bad postures too can cause a pinched nerve and cause pain to sciatica.

Both acupuncture and acupressure specialists recommend additional alternative sciatica remedies to be used in conjunction with these dedicated procedures. One gentle exercise that is particularly recommended is the knee to chest exercise. Lie on the floor and bring your knees to the chest and hold for a while.

Alternative therapies have one thing in common – the remedies recommended as part of an alternative approach are all natural and avoid the use of any kind of synthetic products. Due to this one common factor, it has been observed that there are lots of commonalities in alternative sciatica remedies adopted by different therapies. The knee to chest exercise is also one of the exercises that are suggested among others by the yoga experts to relieve sciatica pain. Similarly application of heat on the pressure points is another alternative sciatica remedy that is common to practically all therapies.

Besides being holistic and natural in their approach some of the advantages of alternative therapies include:

* They are free from side effects.
* They do not cost much.
* Some of them are easy to follow at home.
* They address the root cause rather than suppressing pain temporarily.
* Most of them focus on strengthening the body and its immune system.
* Alternative therapies like homoeopathy, which involve ingesting naturally prepared remedies, are instrumental in treating certain hidden symptoms of other ailments along with sciatica.

There has been a marked increase in the popularity of alternative therapies in the recent years. Acupressure in one among the various alternative remedies that have found favor since it does not require the patient to ingest medication. It should be noted that a serious acupressure treatment should only be performed by a fully certified specialist because sometimes hard pressure applied at the wrong place can lead to complications.

Acupressure for Breast Cancer

2009-04-15T23:16:00.000-07:00

Acupressure is a medical treatment used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in which pressure is applied to specific points on the body where Qi, or energy, tends to stagnate. Left untreated, stagnant energy can lead to a host of medical problems, from minor ailments, such as insomnia and headaches, to diseases, including breast cancer.

Practicing acupressure regularly can help prevent breast cancer and its reoccurrence by promoting the smooth flow of energy in the meridians, or energy pathways, that run through the breast area. It is also very effective at lessening the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation by helping the body expel toxins introduced by these treatments. (For information how stagnant energy can lead to breast cancer, please see our introduction to TCM.)

In this section, we'll teach you how to massage seven acupoints that are specifically targeted at breast-cancer treatment and prevention.

Practicing acupressure

When you practice acupressure, don't worry too much about hitting each spot precisely. With these points, massaging the general area can be just as effective as focusing on the exact point. If you're unsure whether the spot you're massaging is correct, widen the area to which you're applying pressure. Usually, you'll find a spot that is especially tender. This means you're in the right place, as these points will be sensitive when energy is stagnant in the area.

If you have breast cancer, massage these points daily for at least five minutes each. For general breast-cancer prevention, three to four times a week is sufficient. Most of the acupoints are bilateral, meaning they appear in the same place on both the left and right sides of the body. Of course, if you have suffered any injuries, you should consult your physician before practicing acupressure.

To see the greatest health benefits, practice acupressure as often as you can, whenever you can. Massage these points individually every free moment you have. For example, rub the point hegu, which is on the back of your hands, while watching television or waiting for a bus. Or massage the yongquan, which is on the soles of your feet, by rolling a tennis ball under your feet while you sit at your desk. Collectively, these moments add up to a substantial amount of time for self-healing that would otherwise be lost.

Next Page

1. Yongquan breast cancer

2009-04-15T23:15:00.000-07:00

The yongquan is located at the exact center of the bottom of each foot. Starting with your left foot, massage this point as deeply as comfortable using your thumb or even a tennis ball—anything you have on hand.

If you have breast cancer, you should also apply moxibustion to this point. To do this, you'll need a moxibustion stick, which is a stick of tightly rolled dried herbs wrapped in paper (available at most health-food or Asian-food stores). Light one until it starts smoking. It will burn slowly.

To apply moxibustion to the yongquan, place a thin slice of fresh ginger over the point and hold a lit moxibustion stick a few inches from foot so the heat (not the smoke) penetrates the ginger and drives its essence into this point. Hold for about five minutes on each foot.

2. Guanyuan breast cancer

2009-04-15T23:14:00.000-07:00

The guanyuan is on the meridian of the conception vessel. Massaging this point can also help relieve menstrual cramps.

		The guanyuan is located the width of four fingers directly below the navel.

		Using your palm, massage this point gently by making five small circles in one direction, then five circles in the other direction. Repeat for three to five minutes.

		If you have breast cancer, place a slice of ginger over this point and apply heat from a moxibustion stick for about five minutes.

3. Zhongwan breast cancer

2009-04-15T23:12:00.000-07:00

The zhongwan is the entire area from under your breastbone to above your navel. Massaging this area can help strengthen your digestive system and relieve nausea and lack of appetite caused by chemotherapy.

Massage this area gently by placing one hand on top of the other and slowly making five circles.

Reverse direction and make five more circles. Repeat this routine for about five minutes.

4. Dabao acupressure breast cancer treatment

2009-04-15T23:07:00.000-07:00

The dabao is on the meridian of the spleen. Its clinical name is SP-21. Massaging this point can strengthen the digestive system and relieve the side effects of chemotherapy.

		The dabao is a full hand's width under the armpit on the side of the rib cage.

		Use your palm to massage this point slowly and gently for about five minutes, starting with your left side.

5. Hegu breast cancer acupressure

2009-04-15T23:06:00.000-07:00

The hegu is on the meridian of the large intestine. Massaging this area stimulates the energy of the stomach, large intestine, and lung.

		The hegu is located on the back of each hand where the bones of the thumb and index finger meet.

		Use your thumb to massage this point as deeply as comfortable, making a small circle for about five minutes.

		Continue massaging down the side of the index-finger bone, toward the first knuckle.

6. Taichong acupressure breast cancer

2009-04-15T23:05:00.000-07:00

The taichong is on the meridian of the liver.

		The taichong is on the top of each foot in the crook where the big toe bone meets the second toe bone (analogous to the hegu on the hand).

		Massage this point with your thumb as deeply as is comfortable, starting with the left side, for about five minutes.

		Continue along the second toe until you reach the tip. You may feel some pain; this means you are in the right spot and are unblocking stagnation in your liver meridian.

7. Jianjing acupressure breast cancer

2009-04-15T22:57:00.001-07:00

The jianjing is on the meridian of the gall bladder. Its clinical name is GB-21.

		The jianjing is located on top of each shoulder, exactly halfway between the neck and the shoulder bone.

		Use your fingers to massage this point as deeply as is comfortable, starting with your left shoulder. Be sure to massage both sides.

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Acupressure treatment for breast cancer 7th stage, cancer in the breast are very dangerous.

Acupressure Bands

2009-04-06T07:47:00.000-07:00

Non Invasive Acupressure Bands Reduce Sickness In Chemo Patients

More evidence that acupressure wrist bands ‘Sea-Band’ may relieve chemotherapy-induced nausea for cancer patients

In a recent study[1] conducted by researchers from the Radiotherapy and Oncology department of the San Gerardo Hospital – Monza (Italy), 70% of patients undergoing chemotherapy found their related sickness improved whilst wearing Sea-Band during and after their treatment.

Recent studies have shown that approximately 60% of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy will experience related nausea. However, despite the availability of anti-emetic (anti-sickness) drugs, post-chemotherapy nausea and vomiting affects patients’ quality of life. Nausea and vomiting can extend beyond the time of treatment and in fact can be more distressing to patients in the days following their course of chemotherapy.[2,3,4}

The preliminary study, presented to the 8th national congress of medical oncology in Milan, comes at a time when conventional pharmacological treatments for post-chemotherapy nausea and vomiting are still proving ineffective for a considerable number of cancer patients, leading many to terminate their treatment altogether, so severe are its side effects and the impact on quality of life.

Professor Lissoni, who worked on the study, commented on its findings: “This preliminary study is encouraging for the many patients whose chemotherapy is causing symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Chemotherapy is a highly aggressive chemical treatment regimen so we would welcome the option of treating side effects with a non-drug, non-invasive therapy. In this group of highly medicated patients, less is definitely more when it comes to additional pharmacological interventions.

Naturopath and acupressure specialist, Jacqueline Young, of the Healthcheck Clinic in central London says,” Sea-Band wristbands have helped many of my patients undergoing the rigours of chemotherapy. They report feeling less nausea both before and after chemotherapy and more able to continue the treatment. Since the bands are without side-effects, affordable, re-usable and of proven effectiveness in reducing nausea, I believe they can have a useful role to play for chemotherapy patients.”

Chemotherapy is the treatment of diseases such as cancer with drug therapy. There are over 50 chemotherapy drugs, which can damage normal cells as well as cancerous ones hence side effects are common. Despite progress in the prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, many patients still experience symptoms.

Sea-Band has long been known to relieve feelings of nausea and have been used to treat morning sickness, motion sickness and post-operative nausea, as well as post-chemotherapy nausea. Worn around the wrist, the Sea-Band exerts a constant, gentle pressure on a point on the inner wrist called the Pericardium 6 (P6) acupressure point. Some of the leading cancer patient support groups, such as Cancer Research UK, recognise the use of Sea-Band for alleviating post-chemotherapy nausea

Acupressure the New Cure for Acid Reflux

2009-04-01T23:16:00.000-07:00

Acupressure is acupuncture without the use of needles. By applying pressure to the acupoints prescribed by ancient Chinese medicine, specific organs and areas of the body may be successfully treated. With this science, the energy of the meridian system called Yin, Yang and Qi is brought into alignment, allowing the body to heal itself.

Traditional Chinese acupuncture has been used to treat digestive disorders for over two thousand years. Recent studies suggest that acupuncture, acupressure and electrical acupoint stimulation applied to Pericardium 6 (P6) reduce relaxations of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Relaxation of the LES is the major cause of acid reflux. One study with electrical acupoint stimulation showed a 40% reduction of these LES relaxations in most of the cases studied. This is an astounding claim and could be the beginning of one of the most important discoveries ever made for the treatment of acid reflux.

What is P6? P6, also called Neiguan, is an acupoint located on the underside of the wrist between 2 tendons. If you hold out your hand and bend it toward you, P6 is located in the middle of the wrist approximately two finger-widths from the crease where the hand and arm meet.

What is the LES? The lower esophageal sphincter is a muscular valve located between the esophagus and the stomach, which opens to allow food and liquids into the stomach. It is supposed to close tight to prevent gastric fluids from coming back up into the esophagus. When it becomes relaxed, you have acid reflux. Many things can cause the LES to relax; acidic foods, carbonated beverages, alcohol, tobacco, chocolate and stress, to name a few.

Acupressure to the P6 has been employed for years to relieve nausea and vomiting. Recently it has been used to treat traveler’s motion and sea sickness, morning sickness in pregnant women and post operative nausea. Acupressure wrist bands, also called "sea bands", are now being used for this purpose. The wrist band fits snugly on the wrist and has a small plastic button which applies pressure to the P6. It is now believed that these same wrist bands may reduce acid reflux.

You can also treat yourself without the use of wrist bands by using the fingers. Keep in mind that when applying pressure to the P6, the feeling should be a slight numbness, never a sharp pain. All acupoints are normally beside and in between bones, ligaments and tendons. They are never found on bones, blood vessels or arteries, but in depressions between or beside them.

Interestingly, the P6 is also used to treat insomnia, chest pain, epilepsy, fever and migraines as well as nausea, vomiting and acid reflux. Stimulating this acupoint may be beneficial to the entire body.

Ancient Chinese medicine supports the theory that acupoints connect the internal pathways of energy conduction and that stimulating these points accelerates the flow of this energy. On the other hand, allopathic medicine is just beginning to understand these principals. They attribute the success of acupuncture to nerve signals and chemicals released by the central nervous system, but have no idea how it works. Given enough time, hopefully modern medical science will catch up with these ancient healing methods.

Whatever you believe, acupuncture really does work. It is relaxing and absolutely pain free. The needles used are so thin that you don’t even feel them. Acupressure is a simple variation of this theme by which we can treat ourselves without the use of needles or expensive acupuncture sessions. Just find an acupressure chart and start working on yourself. It’s also fun to treat others. Even pets benefit from this science. I work on my thirteen year old Jack Russell Terrier, Jack Pot, every morning to relieve him of his allergy symptoms. He is very appreciative, indeed.

I encouraged a friend who recently developed acute gerd to try a pair of the P6 wrist bands, which I bought on line. We found that they actually do work in reducing acid reflux, but only if you have them placed on the wrist so that pressure from the wrist band button is precisely on P6. It took a bit of experimentation, but we were successful after an hour or so. One company on the internet claims that you only need to wear one wrist band. Others suggest that it only works with two. Maybe they are both right – who knows. I do know that this is worth trying if you suffer from acid reflux even if you only have a 40% chance of success. What have you got to loose?

If you want to try the wrist bands, they are available on line and at many health food stores at reasonable prices. You might also consider a massage from someone who specializes in acupressure and have them work on the P6. I find that a visit to my reflexologist is always beneficial. But whatever you do, it is always good to keep an open mind about healing in general and to exercise your right to treat yourself. We all have the ability to heal ourselves. As far as acid reflux is concerned, there are many natural ways to at least keep it under control, if not actually cure it.

Acupressure for menstrual cramp

2009-03-22T16:37:00.001-07:00

Acupressure massage is an ancient Oriental healing method that applies finger pressure to specific points on the skin surface to help prevent and treat illness. Acupressure has had a long and distinguished history as an effective healing tool for many centuries and is often used along with herbs to promote the healing of disease.

When specific acupressure points are pressed, they create changes on two levels. On the physical level, acupressure affects muscular tension, blood circulation, and other physiological parameters. On a more subtle level, traditional Oriental healing believes that acupressure also helps to build the body's life energy to promote healing. In fact, acupressure is based on the belief that there exists within the body a life energy called chi. It is different from yet similar to electromagnetic energy. Health is thought to be a state in which the chi is equally distributed throughout the body and is present in sufficient amounts. It is thought to energize all the cells and tissues of the body.

The life energy is thought to run through the body in channels called meridians. When working in a healthy manner, these channels distribute the energy evenly throughout the body, sometimes on the surface of the skin and at times deep inside the body in the organs. Disease occurs when the energy flow in a meridian is blocked or stopped. As a result, the internal organs that correspond to the meridians can show symptoms of disease. The meridian flow can be corrected by stimulating the points on the skin surface. These points can be treated easily by hand massage. When the normal flow of energy through the body is resumed, the body is believed to heal itself spontaneously.

Stimulation of the acupressure points through finger pressure can be done by you or by a friend following simple instructions. It is safe, painless, and does not require the use of needles. It can be used without the years of specialized training needed for insertion of needles.

How to Perform Acupressure
Acupressure is done either by yourself or with a friend when you are relaxed. Your room should be warm and quiet. Make sure your hands are clean and nails trimmed (to avoid bruising yourself). If your hands are cold, put them under warm water.

Work on the side of the body that has the most discomfort. If both sides are equally uncomfortable, choose whichever one you want. Working on one side seems to relieve the symptoms on both sides. Energy or information seems to transfer from one side to the other.

Hold each point indicated in the exercise with a steady pressure for one to three minutes. Apply pressure slowly with the tips or balls of the fingers. It is best to place several fingers over the area of the point. If you feel resistance or tension in the area on which you are applying pressure, you may want to push a little harder. However, if your hand starts to feel tense or tired, lighten the pressure a bit. Make sure your hand is comfortable. The acupressure point may feel somewhat tender. This means the energy pathway or meridian is blocked.

During the treatment, the tenderness in the point should slowly go away. You may also have a subjective feeling of energy radiating from this point into the body. Many patients describe this sensation as very pleasant. Don't worry if you don't feel it, not everyone does. The main goal is relief from your symptoms.

Breathe gently while doing each exercise. The point that you are to hold is shown in the photograph accompanying the exercise. All of these points correspond to specific points on the acupressure meridians. You may massage the points once a day or more during the time that you have symptoms.

Acupressure point for indigestion

2009-03-08T01:51:00.000-08:00

Center Of Power CV12:

Caution: Do not hold this point deeply if you have a chronic or life-threatening illness such as heart disease, cancer, or high blood pressure. It is best not to hold this point for more than two minutes, and to use it only on a fairly empty stomach.
Location: On the midline of the body, one-half way between the base of the breastbone and the belly button.
Benefits: Relieves stomach pain, abdominal spasms, indigestion, heartburn, and constipation.

Sea Of Energy CV6:

Location: Two finger widths below the naval.
Benefits: Relieves abdominal pain, constipation, gas, and digestive problems.

Sea Of Vitality B23 & B47:

Caution: Do not press on disintegrating discs or fractured or broken bones. If you have a weak back, a few minutes of stationary, light touching instead of pressure can be very healing. See your doctor first if you have any questions or need medical advice.
Location: On the lower back, two to four finger widths from the spine at waist level.
Benefits: Relieves indigestion, abdominal pain, and stomachaches.

Inner Gate P6:

Location: In the middleof the inner wrist, two-and-one-half finger widths below the wrist crease.
Benefits: Relieves stomachaches, indigestion, nausea, and anxiety.

Grandfather Grandson SP4:

Location: On the arch, one thumb width from the ball of the foot, toward the heel.
Benefits: Relieves abdominal cramps, stomachaches, indigestion, and diarrhea.

Note: You do not have to use all these points. Using just one or two using the exercises below can still be effective.

Acupressure treatment for psoriasis

2009-02-24T20:42:00.000-08:00

Acupressure Treatment

With roots in ancient China, this technique of relieving pain and treating disease involves inserting and manipulating fine needles in the body at varying depths at “meridians” or acupressure points. Acupuncture, though, is not a common way to treat psoriasis in China but there is evidence that it is an effective psoriasis treatment. This evidence is largely unsupported by clinical studies, and its success of varies from person to person. Generally, it takes many treatments in order to help. The benefits of this acupuncture include no side effects, so trying the treatment involves no risk of negative side effects. Acupuncture is becoming more widespread and accepted as a means of treating and controlling the pain associated with psoriatic arthritis and rheumatism.

This is the best treatment for psoriasis in an acupressure way, psoriasis acupressure treatment, treat psoriasis with acupressure

Acupressure point for neck pain relief often used for a stiff neck

2009-02-11T22:23:00.001-08:00

Acupressure point for neck pain relief often used for a stiff neck

Stimulation of an acupressure point on the back of the hand may provide relief for neck pain. The acupressure point, when stimulated, may release endorphins (chemicals) in the brain which have a pain relief effect similar to morphine.

Neck Pain Relief Accupressure PointIt is also thought that stimulating the acupressure point for neck pain can block pain impulses from the spinal cord to the brain. Research has indicated that acupressure points have a lower resistance to electrical current and stimulating these points may modulate electrical activity.

In any event, the acupressure point for neck pain relief is easy to locate and treat. In Chinese medicine, acupressure points are places where the flow of Qi(Energy) and blood can be influenced to regulate body function in addition to the relief of pain.

Will stimulating the neck pain acupressure point cure your neck problem? Probably not. However, stimulating this point can be an important part of first aid treatment and, when combined with healing herbs and other methods described at necksolutions.com, it can be part of an effective approach to neck paiin relief.

The stiff neck acupressure point is located on the back of the hand, between the bones in the depression behind the knuckles of the first and middle finger.

The acupressure point for neck pain relief can be stimulated with finger pressure which can be as effective as acupuncture. Direct pressure with your finger or thumb is probably the simplest and most effective methods.

Press the point lightly and progress to more pressure slowly until you feel a dull ache or distending sensation around or spreading out from the point. Press and hold the point until the neck pain lessens and you feel the muscles relax.

Note: If the pain is on the left side of the neck, use the right hand acupressure point. Similarly, if the pain is on the right side of the neck, use the left hand acupressure point.

Acupressure Points to Treat Sex Dysfunction

2009-01-30T14:27:00.000-08:00

Acupressure originated in China as a technique to release energy blockages throughout the body. Today, it is widely used to treat a variety of ailments ranging from food allergies and stress to diabetes and digestive issues. You can even use acupressure treatment to relieve sex dysfunction.

Step 1

Familiarize yourself with the acupressure points on the body that are related to sexual issues. These points are located on the outside of the wrists (in a straight line below the little fingers), above the groin, above the knees, on the shins (slightly above the ankles), on the front of the ankles and along the spine in the lower back region. It will help to keep a map of the body's acupressure points nearby for you to reference.

Step2

Apply gentle, even pressure to one of these acupressure points. Use the pads of your fingers and thumbs. You can also use a blunt object to apply pressure.

Step3

Incorporate acupressure into foreplay with your partner. Oftentimes, sex dysfunction is linked to tension and stress. Acupressure will help release tension to better prepare you for intercourse.

Step4

Intermix acupressure with other forms of foreplay such as kissing, rubbing and caressing.

Step5

Apply pressure to the points for at least 10 seconds, beginning with light pressure and gently increasing to more intense pressure. When working on pressure points that occur on both sides of the body, apply pressure to both points simultaneously. For example, press on the both wrist pressure points at the same time.

Step6

Use acupressure to help reach orgasm. The best pressure point to stimulate for this is the one slightly above the groin. This is located three to four inches below the navel. As it's a sensitive area, you may only need to apply very light pressure here.

Acupressure boost immune system

2009-01-19T07:43:00.000-08:00

A strong immune system is a great benefit to one’s body. From protecting against bacteria and viruses to enduring and surviving serious diseases, a healthy immune system can significantly impact quality of life issues. How can you ensure you are doing all that is possible to boost your immune system and give your body the best chance for health? There are many different ways to promote strong immunity to illness and disease, including healthy diet, exercise, and alternative treatments like acupressure.

Originating in Chinese medicine, acupressure utilizes stimulation of a trained therapist’s fingertips, knuckles or special instruments to stimulate certain points of energy meridians on one’s body. Pressing these pressure points can eliminate stress and pain as it promotes neurological flow to various organs, glands and tissues with the purpose of returning the body to a healthy condition.

There are many fans of acupressure, even outside of the alternative medical community. These days, even traditional medical doctors are recommending alternative therapies like massage, acupuncture, and acupressure to manage pain and treat symptoms.

Acupressure has been shown to help with the following conditions:

• Addictions—drug, alcohol, food, sex, etc.

• Arthritis

• Asthma

• Body and back pain

• Circulatory problems

• Depression, anxiety and other emotional and mental problems

• Fibromyalgia

• Infertility

• Migraines

• Sciatica

• Skin problems, and more.

The safety of acupressure is well-known as even pregnant women and seriously ill patients can safely utilize the treatment to promote healing and well-being. In fact, acupressure is a safe, medication-free way women can relive pain during labor and childbirth.

The treatment has the advantage of being non-invasive and drug-free, which means patients can avoid pharmaceutical side effects and the high costs of more traditional Western medical treatments. Because acupressure is a form of holistic medicine, the focus is on curing the disease or illness at the source, rather than only treating symptoms.

While many people think of acupressure as a technique to treat a specific symptom or condition, it is becoming more popular as a way to strengthen immune systems. Acupressure can help people struggling with chronic illness or disease to obtain the boost they need to overcome and heal.

Conditions such as candida, infections, sinus problems, and allergies can all be significantly improved through regulating the immune system with acupressure. Some patients may experience excellent results and health benefits with acupressure alone, while others will chose to use it in combination with other holistic treatments and remedies. A holistic doctor or practitioner can help you to determine the best combination of treatments for your individual situation and condition.

Acupressure Points for Better and best Vision

2009-01-08T20:52:00.001-08:00

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), all diseases involving the eye are closely related to the liver. It is also understood that the eye is nourished by all of the internal organs in the body. The lens of the eye and the pupil basically belong to the kidney, the sclera to the lungs, the arteries and veins to the heart, the top eyelid to the spleen, the bottom eyelid to the stomach, and the cornea and iris to the liver. The Spleen and Stomach also control circulation in the eyes. Therefore an imbalance in any of the internal organs may lead to eye disease.

MAJOR ACUPRESSURE EYE POINTS

There are a number of acupuncture/acupressure points around the eyes (basically around the orbits of the eyes which are the bones that surround the eyeballs). The points shown above are some of the major local eye points.

* Jingming (UB-1) Urinary Bladder Channel, lies where the inner corner of the eye meets the nose. Bladder 1 and 2 are perhaps the best two points for eye problems of all kinds from early-stage cataracts or glaucoma to hysteria with vision loss. They are also used for problems with conjunctivitis due to Wind-Heat and Liver Heat, to blurred vision in the elderly due to Deficient Jing and Blood

* Zanzhu (UB-2) Urinary Bladder Channel, lies in the depressions at the inner ends of the eyebrows. Bladder 1 and 2 are perhaps the best two points for eye problems of all kinds from early-stage cataracts or glaucoma to hysteria with vision loss. They are also used for problems with conjunctivitis due to Wind-Heat and Liver Heat, to blurred vision in the elderly due to Deficient Jing and Blood

* Yuyao Midpoint of the eyebrow in the hollow. Good for eye problems related to worry, excessive study and mental strain.

* Sizhukong (SJ 23) Sanjiao or Triple Burner Channel, in the depression at the outside end of the eyebrow. This is a local point good for eye and facial problems, whether due to Wind invasion or the Liver Yang and Fire.

* Tongziliao (GB 1) Gall Bladder Channel, lies in the cavities on the outside corners of the eye sockets. Good for eye problems including conjunctivitis, red sore eyes, photophobia, dry, itchy eyes, early-stage cataracts and blurred vision, as well as lateral headaches.

* Qiuhou Midway between St-1 and GB-1 along the orbit of the eyes.

* Chengqi (St 1) directly blow the pupil on the infraorbital ridge bone. This is a main point for all eye problems, including those due to Wind Cold, Wind Heat and Hyperactive Liver Yang.

Instructions for doing self-acupressure for eye health:

GENTLY massage each acupuncture point around the orbit of the eye, starting with B1-1 and massaging each point as you go up and outward. Each point should be massaged for approximately 5-10 seconds. You can massage both eyes at the same time. You can do this massage as often as you like over the course of the day. You may find that each point feels different in terms of sensitivity.

Keep BREATHING as you massage. Deep breathing helps the cells of your eyes receive the oxygen they need for healing. Practice long, slow abdominal breathing while massaging the acupressure points.
CAUTION: If you are pregnant, consult a trained acupuncturist before treating yourself. Do not massage on an area if it has a scar, burn or infection.

SELF-HELP

Since we consider most eye conditions to be a reflection of the health of the whole body, lifestyle choices and diet can play a major factor in getting and maintaining good vision. Below are some recommendations:

* The Vision Diet. Recommended in Natural Eye Care, co-authored by Marc Grossman, O.D., L.Ac. Studies show patients can reduce their eye pressure by five to seven millimeters with an improved diet and supplement program. In general, a diet high in betacarotene, vitamins C and E, and sulfur-bearing amino acids are recommended. Foods containing those nutrients include garlic, onions, beans, spinach, celery, turnips, yellow and orange vegetables, green leafy vegetables, seaweed, apples, oranges and tomatoes.

* Daily Juicing (organic if possible) – 1 pint per day minimum. Up to 2-8 pints per day for healing. Vegetables used should be mostly greens.

* Drink lots of water - 8-10 glasses of purified water. Avoid carbonated, caffeinated and alcoholic beverages. They can actually dehydrate your eyes.

* Manage your stress - meditate, take a walk in nature, practice yoga, visualization techniques or prayer on a daily basis.

* Exercise daily - do at least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise daily. Walking and swimming are two excellent forms of exercise.

* Eye exercises can help to bring energy and blood to the eyes, thereby helping to drain away toxins or congestion to the eyes.

* Avoid foods to which you are allergic: a study of 113 patients with chronic simple glaucoma showed immediate IOP increases of up to 20 millimeters when they were exposed to foods in to which they were allergic. Manage stress. Take up meditation, yoga, tai chi, or any practice that helps you relax. Some consider glaucoma a stress related condition.

CAUTION: If you are pregnant, consult a trained acupuncturist before treating yourself. Do not massage on an area if it has a scar, burn or infection.

Acupressure Points for Pregnancy

2008-12-18T08:57:00.000-08:00

Acupressure can be used safely throughout pregnancy to relieve many discomforts. You can go to a specialist to get acupressure treatment done, or you can learn and apply it to yourself. It is also a great technique for fathers-to-be to learn, because it is a proactive way to get involved in the pregnancy and labor to give special relief for loved ones.

Acupressure is a holistic system that builds on what the body is already doing right. In this way, the use of acupressure can be remarkably beneficial during pregnancy and labor in a number of ways.

Treating specific acupressure points helps you to relax and relieve back pain or induce labor as well as. Because of the potential for this kind of response, it is important that you know a thing or two about what you are doing, and not attempt certain acupressure techniques until after your due date so as not to trigger labor prematurely.

Acupressure, however, can be used safely throughout pregnancy to relieve many discomforts and painful conditions. There are several acupressure points for pregnancy that can be used during this unique period. You can utilize acupressure to get relief from backache and joint pain, and heartburn and high blood pressure as well. Acupressure is also a safe and effective way to relieve morning sickness and nausea, so there is no need to suffer from this discomfort which you cannot medicate during pregnancy.

For your back pain acupressure during pregnancy you’ll find step-by-step instruction in Home Acupressure for Back Pain guide by Virpi Tervonen

An excellent acupressure point for relieving nausea during pregnancy is called the Inner Gate (also called the Neiguan P6 acupressure point). This specific point is on your wrist and it is easy to treat by applying pressure with your fingertip while concentrating on your breathing. To use this stress relieving technique, first locate this acupressure point on the inside of your wrist. Measure three finger widths up your arm, from the wrist line. Use your thumb to locate the point in the hollow between the two bones and in the middle of the tendons. A slight soreness will let you know you have found the right location. Press the point firmly while you breathe out, and release pressure as you breathe in, repeating eight times on each wrist.

During the third trimester, acupressure can also help to encourage a head down position for the baby so as to ensure a smoother birth. Stimulation of specific acupressure points is also widely used for inducing labor of full time pregnancies, because it triggers womb contractions. These and some other acupressure points can also be used during childbirth in order to encourage womb contractions and thus assist the labor.

Acupressure can also be used to provide postpartum pain and symptom relief, as well as restore vitality after childbirth. There are also specific acupressure points that stimulate lactation and helps nursing.

Because of these various remarkable benefits, which acupressure has to offer, make acupressure part of your strategy for a healthy pregnancy, combined with other relaxation techniques for maximum effect.

This approach to health is beneficial for everyone, and what is better time to start taking better care of yourself than during pregnancy? Soothe those sore muscles and study ahead of time for ways to ease your labor. As a drug-free alternative for reducing pain, your knowledge will likely be of use to you throughout life. Nurture yourself and give your body the kind of care it deserves, especially when you are supporting another life in addition your own. You and your baby will both benefit from the extra attention.

Acupressure for the active guy: this ancient healing art can boost your energy and relieve you pain—without needles

2008-12-17T23:10:00.000-08:00

Tom, a personal trainer in his early 30s, had an atypical technique: Instead of just showing his clients an exercise, he occasionally would do it along with them in order to reinforce proper exercise form. The side-by-side approach did wonders for client motivation, but sometimes left him with inflamed muscles, characterized by especially painful knots in his back. And while the Jacuzzi helped to relax his muscles, it wasn't enough to stem the pain.

Then a doctor showed Tom a simple solution: Applying steady pressure right into the knots with his thumb, his knuckles or even a tennis ball would cause the pain to lessen and eventually disappear.

Acupuncture, the ancient Asian technique of sticking needles into specific target points of the body, has gained credence with Western doctors for its ability to reduce pain and other symptoms of certain ailments. But if you're one of those guys who belong to the very large group of belonephobes (needle haters), you will be relieved to know that you can also stimulate these points merely by pressing into them with your fingers.

"For some conditions, acupressure can be just as effective as acupuncture, or even more effective," says James Dillard, M.D., a specialist in alternative health care and an assistant clinical professor in rehabilitation medicine at Columbia University in New York City. "It's great for getting out the knots in your muscles that can occur when you work out, or tightness due to chronic stress. And it can be especially helpful for pains that flare up occasionally."

You can do some of this yourself at home or on the field, without having to make office visits to a professional. As a result, "acupressure can give athletes--or anyone--a competitive edge," says Michael Reed Gach, author of Acupressure's Potent Points and founder of the Acupressure Institute in Berkeley, Calif.

HOW IT WORKS

All forms of traditional Asian medicine are said to involve a system of meridians in the body that help control an energy force known as chi. Stimulating isolated points along the meridians makes the chi run more smoothly, helping to heal the area of impact as well as related organs. Those who view acupressure from a Western outlook, on the other hand, believe it has value largely because it can help relax muscles and stimulate blood flow.

"One of the Western explanations for acupressure is that you're causing a counterirritation that helps close the pain gates in the spinal cord--just as you'd do naturally if you stubbed your toe and grabbed it," Dillard says. "It also probably stimulates endorphins. But if we don't know exactly why it works, who cares? If it works, that's great."

A few small studies have shown that acupressure can be effective in relieving pain and helping people sleep. And since it's easy and has no side effects, there's almost no reason for you not to try it. Obviously, if you have any serious injuries, medical conditions, or chronic or severe pain, consult your doctor first. And if you're a pregnant woman, don't even try acupressure without a physician's guidance--but thanks for reading Men's Fitness.

HOW TO DO IT

How much force is enough? "The amount of pressure should make the point `hurt good,' somewhere between pain and pleasure," says Gach. "If there's muscular pain, you need to push slowly into the muscle. If there's joint pain, press into the indentation between the bones. Once the joint releases, it increases circulation to heal the area."

Be patient, Gach adds. "You often need to apply pressure many times a day over the course of several days to feel results. The process can be gradual--it's not just like pushing a button."

Here's how to treat yourself for problems the active guy is likely to face. For best results, relax and breathe deeply.

PROBLEM KNEE PAIN

SOLUTION Place a tennis ball on a pillow, then place your leg over it so the ball is pushing into the crease behind your knee. Find the sensitive spot just below your kneecap and just to the outside of the shinbone. Press into it lightly with your forefinger for about a minute. (If you may have a knee injury, see your doctor.)

PROBLEM DELAYED-ONSET MUSCLE SORENESS

SOLUTION Feel around through the muscle and find a spot that seems reactive--when you press on it, pain will seem to radiate outward. (Don't press on a bruised or injured area.) Using moderate force, press the spot with your thumb for at least a minute.

PROBLEM MUSCLE CRAMPS AND SPASMS DUE TO INTENSE TRAINING

SOLUTION Use your heel to rub the junction between your big toe and second toe for 30 seconds, then repeat on the other foot. This spot purportedly benefits the gallbladder and liver meridians, which can be damaged by too much exertion.

PROBLEM LOW ENERGY

SOLUTION For a preworkout boost, find any tender spot or knot along the back of your shoulders and press into it with your fingers for one minute. (If you can't reach, ask a friend.)

How to Find a Point:Acupressure Point Names and Reference Numbers

2008-12-15T23:27:00.000-08:00

You locate an acupressure point by referring to anatomical landmarks. To help you find them, all of the points in this book are illustrated with a description of these landmarks (such as bone indentations and protrusions).

Some acupressure points lie underneath major muscle groups. While points near a bone structure usually lie in an indentation, muscular points lie within a muscular cord, band, or knot of tension. To stimulate the point, press directly on the cord or into the hollow.

As acupressure evolved, each of the 365 points was named poetically, originally with a Chinese character. The imagery of its name offers insight into either a point's benefits or location. For instance, the name Hidden Clarity refers to the mental benefit of the point: It clears the mind. Shoulder's Corner refers to that point's location. The Three Mile Point earned its name because it gives a person an extra three miles of energy. Runners and hikers have used this famous point to increase stamina and endurance.

Some of the names of the acupressure points also serve as a powerful meditation tool. By pressing a point and silently repeating its name while you visualize its benefit and breathe deeply, you can realize the full potential power that each point offers. As you hold the Sea of Vitality points in your lower back, breathe deeply and visualize each breath replenishing your deep reservoir of vitality. Use the power of your mind to strengthen and help heal your lower back.

You can create affirmations with the names of the points -- powerful action statements that amplify a point's benefits. For example, hold the Letting Go points on the upper, outer chest with your fingertips. Breathe deeply. Imagine yourself letting go of tension, frustration, and stress. As you hold and breathe into these points, repeat to yourself that you are now letting go of all negativity and irritability.

In addition to its name, each point was assigned an identification number to track its placement along the body. Point location numbers, such as St 3 or GI3 21, are a standard referencing system used by professional acupressurists and acupuncturists and so I use them as an additional label, too. These notations are explained in the Glossary, but you do not need to know or remember any of these numbers to practice the self-acupressure techniques in this book.

Acupressure Can Help To Relieve Heartburn Symptoms

2008-12-09T08:10:00.000-08:00

Acupressure is the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine in which pressure is applied by hand to the same acupoints where needles would be inserted for acupuncture treatments. In this new trial, conducted at Australia's University of Adelaide, researchers applied a mild electrical pulse to stimulate an acupressure point on the wrist known as Neiguan, which is associated with upper gastrointestinal conditions such as heartburn...

Cutting off your nose (metaphorically, of course) to spite your face is obviously not a wise idea. But what about cutting off your nose to improve your nose?

Sounds crazy? Sure. But that's what many people who suffer from chronic heartburn and acid reflux are doing when they perpetuate their condition by taking prescription strength antacid medications. Stomach acids are indispensable to proper digestion. Neutralise those acids on a regular basis and you're just asking for trouble.

So...what to do? That's what an HSI member named Lesley wants to know. She writes: 'I am suffering with acid reflux. While I am able to control it to a certain extent by diet, I still suffer some symptoms. Is there some alternative medicine I can use to improve the symptoms?'

The quick answer: Yes. But first we'll stop off in Australia to look at the most recent investigation of a non-drug treatment for heartburn.

Stimulating acupressure points to treat heartburn

As I've noted in previous e-alerts, acupressure is the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine in which pressure is applied by hand to the same acupoints where needles would be inserted for acupuncture treatments.

In this new trial, conducted at Australia's University of Adelaide, researchers applied a mild electrical pulse to stimulate an acupressure point on the wrist known as Neiguan, which is associated with upper gastrointestinal conditions. Fourteen healthy volunteers with no symptoms of heartburn or acid reflux received stimulation at the Neiguan point and at a sham point on the hip.

Using a barostat balloon to measure movement of the oesophagus, researchers found that Neiguan stimulation prompted about 40 percent fewer relaxations of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) compared to stimulation of the sham point. The LES is the sphincter at the junction where the oesophagus meets the stomach. When the LES is relaxed, small amounts of stomach acid can slip past and irritate the oesophagus. In other words, LES relaxation often prompts heartburn.

In an interview with Reuters Health, lead researcher Dr Richard H. Holloway described his trial as 'very preliminary.' Further tests will be needed to determine if the same effect would occur with acid reflux patients, and if so, how long the effects might last.

Simple remedy for acid reflux

Meanwhile, Lesley still has an acid reflux problem to contend with. And while there's certainly no harm in seeking out a good acupressure practitioner to try out a stimulation of her Neiguan point, there is another way she can address her problem naturally.

In the e-alert 'Natural relief from the pain of heartburn' (18/11/04), US HSI Panellist Dr Allan Spreen shared a natural therapy he's used in his practice to successfully treat many cases of heartburn, acid reflux and indigestion. Dr. Spreen describes his treatment as 'ridiculously simple and cheap.' And while he feels confident that he can stop more than 2/3 of all heartburn and reflux cases, he notes that the most difficult situations (such as overt ulcers and other serious gastro intestinal illnesses) will require a more aggressive approach.

For the remaining 66+ percent of cases, a treatment consisting primarily of acidophilus and digestive enzymes will usually do the trick. In Dr. Spreen's words: 'Acidophilus supplements (powder form, the liquid tastes awful) protect the oesophagus without killing acid (while killing the pain almost immediately). The hassle is, you have to keep it handy and take it often if you don't solve the whole problem, which involves tightening the gastro oesophageal sphincter.

'That can be done using the English herbs (Potter's Acidosis) or by improving the environment of the stomach, which then tightens the junction on its own but requires a bit more effort.'

Just add acid...and enzymes

Dr. Spreen explains that when the stomach is low on acid it tends to also be low on digestive enzymes. And believe it or not, his solution (along with acidophilus protection) is to ADD acid and digestive enzymes at the same time. He says, 'Remember, it isn't acid that's the problem (you need it desperately for digestion); it's acid reaching the oesophagus.

'Proper digestion allows for higher concentration of acid while tightening the gastro oesophageal junction and protecting the oesophagus. I do that by using betaine hydrochloride, a plant-based form of acid like the acid in the stomach (you hope) that is available from sources online.'

Acidophilus is available at most supplement stores and through many Internet sources. And according to Dr. Spreen, refrigerated varieties in capsules or powder form are best. He writes: 'They should be measured in billions (with a 'B') of CFU (colony-forming units). You take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon (or equivalent capsules by opening them) right before meals and bedtime, plus anytime that you experience the burning. It's best to just let the saliva take the substance down the throat, but a few sips of water are okay.

'It's possible to be sensitive to high doses of acidophilus, but uncommon, and even less so if there's a chance of levels being low (as in reflux problems). If that occurs you just stop or lower the dose temporarily and then see how much you can build back up to.'

Relieves Menstrual Fatigue

2008-11-30T23:53:00.000-08:00

Relieves Menstrual Fatigue

This sequence of points relieves the fatigue that women experience just prior to the onset of their menstrual period. Tiredness may last through the first few days of menstruation for many women. This exercise can also help to relieve menstrual anxiety and depression. Caution: The second step in this sequence has traditionally been forbidden for use by pregnant women after their first trimester.
Sit up and prop your back against a chair. Hold each step 1 to 3 minutes.

Left hand holds point at the base of the ball of the left foot. This point is located between the two pads of the foot.

Right hand holds the point midway between the inside of the right ankle-bone and the Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon is located at the back of the ankle.

Left hand holds point below right knee. This point is located four finger widths below the kneecap toward the outside of the shinbone. It is sensitive to the touch in many people.

What is Acupressure?

2008-11-28T22:02:00.000-08:00

Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and the body's life force to aid healing. Acupuncture and acupressure use the same points, but acupuncture employs needles, while acupressure uses the gentle but firm pressure of hands (and even feet). There is a massive amount of scientific data that demonstrates why and how acupuncture is effective. But acupressure, the older of the two traditions, was neglected after the Chinese developed more technological methods for stimulating points with needles and electricity. Acupressure, however, continues to be the most effective method for self-treatment of tension-related ailments by using the power and sensitivity of the human hand.

Foremost among the advantages of acupressure's healing touch is that it is safe to do on yourself and others - even if you've never done it before - so long as you follow the instructions and pay attention to the cautions. There are no side effects from drugs, because there are no drugs. And the only equipment needed are your own two hands. You can practice acupressure therapy any time, anywhere.

My clinical experiences over the past eighteen years have shown me that acupressure can be effective in helping relieve headaches, eyestrain, sinus problems, neck pain, backaches, arthritis, muscle aches, and tension due to stress. I have also shown hundreds of my acupressure students, patients, and friends how to use acupressure to relieve ulcer pain, menstrual cramps, lower back aches, constipation, and indigestion. You can also use self-acupressure to relieve anxiety and to help you get to sleep at night.

Susan, a student of mine, was suffering from insomnia and occasional headaches for many years, as the result of a neck injury. 'I feel so tired and weary, nearly all the time, Michael," she said. "Can acupressure points help me?"

I showed her several potent points on her ankles and neck for headaches, as well as some upper-back stretching exercises for her insomnia. Susan reported to me two weeks later, glowing. "The treatment really worked! I've been sleeping uninterrupted and soundly through the night for the first time in fifteen years."

There are also great advantages to using acupressure as a way to balance the body and maintain good health. The healing touch of acupressure reduces tension, increases circulation, and enables the body to relax deeply. By relieving stress, acupressure strengthens resistance to disease and promotes wellness.

In acupressure, local symptoms are considered an expression of the condition of the body as a whole. A tension headache, for instance, may be rooted in the shoulder and neck area. Thus acupressure focuses on relieving pain and discomfort as well as on responding to tension before it develops into a "dis-ease" that is, before the constrictions and imbalances can do further damage. By using a combination of self-help methods such as trigger point stimulation, deep breathing, range-of-motion exercises, and relaxation techniques, you can improve your condition as well as feel more alive, healthy, and in harmony with your life.

Recently, Judy, one of my advanced acupressure students, complained about having night sweats. She was in the midst of making a serious decision about where to live, which also involved a relationship that was troubling her. I immediately noticed that her upper back was rounded by tension and discovered even more tension in her neck. I showed her the points for working on these areas. A month later, after using acupressure on herself twice a day, Judy reported that much of her upper back tension and a "ball" of deep anxiety had dissipated. She also felt clearer and more objective in dealing with her problems. Best of all, the night sweats that had made her miserable for two months were gone.

Alice, one of my elderly clients, had limited mobility in her neck with severe arthritic neck pain that radiated down her shoulders into her arms as well as up into her head. After her first acupressure session, she not only felt less discomfort but also had greater flexibility in her neck. For the first time in years, she was able to move her head freely without pain.

After several weeks Alice realized that she could help herself using the points underneath the base of her skull to relieve both her neck pain and stiffness. Recently she told me that whenever the pain "creeps up on her," she practices self-acupressure. It is possible that this increased mobility, in turn, prevents further deterioration.

The Development of Acupressure

The origins of acupressure are as ancient as the instinctive impulse to hold your forehead or temples when you have a headache. Everyone at one time or another has used his or her hands spontaneously to hold tense or painful places on the body.

More than 5,000 years ago, the Chinese discovered that pressing certain points on the body relieved pain where it occurred and also benefited other parts of the body more remote from the pain and the pressure point.1 Gradually, they found other locations that not only alleviated pain but also influenced the functioning of certain internal organs.

In the early Chinese dynasties, when stones and arrows were the only implements of war, many soldiers wounded on the battlefield reported that symptoms of disease that had plagued them for years had suddenly vanished. Naturally, such strange occurrences baffled the physicians who could find no logical relationship between the trauma and the ensuing recovery of health. After years of meticulous observation, ancient Chinese physicians developed ways of curing certain illnesses by striking or piercing specific points on the surface of the body.2

As with the Chinese soldiers, people through the ages have found the most effective ways to help themselves by trial and error. The art and science of acupressure was practiced by the contributions of people whose awareness was so highly developed that they could feel where the bodies of people in pain were constricted and sense which trigger points would alleviate the problem. The Chinese have practiced self-acupressure for over 5,000 years as a way of keeping themselves well and happy. You, too, can learn how to complement the care you receive from your doctors. You can help your body relieve itself of common ailments, such as those in this book, by pressing the proper spots, which I will teach you. In the course of trying out these points, you may even find others that work better for you.

Many of the health problems in our society - from bad backs to arthritis - are the result of living unnaturally. Stress, tension, lack of exercise, poor eating habits, and poor posture contribute to the epidemic of degenerative diseases in our culture. Acupressure is one way to help your body fight back and balance itself in the face of the pressures of modern life.

How Acupressure Works

Acupressure points (also called potent points) are places on the skin that are especially sensitive to bioelectrical impulses in the body and conduct those impulses readily.

Traditionally, Asian cultures conceived of the points as junctures of special pathways that carried the human energy that the Chinese call chi and the Japanese call ki. Western scientists have also mapped out and proven the existence of this system of body points by using sensitive electrical devices.

Stimulating these points with pressure, needles, or heat triggers the release of endorphins, which are the neurochemicals that relieve pain. As a result, pain is blocked

and the flow of blood and oxygen to the affected area is increased. This causes the muscles to relax and promotes healing.

Because acupressure inhibits the pain signals sent to the brain through a mild, fairly painless stimulation, it has been described as closing the "gates" of the pain-signaling system, preventing painful sensations from passing through the spinal cord to the brain.3

Besides relieving pain, acupressure can help rebalance the body by dissolving tensions and stresses that keep it from functioning smoothly and that inhibit the immune system. Acupressure enables the body to adapt to environmental changes and resist illness.

Tension tends to concentrate around acupressure points. When a muscle is chronically tense or in spasm, the muscle fibers contract due to the secretion of lactic acid caused by fatigue, trauma, stress, chemical imbalances, or poor circulation. For instance,

when you are under a great deal of stress you may find you have difficulty breathing. Certain acupressure points relieve chest tension and enable you to breathe deeply.

As a point is pressed, the muscle tension yields to the finger pressure, enabling the fibers to elongate and relax, blood to flow freely, and toxins to be released and eliminated. Increased circulation also brings more oxygen and other nutrients to affected areas. This increases the body's resistance to illness and promotes a longer, healthier, more vital life. When the blood and bioelectrical energy circulate properly, we have a greater sense of harmony. health, and well-being.

Ways to Use Acupressure

Acupressure's potent points can be used to enhance many aspects of life. In addition to managing stress, you can use acupressure to relieve and prevent sports injuries. Sports massage has been widely used by athletes before and after Olympic events. Acupressure complements sports medicine treatments by using points and massage techniques to improve muscle tone and circulation and relieve neuromuscular problems.

The Chinese have also used acupressure as a beauty treatment for thousands of years. You can use potent points to improve skin condition and tone and relax the facial muscles, which can lessen the appearance of wrinkles without drugs.

Although acupressure is not a substitute for medical care, it is often an appropriate complementary treatment. It can, for instance, speed the healing of a broken bone once it has been set, or aid a cancer patient by helping to alleviate some of the associated pain and anxiety of the disease.

Similarly, acupressure can be an effective adjunct to chiropractic treatment. By relaxing and toning the back muscles, acupressure makes the spinal adjustments easier and more effective, and the results last longer. In fact, the two therapies were originally practiced together in ancient China.

Psychotherapy patients can derive benefits from acupressure by using it to heighten body awareness and deal with stress. When powerful emotions are free and unresolved, the body stores the resulting tension in the muscles. Acupressure can help restore emotional balance by releasing the accumulated tension caused by repressed feelings.

An acupressure point actually has two identities and ways of working. When you stimulate a point in the same area where you feel pain or tension, it's called a local point. That same point can also relieve pain in a part of the body that is distant from the point, in which case it is called a trigger point. This triggering mechanism works through a human electrical channel called a meridian. The meridians are pathways that connect the acupressure points to each other as well as to the internal organs. Just as blood vessels carry the blood that nourishes the body physically, the meridians are distinct channels that circulate electrical energy throughout the body. They are thought to be part of a master communications system of universal life energy, connecting the organs with all sensory, physiological, and emotional aspects of the body. This physical network of energy also contains key points that we can use to deepen our spiritual awareness as we heal ourselves,

Because the stimulation of one point can send a healing message to other parts of the body, each acupressure point can benefit a variety of complaints and symptoms. Therefore, in the following chapters you will find a particular acupressure point used for a variety of problems. The highly effective acupressure point in the webbing between your thumb and index finger,4 for instance, is not only beneficial for relieving arthritic pain in the hand, but also benefits the colon and relieves problems in the facial area and the head, including headaches, toothaches, and sinus problems.

Tonic points5 improve your condition and maintain general health. They strengthen the overall body system and fortify various internal organs and vital systems of the body.

How to Find a Point: Acupressure Point Names and Reference Numbers

You locate an acupressure point by referring to anatomical landmarks. To help you find them, all of the points in this book are illustrated with a description of these landmarks (such as bone indentations and protrusions).

Some acupressure points lie underneath major muscle groups. While points near a bone structure usually lie in an indentation, muscular points lie within a muscular cord, band, or knot of tension. To stimulate the point, press directly on the cord or into the hollow.

As acupressure evolved, each of the 365 points was named poetically, originally with a Chinese character. The imagery of its name offers insight into either a point's benefits or location. For instance, the name Hidden Clarity refers to the mental benefit of the point: It clears the mind. Shoulder's Corner refers to that point's location. The Three Mile Point earned its name because it gives a person an extra three miles of energy. Runners and hikers have used this famous point to increase stamina and endurance.

Some of the names of the acupressure points also serve as a powerful meditation tool. By pressing a point and silently repeating its name while you visualize its benefit and breathe deeply, you can realize the full potential power that each point offers. As you hold the Sea of Vitality points in your lower back, breathe deeply and visualize each breath replenishing your deep reservoir of vitality. Use the power of your mind to strengthen and help heal your lower back.

You can create affirmations with the names of the points -- powerful action statements that amplify a point's benefits. For example, hold the Letting Go points on the upper, outer chest with your fingertips. Breathe deeply. Imagine yourself letting go of tension, frustration, and stress. As you hold and breathe into these points, repeat to yourself that you are now letting go of all negativity and irritability.

In addition to its name, each point was assigned an identification number to track its placement along the body. Point location numbers, such as St 3 or GI3 21, are a standard referencing system used by professional acupressurists and acupuncturists and so I use them as an additional label, too. These notations are explained in the Glossary, but you do not need to know or remember any of these numbers to practice the self-acupressure techniques in this book.

The Third Eye: A Potent Spiritual Point

Using the healing touch of acupressure can also be a practical way of deepening your spiritual life. By lightly touching the Third Eye Point, for instance, just above the bridge of the nose, for a couple of minutes, you can enhance your inner awareness. If you want to progress further, meditate on this point for five to ten minutes each day, and within a few weeks, you may notice that your intuition will begin to increase. Concentrating on the Third Eye Point can nourish your spiritual nature.

Spirituality is not disembodied; the most powerful spiritual experiences are rooted in one's body. When I close my eyes and lightly touch the Third Eye Point, and completely focus my attention on that spot between my eyebrows, I heighten my sense of myself. I become intensely aware of how my body feels, how my breathing feels. As I sense the blood pulsing throughout my body, I experience the flow of life energy. And if I continue breathing deeply, sitting with my spine straight, I become aware of every part of my body at once - as a harmonious, unified presence. When I meditate, this often leads to a powerful sense of oneness with the world. Acupressure's potent power can heal us both physically and spiritually.

The healing benefits of acupressure involve both the relaxation of the body and its positive effects on the mind. As tension is released, you not only feel good physically, but you also feel better emotionally and mentally. When your body relaxes, your mind relaxes as well, creating another state of consciousness. This expanded awareness leads to mental clarity and a healthier physical and emotional healing, dissolving the division between the mind and body.

Acupressure

2008-11-24T07:29:00.000-08:00

Acupressure relies on the correspondence between certain nerve and energy centers in the body with the body's condition. By pressing on these nerve centers, you can alleviate conditions such as headaches. Here is how to use acupressure points for a headache,

Step1

Know which acupressure points correspond to headaches. In Chinese acupressure, the culprits are most likely to be the three head points or else the cluster of four points found at the base of the skull.

Step2

Find the three acupressure head points. The head points are found in a line starting from the crown of the head and working down toward the back of the skull. To find these points Holistic Online.com suggests placing your thumbs on the top of each ear with your fingertips meeting at the top of your head. You should feel a depression near the top of your skull. This is the middle of the three head points, with the first point about an inch above the middle point, and the third point about an inch below the middle point.

Step3

Press gently but firmly on the pressure points.

Step4

Find the four acupressure points at the base of the skull. To find the first pair, place your finger tips on the angle of your jaw on each side of your head. Follow that angle up and back until you find a lump of bone behind your ear. This is the mastoid process. From here, slide your fingertips straight back. You should find a hollow on each side of the base of your skull. These are the first pair of acupressure points.

Step5

Press on the first pair of acupressure points using firm, gentle pressure.

Step6

Find the last pair of acupressure points. Put your hands over your ears with your thumbs down and pointing to your back. Your finger tips should touch over the middle of the base of your skull. Slide your fingertips down until you find a hollow at the base of your skull, just at the top of your spine. These are the last two pressure points. Press gently and firmly.

Acupressure is an ancient healing art

2008-11-14T23:21:00.000-08:00

Acupressure is an ancient healing art developed in Asia over 5,000 years ago that uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities. When these points are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood and the body's life force energy to aid healing. Acupuncture and acupressure use the same points, but acupuncture employs needles, while acupressure uses gentle but firm pressure. Acupressure is a form of energy work. Energy (known as Chi or Qi) flows most freely when you touch, press, or hold the acupoints in bodywork. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) these healing points along energy meridians are the gateways to the body's life energy force. This universal energy source is also the basis of the Martial Arts and Healing Arts. The flow of this vital healing energy governs blood circulation and the function and balance of the human body. Studying the location and how to touch these acupuncture points is key to transformational energy work and massage therapy. Advantages of using acupressure include relieving pain, balancing the body and maintaining good health. The healing touch of acupressure reduces tension, increases circulation, and enables the body to relax deeply. By relieving stress, acupressure strengthens resistance to disease and promotes wellness

Alternative Medicine for Cancer Treating The Terminally

2008-11-11T07:58:00.000-08:00

Alternative Medicine for Cancer Treating The Terminally

Better treatment for cancer

Today the usual treatments for cancer entail surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. For anyone who has suffered through these dibilitating treatments an earnest search for an alternative medicine for cancer to treat the symptoms and increase the overall wellbeing is but natural.

It cannot be denied that modern medicine has come a long way in the treatment and management of many forms of cancer. Our knowledge and treatment of these maladies is far in advance of what was common practice of years past, however, we have a long way to go before cancer is 100% curable. Unfortunately cancer is taking on different forms and is increasing in regularity throughout the worlds population.

There is little hope provided by modern medicine for those suffering from terminal cases , nor is there much in the way of research in prevention which shows immanent clear direction. A very concerning question is being asked "Is our modern farming and food processing technology along with higher levels of pollution greatly influencing the spread of cancer"?

It is commonly believed that alternative medicine for cancer is found in altering our diets by including herbs that are known to be beneficial for the regeneration of the body along with those herbs thought to be good in pain management and relief. This treatment provides a holistic approach to prevention and cure of cancer.

Alternative Medicine for Cancer Prevention

It is well known that adequate fiber content helps to prevent cancers of the digestive tract. Holistic nutrition using coarse grain and unrefined flour are therefore useful forms of alternative medicine for cancer containment. Traditional medicine also has dietary supplements based on the husks of cereals which help to keep bowel movement in good order. It is worth following principles of alternative medicine for cancer prevention if malignancies of the colon and surrounding areas are likely.

Similarly, there are herbal extracts available which help cancerous lesions developing in the liver. The vitamins, minerals, enzymes and elements found in fresh organic fruits and vegetables are known to be the building blocks and the repair kit of the human body It is therefore worthwhile to use alternative medicine for cancer management of vital organs in a pro-active way.

Alternative Medicine for Cancer Treating The Terminally Ill.

The goal of preventing every case of cancer from reaching a stage where it can no longer be successfully treated has not yet been reached, nor is it 100% curable.. Even though most people are now aware of the causes of cancer and that early diagnosis is easier to obtain, many patients may have to spend considerable periods of time in the progressively deteriorating terminal stages of this fatal illness.

Today many people understand that essential nutrition and pain management are key considerations in making the final days of a terminally ill patient as comfortable as possible. Alternative medicine for cancer does provide important applications in this tragic context. Nutrition powders and fluid extracts can be used on patients who are too unwell to enjoy normal meals, while topical preparations can be combined with modern drugs to deal with pain relief.

If a patient is advised by his or her doctor that there is nothing more modern medicine can do to help, naturally they will seek other alternative medicines for cancer even if modern science has not yet substantiated the effects of these medicines. Some patients are known to have exceeded the prognoses for their malignant conditions by long periods using alternative medicine for cancer.

Acupressure for Lovers: Secrets of Touch for Increasing Intimacy

2008-11-05T02:21:00.000-08:00

Generalizations are odious, of course. Nonetheless, I think it's safe to say that there are two kinds of people in this world: serious-minded souls who read instruction manuals cover-to-cover before they undertake a project; and those folk who are born tinkerers. The latter may find the format of Acupressure for Lovers a bit off-putting. The book is a step-by-step manual that blends the traditional Western obsession with how-to books with Eastern practices such as acupressure, Tantric sex, and yoga. Its nearly three hundred pages are devoted for the most part to instructions, illustrations, and cost-benefit analyses of various sexual techniques. The is lots of practical advice on sexual arousal and satiation here. The problem is with presentation: the sexual adventurer who has already planned out the route may become impatient with information, however valuable, when it's arranged as a series of exercises designed for sexual healing. And perhaps unavoidably for a work that draws upon traditional Eastern cultures for its inspiration, Acupressure for LOVERS appears to have a very strong bias towards heterosexual sex in general and penetration in particular. Like the cellophane-wrapped dossier that comes with a new computer, this book may be used best when it's added to your reference library to be consulted should the need for trouble-shooting arise.

"When you touch or suck your partner's penis or vagina, you should give an equal amount of attention to the whole surface of the genital organ. Overstimulating one area can lead to problems. For instance, when a woman masturbates, the primary stimulation may be the clitoris, which corresponds to the kidneys and bladder. Excessive stimulation around the clitoris can tax the kidneys and possibly cause a bladder infection, water retention, or weight problems. The reflexology zones in the vagina are mapped out the same as the penis, except in reverse order. Thus, when the penis fits snugly into the vagina, these reflex zones match, creating a powerful connection between both bodies. During intercourse, all of a man's and a woman's genital reflex zones are in contact, creating one of the most pleasurable ways to heal all parts of the body.

Acupressure

2008-10-26T23:51:00.000-07:00

Acupressure is just one of a number of Asian bodywork therapies (ABT) with roots in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Examples of other Asian bodywork therapies are medical qigong and Tuina. Shiatsu is a Japanese form of acupressure.

Traditional Chinese medical theory describes special acupoints, or acupressure points, that lie along meridians, or channels, in your body. These are the same energy meridians and acupoints as those targeted with acupuncture. Through these invisible channels flows vital energy or a life force called qi (ch'i). It is also believed that these 12 major meridians connect specific organs or networks of organs, organizing a system of communication throughout your body. The meridians begin at your fingertips, connect to your brain, and then connect to an organ associated with a certain meridian.

According to theory, when one of these meridians is blocked or out of balance, illness can occur. Acupressure and acupuncture are among the types of TCM that are used to help restore balance. Herbal and nutritional therapy, meditation, and therapeutic massage may also help.
How does acupressure work?

Acupressure practitioners use their fingers, palms, elbows or feet, or special devices to apply pressure to acupoints on the body's meridians. Sometimes, acupressure also involves stretching or acupressure massage as well as other methods.

During an acupressure session, you lie fully clothed on a soft massage table. The practitioner gently presses on acupressure points on your body. A session typically lasts about one hour. You may need several sessions for the best results.

The goal of acupressure or other types of Asian bodywork is to restore health and balance to the body's channels of energy and to regulate opposing forces of yin (negative energy) and yang (positive energy). Some proponents claim acupressure not only treats the energy fields and body but also the mind, emotions, and spirit. Some even believe that therapists can transmit the vital energy (external qi) to another person.

Not all Western practitioners believe that this is possible or even that these meridians exist. Instead, they attribute any results to other factors, such as reduced muscle tension, improved circulation, or stimulation of endorphins, which are natural pain relievers.

Acupuncture safe for kids

2008-10-17T14:19:00.000-07:00

Acupuncture seems to be safe for children, although its efficacy on some conditions remain uncertain, according to a mega review of 62 studies and meta-analyzes. The risk for adverse events of acupuncture on children is estimated to be 1.55 per 100 cases, leading experts to consider the treatment as “low risk”.

The review was done by the Division of Intramural Research, National Centre for Complementary Medicine, and National Institutes of Health. Researchers reviewed 31 different published journal articles, including 23 randomized controlled clinical trials and 8 meta-analysis/systematic reviews.

‘We found evidence of some efficacy and low risk associated with acupuncture in pediatrics,” the researchers say.

On safety

Acupuncture has become a dominant complementary and alternative modality in clinical practice today, but its associated risk has been questioned. The National Institutes of Health Consensus Statement states “one of the advantages of acupuncture is that the incidence of adverse effects is substantially lower than that of many drugs or other accepted procedures for the same conditions.”

A review of serious adverse events found the risk of a major complication occurring to have an incidence between 1:10,000 and 1:100,000, which is considered “very low.”

Another study found that the risk of a serious adverse event occurring from acupuncture therapy is the same as taking penicillin.

The safety of acupuncture is a serious concern, particularly in pediatrics. Because acupuncture’s mechanism is not known, the use of needles in children becomes questionable. For example, acupoints on the vertex of infants should not be needled when the fontanel is not closed. It is also advisable to apply few needles or delay treatment to the children who have overeaten, are overfatigued, or are very weak.

“Through our review of pediatric adverse events, we found a 1.55 risk of adverse events occurring in 100 treatments of acupuncture that coincides with the low risk detailed in the studies mentioned previously,” according to the researchers.

The actual risk to an individual patient is hard to determine because certain patients, such as an immunosuppressed patient, can be predisposed to an increased risk, acupuncturist’s qualifications differ, and practices vary in certain parts of the world.

Nevertheless, it seems acupuncture is a safe complementary/alternative medicine modality for pediatric patients on the basis of the data we reviewed.

On efficacy

From all the conditions reviewed, the most extensive research has looked into acupuncture’s role in managing postoperative and chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting. Postoperatively, there is far more evidence of acupuncture’s efficacy for pediatrics than for children treated with chemotherapy.

Acupuncture seems to be most effective in preventing postoperative induced nausea in children. For adults, research shows that acupuncture can inhibit chemotherapy-related acute vomiting, but conclusions about its effects in pediatrics cannot be made on the basis of the available published clinical trials data to date.

Besides nausea and vomiting, research conducted in pain has yielded the most convincing results on acupuncture efficacy. Musculoskeletal and cancer-related pain commonly affects children and adults, but unfortunately, mostly adult studies have been conducted thus far. Because the manifestations of pain can be different in children than in adults, data cannot be extrapolated from adult research.

Systematic reviews have shown that existing data often lack adequate control groups and sample sizes. “We could not find any well-conducted randomized controlled studies that looked at pediatrics and acupuncture exclusively,” admit the researchers.

Also, research so far cannot conclude the usefulness of acupuncture on seasonal allergic rhinitis, children afflicted with nocturnal enuresis, asthma, other neurologic conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, and addiction.

Acupuncture has been used therapeutically in China for thousands of years and is growing in prominence in Europe and the United States. In a recent review of complementary and alternative medicine use in the US population, an estimated 2.1 million people or 1.1% of the population sought acupuncture care during the past 12 months. 4% of the US population used acupuncture at any time in their lives.

Acupressure & Massage For Dogs, Horses, and Other Companion Animals

2008-10-09T12:35:00.000-07:00

Acupressure and other holistic modalities for animals have seen a jump in popularity as animal owners look for ways to help their furry family members live longer, happier and healthier lives. Animal owners are leading the charge as they demand more options for their beloved pets. They are challenging their veterinarians to think outside the western medicine they learned in veterinary school and many veterinarians are responding.

For thousands of years Acupressure has long been used in China to maintain the health and well-being of livestock. Today, there are multitudes of books, classes and entire program offerings for those interested in learning this art form. Acupressure is based upon the same theories as Acupuncture only your hands do the manipulating instead of needles. Traditional Eastern belief is that every living being is born with a fixed amount of Chi or Energy. Through illness, injury, trauma and age our Chi slowly becomes depleted. Acupressure is a means of stimulating certain points on the body to restore depleted Chi.

Stimulation of Acupressure Points can release endorphins, reduce pain, cause a relaxation effect, and bring fresh, oxygenated blood into an ailing area flushing toxins and bringing nutrition rich blood where it's needed. Ideally, Acupressure is used as a preventative to maintain health and well being. "Maintenance sessions" with a professional practitioner will depend on the animal but will vary to between once every one to four weeks for a healthy animal. Acupressure is also used to relieve specific conditions both acute and chronic and the number of sessions will vary depending on the health, age, lifestyle and genetics of the animal as well as the specific problem being addressed.

Typical Acupressure treatment

1. Observation

2. Introduction

3. Opening

4. Treating

5.Closing

During the Observation the practitioner observes the animal's movement, posture, gut sounds, etcetera, and makes notes of marks and patterns on the body to use these cues in the work. The practitioner then asks the animal for permission to do an acupressure treatment. This is done by speaking and touching softly so that the animal accepts the practitioner and gives its permission. The Opening is when the practitioner runs a hand from the eye to the hind foot along an energy meridian called the Bladder Meridian. This opens the energy flow in the entire body and prepares the animal for the Acupressure Point Work or Treatment. The treatment will be unique to each animal and its condition. The intention of the Point Work is to bring balance and healing. The Closing is performed to finish the treatment and is the same as the opening, a long stroke from eye to hind foot. This leaves the animal relaxed and refreshed. A treatment can last anywhere from twenty to sixty minutes depending on the animal and its condition.

If you start working with any cooperative therapies such as Acupressure, Reiki, Massage, or Aromatherapy you will begin to make personal discoveries that often depend on your and the practitioners developed intuition rather then on any "rational" process or scientific theory. When someone insists that these therapies meet "rational" standards of proof, they rule out methods of treatment that have been shown for years to be effective and harmless. Janet Travell was effectively sidelined by her medical colleagues for years because anatomical knowledge could find no explanation for the patterns of pain distribution associated with myofascial trigger points. She was in her late eighties before the breakthrough was made and she received the belated recognition that her success in diagnosis and treatment should have earned her forty years prior.

Acupressure and other forms of animal bodywork are exciting and rewarding fields of study for those looking to enhance the health and well being of their own furry friend or begin a new career helping the animals of others.

For more information on animal Acupressure, Massage, Reiki and other programs, or to order books, DVDs, or charts, contact the Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage, P.O. Box 1491, Carbondale, CO 81623, 303-669-4227. Locations in Golden, Englewood, Littleton, Brighton, and Carbondale.

Lisa Speaker is the founder of the Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage, Inc. http://www.rmsaam.com Lisa has trained animal massage professionals from around the world and has appeared in leading publications and live forums around the country as an expert on the benefits of animal massage and acupressure therapy.

The certification program at Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure has trained men and women of all age groups around the country and the world.

Graduates of the program have gone on to gain national recognition of their own and have built successful businesses around the training they received.

Lisa has served as an Advisory Council Member for the IAAMB, The International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork, and is a founder of CAAMB, Colorado Association of Animal Massage and Bodyworkers. Lisa is also a member of IAAMT, International Association of Animal Massage Therapists and Founder of the non-profit, Colorado Alliance for Animal Owners' Rights.

Lisa lives in Carbondale, Colorado with her husband and their furry family. Lisa manages the school and continues to work on educational materials and legislation that affects the future of cooperative animal healthcare modalities.

Acupressure Points for Boosting the immune system

2008-10-06T03:37:00.000-07:00

In a fast-paced world, it is easy to overwork yourself, take on too many commitments, and extend yourself to the point of exhaustion. This energy imbalance weakens the immune system. If we take care of ourselves by eating properly, getting enough rest and exercise, and practicing techniques that release tension and balance our bodies - then our resistance to illness is strong. If, on the other hand, we abuse our bodies, push ourselves too hard, eat poorly, don't exercise, and fail to release tension, our immune system weakens, and we are more prone to illness. Acupressure and deep breathing strengthen the immune system and can help you ward off disease.

Everyday stresses accumulate inside our bodies, causing shoulder and neck tensions as well as anxieties that often make it hard to breathe. I use acupressure, deep breathing, and stretching exercises daily to counteract the common daily pressures in my life.

We can only withstand a certain amount of stress. Each person has a different threshold, and each must determine for himself or herself how much is too much. When you cultivate an inner awareness of what's going on inside you, both emotionally and physically, you discover your optimum balance of activity and rest.

Traditional Chinese medicine discovered that excesses of particular activities weaken the immune system by overstressing certain acupressure meridian pathways. (The following potent points are described in detail later in this chapter.)

* Excess standing damages the bladder and kidney meridians, which can cause fatigue and low backaches. To restore these meridians, stimulate the Sea of Vitality points (B 23 and B 47) by rubbing your lower back for one minute. Then hold Elegant Mansion (K 27) directly below your collarbone for another minute. Finally, hold the Bigger Stream (K 3) points on the insides of your ankles for one minute as you breathe deeply.
* Excess sitting can damage the stomach and spleen meridians, which can contribute to anemia or digestive disorders. Stimulate the Three Mile Points (St 36) on the outsides of your calves to benefit these meridians.
* Excess lying down can damage the large intestine and lung meridians, which can affect both respiration and elimination. For these meridians use Joining the Valley (Hoku, LI 4) in the valley between the thumb and forefinger and Crooked Pond (LI 11) on the upper edge of your elbow crease as directed on page 120.
* Excess use of your eyes (as in close desk work) or emotional stress can damage the small intestine and heart meridians, which can create emotional imbalances. The Sea of Tranquility (CV 17) on the center of your breastbone is an excellent point for balancing these meridians.
* Excess physical exertion can damage the gallbladder and liver meridians, which can cause cramps and spasms. Use Bigger Rushing (Lv 3) on the top of your feet to benefit these meridians.

By using these acupressure points regularly, balancing your activities, and practicing deep breathing you can counteract stresses, prevent fatigue, and boost your immune system. Deep breathing exercises alone can greatly increase your energy level and boost your immune system (see page 123).

Diet also plays an important role in building resistance to illness. When we eat processed, preserved, or devitalized foods, we weaken our immune system and our resistance because these foods have been stripped of necessary nutrients and fiber. Certain foods, such as miso soup, parsley, beans, tofu, sea vegetables, fresh vegetables, and lightly toasted sesame seeds can strengthen the immune system and reinforce the body's ability to protect itself.

Acupressure Points for Strengthening the Immune System

There is a particular acupressure point, Bearing Support (B 36), that governs resistance, especially resistance to colds and flu. It is located near the spine, off the tips of the graphic shoulder blades. The Chinese book The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine says, wind and cold enter the pores of the skin" at this point.1 It, as well as other points in this area, helps to strengthen the immune system. Conversely, these points around the tips of the shoulder blades are the first to get blocked up just before an illness, especially a cold or flu, takes hold.

The following acupressure points are effective for dealing with a condition that may be caused by a weak immune system. Elegant Mansion (K 27) reinforces immune system functioning by strengthening the respiratory system. Steady, firm pressure on the Sea Of Vitality points (B 23 and B 47) fortifies the immune system, rejuvenates the internal organs, and relieves pain associated with lower back problems. The Sea of Energy (CV 6) tones the abdominal muscles and intestines, and helps fortify the immune, urinary, and reproductive systems. Firm pressure on the Three Mile Point (St 36) immediately boosts the immune system with renewed energy. It helps tone and strengthen the major muscle groups, providing greater endurance. Bigger Stream (K 3) on the inside of the ankle helps balance the kidney meridian and strengthen the immune system. Bigger Rushing (Lv 3) and Crooked Pond (LI 11),ire important points for relieving pain and strengthening the immune system. The Outer Gate point (TW 5) helps to balance the immune system and strengthen the whole body. Hoku (LI 4) is a famous decongestant and anti-inflammatory point; it relieves arthritic pain and strengthens the immune system Last, and most important of all, the Sea of Tranquility (CV 17) governs the body's resistance to illness and decreases anxiety by regulating the thymus gland. Each of these important points benefits the immune system by enabling the internal organs to function at optimal levels.

Potent Points for Boosting the Immune System

Elegant Mansion (K 27)

Location: In the depression directly below the protrusions of the collarbone.

Benefits: Strengthens the immune system as well as relieves chest congestion, breathing difficulties, asthma, coughing, anxiety, and depression.

Sea of Vitality (B 23 and B 47)

Caution: Do not press on disintegrating discs or fractured or broken bones. If you have a weak back, a few minutes of stationary, light touching instead of pressure can be very healing. See your doctor first if you have any questions or need medical advice.
graphic

Location: In the lower back, between the second and third lumbar vertebrae, two to four finger widths away from the spine at waist level.

Benefits: Fortifies the immune system as well as relieves lower-back aches and fatigue.

Sea of Energy (CV 6

Location: Two finger widths below the belly button, between it and the pubic bone.

Benefits: Strengthens the condition of the immune system and the internal organs as well as relieves abdominal muscle pain, constipation, gas, and general weakness.

Three Mile Point (St 36)

Location: Four finger widths below the kneecap, one finger width to the outside of the shinbone. If you are on the correct spot, a muscle should flex as you move your foot up and down.

Benefits: Strengthens the whole body, especially the immune system; tones the muscles and aids digestion as well as relieves fatigue.

Bigger Stream (K3)

Caution: This point should not be stimulated strongly after the third month of pregnancy.

Location: Midway between the inside of the anklebone and the Achilles tendon in the back of the ankle.

Benefits: Strengthens the immune system; relieves fatigue, swollen feet, and ankle pain.

Bigger Rushing (Lv 3)

Location: On the top of the foot, in the valley between the big toe and the second toe.

Benefits: Boosts the immune system; relieves fainting, eye fatigue, headaches, and hangovers.

Crooked Pond (LI 11)

Location: On the upper edge of the elbow crease.

Benefits: Relieves immune system weaknesses, fever, constipation, and elbow pain.

graphic

Outer Gate (TW 5)

Location: Two and one-half finger widths above the center of the wrist crease on the outside of the forearm midway between the two bones (ulna and radius).

Benefits: Relieves rheumatism, tendonitis, and wrist pain, and increases resistance to colds.

Joining the Valley (Hoku) (LI 4)

Caution: This point is forbidden for pregnant women because its stimulation can cause premature contractions in the uterus.

Location: In the webbing between the thumb and index finger at the highest spot of the muscle when the thumb and index finger are brought close together.

Benefits: Relieves arthritis, constipation, headaches, toothaches, shoulder pain, and labor pain.

Sea of Tranquility (CV 17)

Location: On the center of the breastbone three thumb widths up from the base of the bone.

Benefits: Relieves anxiety, anguish, and depression; boosts the immune system and regulates the thymus gland.

You do not have to use all of these points. 14 just one or two of them whenever you have a In hand can be effective.

Meridian Therapy

2008-09-30T13:05:00.000-07:00

A main problem in healing is the balancing of the energy flows. Usually, this balancing occurs unrecognised as a by-product of other successful treatments. However, healing can be initiated and accelerated by deliberately treating the meridians with the express purpose of balancing.

A useful method for this is to follow the outline of a meridian (see the Meridian Chart below), with one finger or with several fingers held closely together. Following a meridian in the normal flow direction is strengthening, while tracing in the opposite direction will weaken and sedate the meridian. The results of these tracings may be checked with muscle testing.

In order to perform a meridian tracement, pause with your fingers for a moment at the starting-point; then follow the meridian in a quiet, fluent motion. The fingers should be close to the body. They may touch the skin or clothing but do not actually need to touch. It is enough to remain within about 5 cm of the actual course of the meridian.

Start by energising your hands. If you are experienced in working with energies you may just do that with your imagination, otherwise shake your hands for about ten seconds and during the actual tracing try to feel or imagine feeling energy streaming out of the tips of your fingers. Related meridians on both sides may be traced simultaneously. In repeated tracings move the hands back to the starting-point in a wide sweep to avoid following the meridian in the reverse direction. At the end of each tracement lightly flick the fingers to remove any accumulated negative energy.

You may trace all the main meridians once or several times daily, or you may concentrate on the meridians most in need of improvement. Important meridians may be traced repeatedly during the day for 20 times or more. The strengthening effect may be increased if after several tracings you do a muscle-tensing exercise, Taking a deep breath while tensing your whole body and then relaxing it during exhalation.

The meridian system allows us to understand why many disease symptoms appear in certain body parts when the originating cause is a weak or inflamed organ in another location. The diagrams show only the surface courses of the meridians; inside the body each one is connected to its associated organ. In this way the deranged energy pattern of an organ is easily transmitted to other body parts along the course of the meridian.

Diseases of the ear, migraine and hip problems can now be seen energy-wise to be associated with the gall bladder. Arthritis of the hip, therefore, is often a gall bladder problem, while arthritis of the shoulders may have its cause in the intestines. Gout, affecting the big toes, stems from the liver, while swollen ankles are related to the kidneys. See the enclosed Table of Meridian-Disease Relationships.

Furthermore, each organ-meridian system has a two-hour period of maximum activity, and a period of minimum activity 12 hours later. An inflamed organ is often more painful during its active period, while a weak system should not be stressed during low periods.

In acupuncture books you may find different names for two of the meridians. The circulation meridian is also called the pericardium meridian, while the gland meridian may be called the triple-warmer meridian.

While pulse diagnosis is the expert Chinese way of determining the energy balance of the meridians, you may often be able to judge by the kind of diseases or symptoms present. Generally, overacidity, pain and inflammation along the course of a meridian or in its target organ call for sedation, while coldness and weakness call for stimulation.

According to Chinese teachings, some interesting characteristics are associated with the meridians of the kidneys and liver. Weak kidney meridians are indicated by a lack of will and sexual impulse, and furthermore by negativity, unease, timidity and impatience. In the case of an overactive kidney meridian, on the other hand, the energy level is abnormally high and you cannot stop working.

The liver is similar. A weak meridian shows itself in dizziness, a clumsy walk, easily tiring eyes and a short temper. An overactive liver meridian causes excessive excitability, crying moods and a compulsion to continue working.

According to Chinese traditions, the main organs and their meridians are also associated with different emotions. An excessive amount of these emotions can damage the associated organs, while a disease of these organs may, in time, lead to excessive displays of these emotions.

Accordingly, anger is associated with the liver; excessive laughter and gayness, but also fright, with the heart; worry and emotional tension with the spleen and pancreas; grief, sorrow and negativity with the lungs; and fear and timidity with weak kidneys.

Thank you for health-science-spirit.com

Heat exhaustion

2008-07-29T12:38:00.000-07:00

When we get hot, perspiration forms and evaporates. This pulls heat out of the body and maintains normal body temperature, The sweat also carries fair amounts of salts with it which are important for the body. A deficiency of these salts causes weakness and sometimes severe cramps.
Heat exhaustion occurs when someone has perspired heavily after long exertion or on a very hot day. The body will then lose an excessive amount of water and salts. In this condition body temperature will normally rise only slightly. The person feels faint, exhausted, and sometimes nauseated. The skin is moist and looks pale. The pulse becomes fast and feeble. Cramps may develop.

Treatment:

Get the person into a cool place and have him or her lie down. Loosen any tight clothing and raise the feet. Slightly salty drinks such as twig tea with soy sauce or water boiled with salted plums (umeboshi), are very good. Recovery should be soon.

Shock

2008-06-23T10:20:00.000-07:00

Loss of blood is the cause of shock. One who has suffered injury and hemorrhages is at risk of shock. The loss of blood results in a weakened heartbeat and an inadequate supply of oxygen and other chemicals to all the tissues. It is the brain, heart, and lungs which particularly suffer. A person in shock is pale, cold, sweating, and has a fast, weak pulse. He or she also feels faint, is nauseated, and thirsty. To prevent shock lay the person on his or her side in the recovery position. Keep warm; do not provide anything to eat or drink. Alcohol can be dangerous as it can dilate the blood vessels and draw blood away from inside the body. Cigarettes are also harmful at this time as they reduce the oxygen capacity of the blood and reduce the blood supply to the heart. When the victim appears more stable, twig tea with one teaspoon of tamari soy sauce is helpful.

Fainting and acupressure

2008-06-12T01:20:00.000-07:00

Fainting

If the person is feeling faint, dizzy, or seasick, and is still conscious, help him or her to lie down at once. Raise the legs, loosen tight clothing, and put a cover on the person. Encourage him or her to relax and to breathe

slow, deep breaths. Have the person continue to lie down until proper face color returns. Shiatsu on acupoint (GV 26) above the center of the upper lip is helpful.

If twig tea with a teaspoon of soy sauce is available, let the person drink this.

An effective self-treatment is to open the mouth, then use the thumb to strongly press the roof of the mouth while the person exhales. This immediately affects the brain.

unconsciousness and acupressure

2008-06-06T09:08:00.000-07:00

Unconsciousness

A primary aim of first aid for someone who is unconscious is to protect the victim from choking. The individual's own tongue, along with blood, saliva, or vomit, are the things which block the windpipe and stop breathing. You can avoid the risk of suffocation by bending the person's head back and pulling his or her jaw forward. This simple movement prevents the relaxed tongue from blocking air to the windpipe. You can also put the person in the recovery position. It is safe, comfortable, and relaxing. In this posi¬tion the injured person can breathe freely, and fluids such as blood or vomit can escape from the mouth, lessening the risk of choking.
Shiatsu

With the victim laying on his or her back, you can pick up the head and rotate it lightly from side to side making an adjustment. Also you can press the center of the sole of the foot (KD1) with the thumb very strongly. Pressing the acupoint (GV 26) above the cen¬ter of the upper lip is helpful. These will help recover consciousness.

Emotional troubles such as frustration

2008-05-31T05:26:00.000-07:00

emotional troubles such as frustration

Adjustments in the diet should be made so that refined sugars are not included. Regular parent/child playing, such as doing a shiatsu treatment together, will bring a sense of security to the child and a bonding with the parents. Parents can help their children by encouraging them to honestly express themselves.

Emotional and Mental Conditions
Traditional natural healing has always linked the body and mind together. It is felt that physical problems will create mental or emotional states and that prolonged negative emotions can adverse¬ly affect the internal organs. Our emotions are reflections of our mental state and are produced by various stimulations in the envi¬ronment. These include one's job, relationships, and thoughts about oneself. Generally, emotions have a changing nature. They come and go. However, if the emotions are very intense and persistent or the individual is hypersensitive to the stimulations, they may result in a deep change of outlook on life and lead to disease.
The following chart shows the internal organs and the emo¬tional and mental states connected with these organs. To effectively treat the problem, a combination of the macrobiotic diet and treating specific areas with shiatsu can be done. For example, someone suf¬fering from depression should specifically have the lung, large in¬testine, and liver areas treated. (See appropriate treatment section in this book for details). Also breathing, either as an exercise or in the form of long walks, will alleviate the depressed attitude.
The aim of treatment is to remove physical rigidity thus mak¬ing the body flexible. This in turn will relieve mental rigidity. If you are overly sensitive or have any mental problem, try to use your body more. Movement will make you feel more balanced.

Emotional and Mental Conditions

Area of Treatment
Heart Heart
Liver, Lung and Large Intestine Heart and Liver Liver and Heart
Liver Liver and Gall Bladder
Stomach
Pancreas and Spleen Pancreas and Spleen
Kidney Kidney and Stomach

Conditon
Hyperactivity/Excitability
Hysteria
Depression
Mental Instability Insomnia
Anger Irritability
Worry
Poor Memory
Inability to Concentrate
Lack of Confidence
Fear

To use the above chart effectively first determine which emotional state the receiver experiences most often. Match up the corresponding physical areas, located directly across from the emotions list. Treat the physical area with shiatsu and other appropri¬ate techniques described in the respective sections found in this book. Additionally, help the receiver to understand the source of the emotional trouble through counseling and discussion. Macrobiotic and Oriental medicine see the body and mind as insepar¬able. "The Body and Mind are not two." This simple approach is quite effective

Acupressure

2008-04-11T21:29:00.000-07:00

Acupressure Cure for Common Diseases

Acupressure is the safe method of pressure application for vital relief from pain and other aliments. acupressure is the number one treatment method which is proved. Acupressure is related to acupunture.

Acupressure, literally the method of applying pressure to certain areas or nerves , acupressure is one of the safest, simplest and remarkably effective methods for relief from pain and other common aliments. Although using the same pressure points and relying on the same channels of energy, unlike acupuncture, which involves piercing of the skin with needles, acupressure treatment merely requires application of pressure, sometimes both pressure and massage to stimulate the sites or nerves. The efficiency and effectiveness of the acupressure technique has been tested and proven, both in the east, where acupressure has been widely used and practiced over the centuries, and relieves pain and tension, but can successfully treat complaints as varied as arthritis, headaches and migraines, hemorrhoids, menstrual cramps, impotence, frigidity, back problems, constipation, hypertension and anxiety, asthma, sore throat and sinus trouble, labor pain, fatigue, stress, obesity, curbing appetite, weight loss, inflamed breast. Since no needles are involved it is easy to learn and use, acupressure can be safely practiced at home.

Shiatsu method of treatment is another way of treating common diseases and disorders. Shiatsu is the traditional method of acupressure. In the shiatsu way of treatment ginger compression is an effective technique. Shiatsu also explains the various treatment of common diseases and disorders. This site will give you a wast informations to cure common problems with the help of acupressure.

Brusing/sprain/Swollen ankles

2008-04-10T02:20:00.000-07:00

Bruising
Sprains
Swollen ankles

For bruising and sprains, palm healing and light massage directly on the hurt will increase circulation, ease pain, and pro¬mote recovery. If someone bruises easily this indicates too much sugar has been eaten. Easily sprained ankles or recurring ankle sprains indicate the gall bladder may be sluggish in its function. Don't eat meat or fatty foods. Instead of eating it, use hamburger as a

poultice on swollen ankles. The fat in the meat takes out inflamma¬tion and swelling—it really works! Don't touch the ankle for at least twenty-four hours. After one day's rest, administer hot and cold foot baths and shiatsu manipulation.

Cuts

If your child cuts a finger , immediately put the finger in your mouth to cover with saliva. Raise the hand above the head and shake the hand. After doing this put miso and green leafy vegetables on the cut and bandage it.

Emotional troubles such as frustration

Adjustments in the diet should be made so that refined sugars are not included. Regular parent/child playing, such as doing a shiatsu treatment together, will bring a sense of security to the child and a bonding with the parents. Parents can help their children by encouraging them to honestly express themselves.

A progress study of 100 cancer patients treated by acupressure for chemotherapy-induced vomiting after failure with the pharmacological approach.

2008-02-27T21:28:00.000-08:00

Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Milan, Italy.

AIM: The recent rediscovery of the natural traditional medical sciences has contributed to improve the treatment of the human diseases and, in particular, it has been shown that the pharmacological approach is not the only possible strategy in the treatment of nausea and vomiting, since bioenergetic approaches, such as acupressure and acupuncture, may also counteract the onset of vomiting due to different causes. Previous preliminary clinical studies had already suggested a possible efficacy of acupressure also in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced vomiting resistant to the classical antiemetic drugs. The aim of this study was to confirm these preliminary data. METHODS: The study was performed in 100 consecutive metastatic solid tumour patients, who underwent chemotherapy for their advanced neoplastic disease, and who had no benefit from the standard antiemetic agents, including corticosteroids, antidopaminergics and 5-HT 3R-antagonists. Acupressure was made by a stimulation of PC6 acupoint. RESULTS: The emetic symptomatology was reduced by acupressure in 68/100 (68%) patients, without significant differences in relation to tumour histotype. The lowest efficacy was observed in patients treated by anthracycline-containing regimens, without, however, statistically significant differences with respect to the other chemotherapeutic combinations. CONCLUSION: This study confirms previous preliminary clinical results, which had already suggested the potential efficacy of acupressure in the treatment of vomiting due to cancer chemotherapy. Therefore, acupressure may be successfully included within the therapeutic strategies of cancer chemotherapy-induced vomiting.

Fever/Burn

2008-02-07T22:59:00.000-08:00

Fever

If a slight fever is present it can be dealt with easily at home. If the fever is high and medical attention is necessary, you can also do the following until you can get to a doctor.
Sponge the child or put into a cool bath.
Mix a little apple juice with twig tea and give to the child.
Place a cabbage leaf or a tofu plaster on the child's head

Burn

Each burn case must be watched carefully. Burns from hot water, fire ,and hot oil can be treated the same. For small children don't put ice on the burn; this is too strong for them. It contracts the outside skin with the heat trapped inside. Because of this the burn can't heal quickly. Cool water or tofu plaster is appropriate.

If the burn is minor, then a little oil placed directly on the skin covered with green leafy vegetables is appropriate to use after the cool water application. Because sesame, corn, or olive oils are recommended for everyday cooking, you may have these on hand. However, any oil that you have in the kitchen will do. Cabbage, kale, dandelion, or any other available green leaf vegetable can be used for the cooling outer wrapper.

As a first aid measure, immediately put miso paste or tamari on the burn. This seals out air and stops blisters from forming. This works very well. A couple of days later, the oil and green leafy vegetable combination can be used to cover the wound. If there is swelling, tofu plaster with greens is helpful to reduce it.
For a more severe burn, don't use oil. Seek medical attention.

Bed wetting (enure sis)

2008-02-06T21:30:00.000-08:00

Bed wetting (enure sis)

Drinking beverages before going to bed, emotional difficulties and generally improper eating habits (such as too many watery foods like fruit and fruit juice) all have their effect on the
function of the kidney and bladder. It is best not to eat or drink two to three hours before going to bed. While many times the child will outgrow the problem, proper diet and shiatsu cer¬tainly will speed up the process. Don't scold the child.

Gentle shiatsu on the lower pelvic and sacrum areas affects the bladder. Also massage on the legs will increase the energetic flow to and from the bladder. Finally, pressing the acupoints below the navel (CV 4, CV 6) strengthens the urinary functions.

Moxibustion

Warming the following acupoints will treat the problem: CV 4, CV 6, SP 6, KD3, and LV 1

SP6
Kl) 3

LV 1

Exercise

Leg stretching exercises which stretch the inner leg and the groin can be done. The same types of exercise that is effective for prostate trouble is effective here. These can be done before bedtime. One simple exercise is to sit on the floor with the legs out at a forty-five degree angle in front. Bend forward and try to lay the chest on the floor. Repeat this up and down movement several times.

Digestive trouble

2008-02-01T04:52:00.000-08:00

Digestive trouble

Wrong eating is almost always the cause of stomach trouble. Don't give the child sweets, including honey, fruit juice, etc. at this time. Very softly cooked brown rice or a kuzu drink (see appendix) will calm the upset stomach. Soft-cooked vegetables can also be add¬ed to the diet.

Shiatsu and/or palm healing can be done to the child. If the
pain is in the stomach, press the back directly behind the stomach.
You will find some tender spots there. Press them gently for about
five minutes. Then, on the abdomen, rub the tummy gently and finish by placing your palm \
directly over the painful area and hold for a few
minutes.

Ginger compress can be used.

Children's Problems

2008-01-31T04:39:00.000-08:00

Children's Problems

Children are a precious gift. When a child gets sick it is the parents who also suffer. They often feel helpless when their offspring experience pains, aches, fever, nausea, etc. In parenting there is the feeling that one must provide food, shelter, role models, education, and healing care. When sickness occurs, being untrained or unfamiliar in the healing area can lead to fear and worry.
Parents are the major educating source for their child.

The health problems that occur in adult life, such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, and accidents, are the major causes of death. Nonfatal disabilities such as arthritis, back and hip problems, and hypertension, affect a very large number of people nationwide. It is the job of the parent to teach the child how to prevent these disorders from occurring later in life. Parents themselves must be educated so that they in turn can give guidance regarding preventive measures and healthy life styles.

Abdominal pain and digestive troubles are fairly common in children from time to time. Eating too many sweet things, eating too much before bedtime, or a number of other food related activities can cause minor stomach or abdominal upset. These troubles can be op¬portunities for the parent to begin to discuss the effects of different foods on the child. Asking, "Why do you think your tummy hurt so much last night? Do you think it could have been the birthday cake?" begins to make the child ponder on the cause and effect of eating. This is not a time to criticize the child. It is a time to discuss without finding blame. The child already has suffered the results of his/her choice. The discussion is a chance to become aware of that fact.

Abdominal pain is more likely to be significant if it is sharply localized and constant, especially if it occurs during the night and wakens the child from sleep. Fever, vomiting, loss of appetite, or weight loss should alert you that the condition could be more than minor. If these symptoms persist and your home treatments are ineffective, you should consult with a health care professional whom you trust. Natural healing techniques can be used for the minor complaints that all children have. Usually children respond very quickly to these treatments.

Acupressure Points for martial arts

2008-01-17T22:34:00.001-08:00

Varicose veins

2008-01-09T23:50:00.000-08:00

Varicose veins

Veins contain non-return valves which allow blood to flow only toward the heart, while the veins themselves are compressed by the contraction of the muscles with each movement of the limb. In this way, blood is forced to move. When the blood passes a valve, it cannot return; more muscle contractions will then force it further up the vein.

When this valve system becomes defective, the veins of the lower part of the leg become swollen by the pressure of the column of blood in the veins higher up the leg. This swelling causes the veins to become larger and knotted. This condition is called varicose veins.
Varicose veins are a relatively common condition. They can be painless or they can cause aching, swelling, eczema, and ulcera-tion as they become distended, enlarged, and twisted.

SeasaltRub

Put seasalt in the palm of your wet hand. Strongly rub damp salt directly on protruding veins. After this treatment, pat the legs very well with the flat palm of the hand, then wash off saltiness.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu on the legs and feet will increase circulation and sup¬ply the compression that is necessary to force the blood in the veins to move. Full body shiatsu helps strengthen the whole body,

Exercise

Movement of any type is recommended, especially walking. Usually varicose veins are more of a problem for those who are not active.

Hot/Cold Compress

Apply a hot compress first for two minutes followed by a cold compress for a couple of minutes. Repeat tbe alternation of the hot/ cold compresses several times ending with a cold compress.

Diet

Expansive foods such as sugar, fruit juice, chemical additives, and excessive liquids contribute to the expansion of the veins. Avoid such foods and add mineral rich foods such as seaweed, green leafy vegetables, and root crops (turnip, carrot, radish, rutabaga, burdock).

Hot/Cold Compress

Apply a hot compress first for two minutes followed by a cold compress for a couple of minutes. Repeat tbe alternation of the hot/ cold compresses several times ending with a cold compress.

Diet

Cramps

2008-01-03T07:29:00.000-08:00

Cramps Cramps are caused from mineral imbalance and lack of circulation. The problem begins in the intestines. Keep the intestine clean with a high fiber diet (found in whole grains) and you shouldn't have cramps.

Shiatsu

The treatment of muscle cramp is to relax the spasm and improve the local circulation. Keeping the limb warm, rubbing and massaging it, and avoiding excessive fatigue are useful in the care of cramps.

Diet

Miso soup along with seaweed supplies the minerals necessary to relieve and prevent cramps. Veins contain non-return valves which allow blood to flow only toward the heart, while the veins themselves are compressed by the contraction of the muscles with each movement of the limb. In this way, blood is forced to move. When the blood passes a valve, it cannot return; more muscle contractions will then force it further up the vein. When this valve system becomes defective, the veins of the lower part of the leg become swollen by the pressure of the column of blood in the veins higher up the leg. This swelling causes the veins to become larger and knotted. This condition is called varicose veins. Varicose veins are a relatively common condition. They can be painless or they can cause aching, swelling, eczema, and ulcera-tion as they become distended, enlarged, and twisted.

SeasaltRub

Put seasalt in the palm of your wet hand. Strongly rub damp salt directly on protruding veins. After this treatment, pat the legs very well with the flat palm of the hand, then wash off saltiness.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu on the legs and feet will increase circulation and supply the compression that is necessary to force the blood in the veins to move. Full body shiatsu helps strengthen the whole body,

Exercise

Movement of any type is recommended, especially walking. Usually varicose veins are more of a problem for those who are not active.

Hot/Cold Compress

Apply a hot compress first for two minutes followed by a cold compress for a couple of minutes. Repeat tbe alternation of the hot/ cold compresses several times ending with a cold compress.

Diet

Expansive foods such as sugar, fruit juice, chemical addi¬tives, and excessive liquids contribute to the expansion of the veins. Avoid such foods and add mineral rich foods such as seaweed, green leafy vegetables, and root crops (turnip, carrot, radish, rutabaga, burdock).

Clubfoot

2007-12-22T12:25:00.000-08:00

Clubfoot

This is a deformity present at birth which prevents the foot from being placed flat on the ground. Clubfoot affects boys twice as often as girls. It is usually found in both feet.

Shiatsu

The foot and leg part of the complete shiatsu session should be applied daily to the developing child's legs and feet. A long period of treatment is required to effect change.

Diet

The standard macrobiotic diet with an emphasis on seaweed, seeds and root vegetables supplies abundant minerals. These strengthen the muscles and bones, thus providing the support required to maintain the correct position fostered by shiatsu

The tale of the eight limbed girl

2007-12-20T22:46:00.000-08:00

Acupressure helps with dementia agitation

2007-12-20T00:39:00.000-08:00

Suspect killed by police

2007-12-16T16:54:00.000-08:00

Shocking Video

2007-12-16T16:05:00.001-08:00

Gout

2007-12-14T04:44:00.000-08:00

Gout

Gout is usually experienced as a sudden and extremely painful attack, most often affecting the joint of the big toe. The tissues around the joint are also inflamed in most cases, producing heat, swelling, redness, and excruciating pain and tenderness. Without treatment, more attacks can be expected. The disease results from the accumulation in the bloodstream of a waste product of metabolism known as uric acid. It is the deposit of uric acid crystals in the skin, joints, and kidneys which causes the painful symptoms. About 15-20% of gout sufferers have kidney stones which can lead to kidney failure and death.
Middle-aged men are particularly affected. It is thought that their lifestyle of eating large quantities of beef and other red meat along with alcohol is directly related to gout.

Shiatsu

Full body shiatsu helps to remove tox¬ins from the blood. Additionally, attention should be directed to strengthening the kid¬neys. Massage the area from below the shoulder blades to the waist; repeat several times.

Also, press the bottom of the foot at acu-point KD 1 and along the inside near the arch.

Diet

Strictly avoid all meat products (in¬cluding beef, chicken, lamb, pork), eggs,
fish, shellfish, dairy products, sugar, spices, alcohol, honey, and other foods not normally used on the macrobiotic diet. Also avoid spinach, chard, beets, asparagus, potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplant. Use of beans should be minimal as they contain elements that can aggravate gout.
The macrobiotic diet should be adopted with plenty of fresh vegetables, including cooked leafy greens everyday. Cabbage, watercress, daikon radish tops, bok choy, etc., are good choices.

Green Compress

This compress can be placed on the painful gout area. It can reduce inflammation and pulls out excessive heat from the body.

2007-12-13T08:30:00.000-08:00

Cold feet
Sole pain
Heel pain
Bunion pain
Sprained ankle
Swollen legs and ankles
Slow healing after broken bones
Dislocated kneecap and puffed-up knee
Swollen knee

We can walk and move because of our feet, legs, and hips. When problems affect the lower part of the body, it can be extremely frustrating. Illness or injury in these areas is very common. Many people suffer from a variety of complaints, all of which limit their mobility and enjoyment of life. Shiatsu is effective in alleviating many foot, ankle, leg, and hip complaints. Once the initial pain has been relieved, regular exercise is important both for strengthening and keeping the area in use.

Treatment:

For circulatory problems in the lower half of the body such as cold feet, cramps, slow healing, varicose veins, gout, and swelling, a full body shiatsu is effective.
When specific injury causes the problem, then we must work directly on the injured part.
Soak feet in a hot ginger foot bath followed by a cold foot bath. This improves circulation to the feet.

For the heel - massage around the ankle bones, both inside and outside. After shiatsu is completed, moxibustion will further increase circulation. Warm the whole area with the moxa roll.

For the knee - when the knee is twisted and minor ligament or muscle strain occurs, ginger compress, shiatsu, and moxibustion effectively promote healing. With the receiver lying on the back, apply shiatsu above and below the knee to increase circulation to the area. Then, with the thumbs, press around the kneecap. Pay special attention to any sore spots. You can massage a mixture of 50% freshly grated ginger root juice and 50% sesame oil into the painful spots. Repeat this treatment twice each day. It takes a long time to repair the knee, so continue the treatment for one to three months and be mindful of not straining the knee further while it is healing.

Toothache/Gum Circulation/Jaw dislocation

2007-12-04T12:16:00.000-08:00

Toothache impaired

Gum circulation
Jaw dislocation

Decay of the teeth by bacteria is the primary cause of dental caries (cavities) and tooth and gum pain. Of all human diseases, dental diseases are the most common. Many people believe that loss of some or all of our permanent teeth is inevitable. This is not true if some preventive care is taken. Once some tooth or gum pain is present, you have already passed the early stage of the disease's development. Unlike other maladies where the immune system can cure the body, this is not the case with cavities. Problems can be¬come progressively worse until proper treat¬ment is received. This may include a dentist.

Prevention

The first important step is avoiding sticky, sweet foods upon which bacteria thrive. Sugar, candy, honey, and sticky, rich desserts are some foods that remain in the mouth, on the gums and teeth. Brushing and flossing will remove these food particles. Brushing with salted water or dentie (charred eggplant with seasalt, available in natural food stores) keeps the inside of the mouth alkaline. It is the buildup of acids, made by bac¬teria eating the food particles left on the teeth, that creates cavities.

Shiatsu

Press the acupoints around the mouth and teeth. This area will improve circulation and lessen pain. For jaw dislocation was well as toothache pain, acupoints ST 6, ST 7, and LI 4 can be used successfully. You can also press the back of the jaw below the ear. Acupuncture is effective for toothache pain.

Diet

The macrobiotic diet can prevent new dental problems from arising. However, previous cavities should be cared for properly. Nutrition is directly linked to creating good strong teeth as well as to healing disorders. Proper vitamins, minerals, and food nutrients must be included in the daily diet. In addition to whole grains, beans, etc., seaweed and green leafy vegetables are important to in¬sure that our teeth will last a lifetime.

When tooth pain is present, strictly avoid expansive foods, such as alcohol, sugar, fruit juice, etc. These will inflame the condition and increase the pain. Taking small pieces of salted plum or other salty condiments will contract the painful area. A small piece of salted plum (umeboshi) can be placed directly in the mouth on the painful area.
Dental plaque is caused by overeating, especially sweets and animal foods. Diet and cleaning the teeth are important prevention

Stuttering

2007-11-30T12:21:00.000-08:00

Stuttering

The stutterer must know that the princi¬ple cause of the condition is tension. The in¬dividual must learn to relax the upper body muscles which cause stuttering.

Shiatsu

Full body shiatsu is the best solution. Shiatsu will bring about general body-wide relaxation.
Additionally, shiatsu and moxibustion have been used successfully to relieve anxie¬ty and relax the body. For moxibustion use: CV 12, UB 23 and UB 13.

Ringing in the ear,Ear infection, Hearing Loss

2007-11-26T08:55:00.000-08:00

Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)

Ear infection

Hearing loss

The ear we see attached to the side of the head is only part of the wonderful mechanism that allows us to hear the world around us. The sounds of the birds chirping, water rushing downstream, and the breeze gently moving through the trees are made possible by the interaction of sound vibrations, liquid vibrations, and electrical impulses.

These sounds enter the outer ear, that is, the structure that you and I know as our ears. These vibrations place pressure on the ear drum which is inside the middle ear. There are some small bones inside this middle portion of the ear, named the hammer, anvil, and stirrup. They conduct the vibrations from outside the ear to the ear drum and increase the intensity by seventeen times. Farther in the ear, there is the cochlea which looks like a small snail shell and acts to receive sound vibrations. Vibration continues to travel by passing through the liquid contained in the snail shell, like the movement of energy through waves in the ocean. When vibrations of the liquid in the inner ear reach another membrane (like the ear¬drum), this creates a force even stronger then before. The rubbing action on some tiny hair-like cells within the inner ear makes elec¬trical signals that travel to the brain to be translated into familiar sounds.

There are also structures in the ear that help us to maintain balance. All ear structures must work well in order for hearing to be at its best

Many hearing and ear difficulties come from excessive ear wax, mucus, or mineral deposits, which harden and block the passages within the different parts of the ear. Treatment is aimed at

loosening and removing these deposits so that sound vibrations, liquid vibrations, and elec¬trical impulses can move freely.

In traditional Chinese medicine, there is a relationship between the ears, hearing, and the kidneys. Our treatment must also strengthen both the kidneys and the circulation of energy that goes to and from the kidneys.

Shiatsu

Pull and massage the ears vigorously. Put the index fingers into ear and wiggle fin¬gers up and down, sending vibrations into the ear. Open mouth and move jaw back and forth to open the ear canal.

Full body shiatsu to help improve the general condition is im¬portant. During the full treatment, emphasize direct treatment of the ear as described above. In addition to the areas around the ear, the following acupoints should be pressed: UB 23, KD 3.

Moxibustion

Hold the lighted moxa roll directly in front of the ear canal. With the bird-pecking motion, allow the heat to penetrate the ear for
5-10 minutes.

Salt Pack

Place a salt pack directly on the affected ear. The receiver can be lying on his or her side. Keep the salt pack on for at least fif¬teen minutes.

Diet

The macrobiotic diet is low in fats and oils and therefore low in foods that create excessive mucus or cause stagnation. When ear trouble is present, especially ringing in the ears, eliminate all foods which cause excessive earwax and mucus production. This in¬cludes all fried, greasy, and oily foods (including potato chips, tem-pura, etc,), all dairy products (especially ice cream), fruit juice, fresh fruit, and sugary items. Eliminate or at least reduce the use of flour products including breads, pancakes, and baked desserts. All of these foods create excessive earwax production as well as mucus. The use of dissolving foods such as daikon radish and turnip are useful on a daily basis

Eye fatigue, Nearsightedness,myopia,blurred vision, eye pain

2007-11-23T01:12:00.000-08:00

Eye fatigue
Nearsightedness (Myopia)
Blurred vision
Eye pain

Poets throughout the ages have often looked upon the eyes as the "windows of the soul". With a somewhat less romantic view, we can see that the eyes and their surrounding tissues are among the body's most delicate structures. Most of us value our gift of sight above all other senses. The eye is actually a direct extension of the brain. The retina—the light-sensitive structure at the back of the eye—contains millions of rods and cones, which are specialized nerve endings which convert light into electrical impulses. These impulses are then conveyed by the optic nerve to the visual center at the back of the brain, where the individual interprets them as specific images.

In Oriental medicine the sense of vision and the eyes are under the control of the liver. If eye sight is failing it is the liver that is also failing in its function. The whole body with all the internal organ functions are represented in the eye. With study one can diagnose many body conditions from observation of the eyes. They represent the physical, mental, and spiritual parts of a person.

Self-Shiatsu

With the thumbs, press against the upper inside corners of the eye sockets, below the eyebrow. Then, with the thumb and index finger of one hand, squeeze the base of the nose near the corner of the eyes. First press down, then squeeze and press upward, doing first one way
With your four fingers press the upper eye rim and then the lower rim.
With the middle finger press the Yintang point, directly in the center of the two eyebrows. Hold for several seconds. With the thumbs press the temples (Taiyang points.)
Finally, apply pressure to the eyelids with the thumbs for about 10 seconds.

Shiatsu

The points and areas of treatment are much the same for partner shiatsu as for self shiatsu. When working on someone else, press the shoulders and back of the neck. This will increase circu¬lation to the head and eye area.
watery eyes

This condition is caused by fruits, fruit juice, sugar, and other excessive yin substances. Place a drop or two of pure toasted sesame oil directly in the eyes with an eyedropper, preferably before sleeping. The first few applications can sometimes sting. Continue one to three days, until the eyes improve. Next morning wash with salted twig tea. Before using the sesame oil for this purpose, boil and strain with a sanitized cheesecloth to remove any impurities and let cool to room temperature.

Simple Eye Exercises

Twice a day, in almost every school in China and in many
factories as well, the Chinese take a break and do four simple eye exercises, which take only ten minutes. The exercises relax the focusing muscles of the eyes and increase blood circulation.
When doing exercises, keep your eyes closed. Fingernails should be short and your hands clean. Press lightly and slowly; don't use excessive pressure. Repeat each exercise eight times, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Sit with the elbows resting on a table.

1. Use thumbs to massage inside eyebrow corners; other fingers are slightly curled against forehead.

2. Use the thumb and index finger to massage the nose bridge. Press downward, then upward.

3. Place thumbs on lower jaw and index and middle fingers against both sides of nose near nostrils. Lower the middle fingers and massage with index fingers.

4. With fingers curled under and thumbs on each side of fore¬head, use the sides of the index fingers to rub outward, following the contours of the eyebrow and bony rim under the eye.

Nose bleeds (epistaxis)

2007-11-21T19:40:00.000-08:00

Nose bleeds (epistaxis)

Many times an accidental bumping or blow to the bridge of the nose causes bleeding. This occurs because one of the fragile blood vessels in the nasal mucous membrane breaks. This minor type of problem responds quickly to treatment and is of little medical significance. Nosebleeds, however, can occur spontaneously, sometimes due to high blood pressure, nasal allergies, and/or excessive sneezing. Some people also get nose bleeds after eating certain foods such as chocolate, or drinking beverages which contain caffeine. These substances and foods high in phos¬phorus cause the blood vessels to expand and burst so that the nose bleeds. People who have frequent nosebleeds may have polypsgrowths within the nose.

Self-Tiratment

The sufferer should sit up straight with the head held forwards. While breathing through the opened mouth, grasp the soft part of the nose between the fingers and thumb to close the nostrils down onto the septum the fleshy divider between the two halves of the nose. This pressure should be held until the bleeding stops. After the bleeding stops, do not squeeze the nose again or blow it for at least forty-eight hours.

Shiatsu

The receiver should be seated. Have the receiver look up. With the side of the hand hit the back of the neck below the skull. Continue this gentle striking for a few minutes.

Then, the giver stands to the side and places one hand on the forehead to stabilize it. The other hand is placed on the back of the neck. With the thumb, treat the medulla oblongata point at the base of the skull in the center of the neck. Have the receiver breathe in a full breath as you do the same. On an ex¬halation, gently rock the head back onto the thumb and hold for 3 seconds. Repeat this 5-7 times. This pressure stimulates the medulla oblongata to cause constriction in the blood vessels within the nose.

Sinus trouble

2007-11-18T11:37:00.000-08:00

Sinus trouble

The sinuses are cavities in the bones of the face and skull. The largest sinuses are found in the forehead and cheeks. The symptoms of pain and tenderness above them (many times with a nasal discharge) are typical signs of sinus trouble. Obstruction of normal sinus drainage by extra mucus produces the pain associated with sinusitis and stuffy nose. The affected side of the face may swell, as well as the lower eyelid.

Steam Inhalations

Stand near a kettle of boiling water and gently allow the steam to go up your sinuses. Be careful not to burn yourself! The steam will reduce the thickness of the mucus inside the nose and al¬low drainage. You should have to blow your nose after this treatment.

Ginger Compress

Ginger compresses can be placed directly on the forehead and the sinuses to loosen mucus and promote circulation. This will promote drainage. Your nose will run after the treatment. Apply for about ten minutes several times a day.

Nasal Rinse

Use one cup twig tea and 172 teaspoon seasalt. Liquid should be a little less salty then ocean water. Pour liquid into nasal passages and rinse. This can be done daily and is good for chronic sinusitis.

Diet

Avoid all dairy products, beef and red meats, and fried, oily or other fatty foods, such as potato chips. These increase mucus production inside the sinuses. Sugar, honey, soft drinks, and fruit juice also promote a runny nose.

Eat the standard macrobiotic diet. However, minimize breads, pancakes, and all flour products until the sinuses have cleared up. Steamed green leafy vegetables are helpful in dissolving mucus. Have at least one portion everyday. Hearty greens such as kale, cabbage, watercress, collard greens, as well as radish and turnip tops are excellent choices.

At night you can put a one-inch piece of scallion root (white part) into the nose before you go to bed and sleep with it in place. This will cause mucus drainage.

Shiatsu

Press with the fingers or rhythmically bang forehead at hair¬line with fist. This loosens up mucus in the frontal sinus.

Have the receiver seated, either on the floor or in a chair. Standing behind, press, with the thumbs, the area near the spine at the level of the shoulders. Press the medulla oblongata point. Massaging this area stimulates sympathetic nerves which cause contraction in the blood vessels of the nasal mucous membrane. This opens the nasal passage, allowing easier breathing.

With the receiver lying on the back, you can press the many acupoints on the sides of the nose and the top of the head. Particularly good at clearing the sinuses are LI 20 ("welcome fragrance").

Headache migraine

2007-11-16T13:31:00.000-08:00

Headache migraine

Headache is a very common ailment. Associated with many illnesses, it occurs without specific cause as well. Most headaches arise in tissues outside the skull. Headache is only a symptom. It can occur with the common cold, flu, sinus trouble, toothache, allergies, hay fever and other nose and eye diseases, and menstrual irregularities, to name a few. There are several kinds of headache which can be classified according to location of pain and accompanying symptoms.

One type of headache is generally found in the front part of the forehead and is of an acute nature, that is, it comes on quickly and occurs with other symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose and swollen eyes.

Another type of headache is migraine. It arises from irregular changes (dilation and constriction) in blood vessels in the scalp, temple, and face. It is usually one-sided, sudden, and very intense. Many times visual disturbances such as blank spaces before the eyes and blurred vision are present. Dizziness, nausea, and other weakening symptoms can also be present.

A third type is the tension headache, which is caused by stress. It is often accompanied by stiffness throughout the body. It occurs in the temples or at the back of the head or neck.

Many simple home treatments are effective for headache. If you have time, a full body shiatsu is helpful to relax and calm the receiver. The full treatment will also stimulate and balance all the internal organs and is effective for all three types of headaches.

As we work to alleviate the pain of headache, we must, at the same time, be attentive to the cause. Many times the source of pain can be traced back to diet. Expansive foods such as spices, coffee, sugar, chemicals in foods (e.g., monosodium glutamate or MSG), fruit juices, fruit, soft drinks, ice
cream, and other junk foods can cause dilation in the blood vessels and therefore pain. Contractive foods such as beef and all red meats, eggs, cheese, chicken, too much fish and seafood, salt, and snack foods can cause the blood vessels in the scalp, temple, and face to constrict, thereby creating pain in these areas. Many people with chronic headache eat a variety of both types of foods. A simple rule of thumb is: if you get a headache after eating expansive foods (yin), then apply a cold compress on the painful area (yang effect). If you get a headache after eating contractive foods (yang), then apply a hot compress (yin effect) where it hurts.

Palm Healing

Place one hand on the forehead and the other hand at the base of the neck. Ask the re¬ceiver to close the eyes. Have the receiver breathe in and out slowly and deeply. The giver breathes simultaneously in the same rhythm. Do this holding technique for several minutes.

Pounding

You can gently pound the top of the head with your fist many times. Also pound at the hairline. This causes contraction and is ef¬fective for expansive headaches.

Scarf

Tightly tie a scarf or headband around the head. This contracts the head vessels and is effective for headache.

Shiatsu

Give head, shoulder, and upper-back shiatsu, and manipulate the part of the head where there is pain. First lightly pound the head with the fist. Always press the neck, shoulder, and especially the cervical region that part of the spine below the head, down to the shoulders. One hand is placed on the forehead for stability and the other is placed directly on the neck. The thumb presses from below the ear to the shoulder. Repeat this several times. Do both sides of the neck by changing your body position and your hands.

With a strong grip, knead the shoulder muscles between your thumb and forefingers, pinching slightly. Then press with the thumbs across the top of the shoulders.

Other points for pressure depend on the location of the pain. In the case of front head¬ache pain, press the points on the forehead. For pain around the eyes, press the points in that area. For temple pain, use the points in the temple beginning near the corner of the eye and moving back toward the ear. For back of the head pain, press firmly in that area.

With the thumb, press lightly over the whole head. Then press along the midline of the head, going from the front to the back, that is from the hair line toward the back. Especially press GV 20, the midpoint on the head. Any sore or tender spots are to be pressed lightly at first, then with more pressure as the receiver can tolerate it. Go back and forth over the top of the head many times.

To heighten the effect of shiatsu, press the point in the hand (LI4) which affects any problem in the head. Strongly manipulate this point for 30 seconds, at least twice on both hands or until the headache subsides. Massage other acupoints on the arms and legs such as HG 6, ST 36, and SP6.

Press the sole of the foot. There is a top and bottom relationship in the body. Pressure on the bottom affects the top. Press here for several minutes.

Foot Bath

A hot foot bath brings blood circulation down to the lower parts of the body, away from the head. Soak feet for up to twenty minutes.

Walk

When you feel a headache about to come on or a mild one is al¬ready present, go for a walk in the fresh air. The air and movement will increase body circulation and eases the tension brought on by headache. Walk for a minimum of five to ten minutes.

Acupressure could calm patients with dementia, study finds

2007-11-14T17:02:00.000-08:00

The practice of acupressure might help calm people suffering from dementia, one study suggests.
A Taiwanese study found acupressure might alleviate the agitations that people with forms of dementia like Alzheimer's go through. Acupressure is like acupuncture, only using hands instead of needles.

People with dementia are more prone to become angry, yell at others or become violent; they also may take illogical actions such as disrobing in public or wander around lost in the streets.

The effects of dementia are a concern for relatives and caretakers alike, as the agitations put dementia patients at risk of injury. The behavior also makes it harder for family members or nursing home staff to care for them.

For the study, the Taiwanese researchers enlisted the help of 31 dementia patients living in a nursing home. The 31 people were given a 15-minute acupressure massage twice a day, five days a week. This went on for four weeks.

To compare the effects of acupressure versus another theory the researchers were working on, the researchers visited the same 31 people and talked with them for 15 minutes each day for the following four weeks.

Overall, the team found that acupressure works much better than any other method they tried in calming down the agitations of dementia patients.

Furthermore, they found that acupressure helped in lessening the amount of aggressive behavior that dementia patients exhibit over the four weeks it was used. It also worked with more immediate results when used than the other methods.

The study's results suggest that simple human touch has amazing therapeutic capabilities. It isn't the first study to connect the two: a recent research review found that other forms of touch therapy can calm dementia patients down as well.

Acupressure has been used in Chinese medicine for more than 2000 years as a touch massage therapy.

The Taiwanese study appears in the February issue of the Journal of Clinical Nursing.

Sore throat

2007-11-10T12:16:00.000-08:00

Sore throat

Do the same shiatsu treatment as de¬scribed for the neck. Add acupoint LI 4 on the hands. Press point LU 11 near the base of the thumbnail with a chopstick for 5 seconds, 5-10 times. Do this on both hands. Repeat sever¬al times throughout the day.

A hot foot bath can be taken until the feet become really red. Vigorously massage and press the bottom of the foot near the base of the big toe in the arch. You will find a sore spot there. Massage this spot until it becomes less painful.

Gargle

Prepare a warm, salty solution by ad¬ding 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt to one cup warm water or twig tea. Gargle by placing a small amount of this solution in the mouth and sticking the tongue out while gargling. Re¬peat this several times throughout the day.

Avoid honey, sugars, spices such as chili peppers and sauces, curry, white and black pepper, and all yin food or drink.

Yoga

Try the lion's pose. Sit on the heels with the knees open or closed. You can sit on a chair if necessary. Place your hands on your knees. Open chest, look up, inhale and strongly exhale as you stick your tongue out. Stiffen the fingers and spread them wide. At the same time open both mouth and eyes wide, tensing the neck and throat. Let the feeling of tension permeate your whole body. Hold this posture for a few seconds, then relax. Repeat this several times.

Stiff neck /Stiff shoulder

2007-11-09T03:08:00.000-08:00

Stiff neck
Stiff shoulder
Tightness of the neck and shoulders caused by draft
Crick in the neck
Whiplash

The neck is the bridge or channel between the head and body. Many important nerves and blood vessels gather in this area. If the neck is troubled, it is easy for many head problems to develop such as brain tumor, ringing in the ears, sinus congestion, headache, and glaucoma. Once established, head problems are difficult to cure. It will take a long time to change, so be persistent in the application of shiatsu.

All of the above mentioned conditions indicate varying de¬grees of restriction in the neck region. All neck conditions except sore throat can be treated in the same way.

Ginger Compress

If movement is severely restricted and painful, first apply hot ginger compresses on the painful area. Approximately fifteen minutes of compresses should warm and relax the tightened area, making the effects of shiatsu much more penetrating.

Shiatsu

Knead Shoulders. The receiver is seated on the floor or in a chair while the practitioner stands behind. First, a kneading method is used to loosen up the whole shoulder and neck area. This is applied across the top of the shoulders and to the sides of the neck. This will make the person feel more comfortable and relaxed.

Press Shoulders. With the thumbs on the back of the shoulders and the other fingers laying over the top of the shoulders, press and hold with the thumbs for about five seconds. Begin near the spine and work outwards, moving every 1-1 172 inches toward the edge of the shoulder. There are about four to five spaces where you can hold. Repeat this several times until the muscles of the shoulders begin to soften.

Press Neck. Next, the practitioner should move from behind to beside the receiver. Place your closest hand on the back of the neck at shoulder level and the other hand on the forehead to stabilize and support the head. Your thumb is on the side of the neck closest to you and the other four fingers are on the opposite side of the neck, giving support. Hold and press with the thumb, beginning near the lower part of the ear and continuing until you reach the shoulder.
Either press and move your thumb quickly from one point to the next, or hold each point for a few seconds, depending on the pain response of the receiver. Repeat this method until the muscles become softer. You can press on three lines from the lower ear to the shoulder. Be especially attentive to the sore and painful areas. Gently making a circular press with the thumb on the painful area will increase circulation and relieve pain.

Rotate Head. Maintaining the same body position, that is, standing to the side of the receiver with one hand on the neck and the other on the forehead, rotate the neck. The range of movement should be small at first. Just guide the head first in one direction several times, then in the opposite direction several more times. While turning the neck, ask the receiver to relax the neck muscles.

Avoid producing any unnecessary pain.

Relax Muscles. Finish the treatment with chopping movements, with the sides of the hands on the area near the spine at the shoulder level and between the shoulder blades.

Neck Exercises

Stretching exercises are an important part of treatment to relieve discomfort in your neck. They help restore motion and relieve pain associated with stiffness. These exercises are more effective when performed in the shower, after a shower or following the application of hot, moist towels. Moist heat relieves pain by increasing blood flow to the muscles of your neck.
Gradually increase the number of times you repeat each exercise as your condition improves, but stop when fatigued. In the beginning five times per day may be enough, as you continue ten to twenty times per day will not be too many. They may be done intermittently during the day to help relax and relieve tension of the neck and shoulder muscles. Take an exercise break during your work day.

1. Stand erect. Turn your head slowly to the right as far as is possible without straining. Return to normal center position and relax. Repeat on other side.

2. Stand erect. Try to touch the left ear to the left shoulder. Never force or strain. Return to normal center position and relax. Try to touch the right ear to the right shoulder. Return to normal cen¬ter position and relax.

3. Stand erect. Raise both shoulders as close to the ears as pos sible and hold as you count to five. Relax. Stretch you shoulders backwards as far as possible and hold, then relax.

4. Stand erect. Slowly try to touch your chin to your chest. Ro¬tate your head backwards slowly, looking up at the ceiling.

5. Stand erect. With one hand, grasp the other hand behind theback, then pull downwards towards the floor. Take a deep breath,stand on your tiptoes, and look at the ceiling while exerting thedownward pull. Hold momentarily, then exhale slowly and relax.Repeat ten times.

6. Lie on your stomach with your hands clasped behind yourback. Pull your shoulders back and down by pushing your hands towards your feet, pushing the shoulder blades together, and lift headfrom floor. Take a deep breath. Hold for two seconds. Relax.

7. Lie on back, knees flexed. Take a deep breath slowly, usingelbows for support, fully expanding chest, touching top of head on thefloor, then exhale slowly. Repeat ten times.

Calcification of the neck

Avoid all dairy products including milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt, kefir, cottage cheese, cream, butter, and cream cheese. Also avoid beef, chicken, eggs, and sugar.
Try the macrobiotic diet with the addition of seaweed and dai-kon radish or turnip every day.
Ginger compresses are important to loosen up the neck and

improve circulation. Repeat every night for five days. Rest for the weekend. Repeat this series until pain decreases.

Do you have this???

2007-11-08T07:56:00.000-08:00

Q Our 3-year-old son keeps coming into our bed at night. What can we do to stop this without making a big deal of it?

Health Visitor Dawn replies: As soon as your son arrives in your bed, gently take him straight back to his room and his own bed with as little talking as possible. If he needs a cuddle, calming down or reassuring then it's important that you give him this, but wait until you are back in his room before doing so. Let him know that it's time for him to go to sleep now and that his room is a nice place to be.

Do you have this problem???

2007-11-08T07:52:00.000-08:00

My 1-year-old daughter’s favourite new word is ‘no’. Every time I offer her something—even something I’m sure she really wants—she shakes her head and responds negatively. She also refuses to hold my hand. I’m finding this quite annoying and I fear we’re going to be constantly at loggerheads.

Therapist Lesley replies: Your daughter's becoming a toddler and saying no often is actually a normal and essential part of her development-even if it doesn't make life easy for you. For the first time, she's able to test limits, exert some power and have her own opinions, which is vital in helping her become her own person. It may seem strange when she rejects treats you know she'd really love, or a helping hand from you, but to her, saying ‘yes' can feel as if she's handing her power over to you. Try to respect her resistance rather than get into battles. A bit of tact will help you steer through most tricky situations, so try giving her choices rather than yes or no options. For example, ask ‘Do you want an apple or a banana?' rather than ‘Here's a banana', or say, ‘Walk or piggy back to bed?' rather than ‘Go to bed'.

Acupressure for M.E / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia

2007-11-08T04:41:00.000-08:00

Acupressure for M.E / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) including Acupressure, Chinese Herbal medicine, Moxa and cupping techniques, have been in use for up to 5000 years. For some of that time it was tradition only to pay your doctor while you were healthy - the cash stopped when you got sick - although economically impractical just think how quickly western medicine would have evolved if preventative medicine and results paid, not tradition, reputation or good marketing!

The basic theory of T.C.M is that energy or Chi is generated by breathing, and passes around the body through twelve major channels, each related to an organ, starting with the Lung and finishing with the Liver. If the chi becomes stagnant or weak in any of these channels illness will develop and so the aim is to unclog and tonify these internal energies until a balance is restored and consequently health should improve. To a practicioner of TCM, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, M.E and Fibromyalgia are just an extreme example of the bodies' energy getting out of a normal healthy state.

T.C.M - Ancient medicine for a modern plague

Diagnosis is by examining the pulses - by putting three fingers side by side along the patient's wrist the acupressurist can feel the strength or otherwise of three of the channels. Pressing a little harder gives three more and with the same on each wrist the state of all twelve channels may be checked.

An acupressurist will usually want to see your tongue - as an internal organ visible to the outside it can report on your state of health. For example, a puffy white coated tongue with indentations around the side indicates excessive damp in the system, a problem with Stomach and Spleen energy in particular, leading to poor digestion, weak muscles and a tendency to feel the cold - something common in people with M.E / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Pins and needles

Many westerners are nervous of having needles stuck into them in the name of therapy(!) but the sensation is entirely unlike having an injection. Acupressure needles are far thinner and stay very much on the surface. However some acupressure points will be more uncomfortable than others. Contrast this to hospitals in China - one acupressurist told me that during his training he saw an old Chinese woman with a long needle in her belly twisting the needle round and round to maximise the effect! Don't worry, you won't be expected to do this, or even look at the needles.

Moxa, cupping and heat for M.E / CFS

If the body is basically cold and weak Moxa may be used. Moxa sticks generate a point of intense heat when burned, and by directing this to certain accupoints, for example S36 or SP6 (see accupressure section) energy can be put back into the system. If this works your acupressurist may give you Moxa sticks to use on yourself to keep topping up your energy every few days. If so follow their directions though, Moxa sticks get very, very hot. I found this particularly useful in the winter when I really struggled to get warm.

Herbal remedies and M.E / CFS Fibromyalgia

A more controversial area is the use of Chinese herbal medicine. Herbs are able to tone and clear energy in ways that are difficult with acupressure alone, but supplies are not always as pure as they should be, and allergic type reactions are unfortunately not uncommon. I have had doses of hives from Chinese herbs - with consultation with my acupressurist the offending herb was immediately removed and the problem resolved, but it's entirely understandable that people will be put off such herbs and Doctors are sometimes wary of their patients taking them. In some cases there is an impurity in the supply, but it may also be that Westerners' immune systems have not been in contact with such compounds before, and so react badly. Often acupressurists can use tablets of a number of pre-prepared formulas and such tablets are less concentrated than fresh herbs and in my experience are far less likely to produce a reaction. In some cases dried herbs are more effective than fresh (ginger is an example).

Will TCM cure my M.E / CFS?

For some people TCMaccupressure will have little or no effect, but for others it may be able to boost energy and prevent it dropping below a certain level, as well as helping with specific symptoms such as muscle stiffness, insomnia, temperature control, headaches and anxiety. Acupressure also has the effect of relaxing muscles and reducing inflamation, so could be useful for Fibromylagia. I know of one person with ME who says it is the only treatment that made a difference to his Chronic Fatigue. As with the other treatments I don't believe it is the answer to M.E /CFS, but a treatment worth trying none the less.

Temporarily you may feel a little worse after treatment, but providing your acupressurist is properly trained (over years not weeks!) and is not too aggressive in trying to get your energy moving the overall effects should be benificial.

Lumbago-back pain-strain and sprain-muscle spasm-sciatica-hip pain-imbalanced/tilted hip

2007-11-07T10:24:00.000-08:00

Lumbago
Back pain - strain and sprain
Muscle spasm
Sciatica
Hip pain
Imbalanced/tilted hip

It seems that almost everyone at one time or another has had some trouble with back pain. Pain in the back may be caused by muscular strain, a slipped intervertebral disk, or it may be caused by some disease of the bones and joints of the spine.

The hips are the foundation upon which rests the upper skele¬tal system. From the triangular center part of the pelvis, we find the twenty four vertebrae that make up the spinal column which reaches up to the skull. The spinal column consists of seven cervical, twelve thoracic and five lumbar vertebrae. These are separated by cush¬ions of tough elastic cartilage called disks. The disks act as shock absorbers and give the back its flexibility. There are ligaments and muscles which hold the vertebrae in place. Two important muscle groups are found on each side of the spine. Within the spinal col¬umn are the spinal nerves of the central nervous system.

More often than not, backache is cause by strain of the mus¬cles around the lower part of the spine. Doing some activity or sport that you are not used to will strain the muscles of the back. If the spine is kept erect it is less likely to have backache. Chairs that force the back to sit in a curved posture can cause chronic back strain, so TV watchers beware! Watching sports on TV can promote backache the same as playing the sport.

The pain of lumbago is often localized to one extremely pain¬ful spot in the muscles, usually in the lower lumbar region and slightly to one side of the midline. Lumbago often occurs after a combination of new exercise and cold, such as a new jogging routine in the winter or digging a garden in the spring. The spasm of the muscle fibers can be so severe that some people cannot get out of bed.

Another common cause of sudden backache is damage to one of the disks in the lower region of the spine. Lifting something heavy while the back is curved puts pressure on the disk. If enough stress is placed on the disk it will rupture and move from its normal location. The part that moves can press on the spinal nerves. Frequently, this pressure causes pain extending down the main sciatic nerve which runs from the buttock to the foot. The pain is made worse by coughing, straining, or bending the back.

Treatment for slipped or prolapsed disk is rest, with the individual flat on the back in bed. Rest for two weeks, sometimes more, often allows the protrusion to be reabsorbed back into the disk and the damaged part to heal.

Ginger compress

Place compresses directly on the back area that is in pain, alternate hot towels for at least twenty minutes. For severe backache you can do ginger compresses several times each day. Always follow the compress with shiatsu.

Shiatsu

Have the receiver lie face down, trying to relax the back muscles as much as possible. A ginger compress before the shiatsu makes the treatment more effective.

With the fingertips, probe and find the most painful area. After discovering the center of trouble, with the heel of your hand, massage lightly the sore spot in a circular direction. This will increase circulation. Then with the thumbs press with your body weight (standing over the person with one legon each side) into the two muscle bands thatrun down the sides of the spine. These muscles have the Urinary Bladder Channel passing through them. At the level of the pelvis,lumbar 4, press especially well (UB 25). Leanyour whole body into the points bending yourknees and letting gravity do the work. Continue shiatsu on this area for 5-10 minutes.

After finishing the back area, you can massage several places on the backs of the legs. First, with the hands, press the upper thighs. Then with the thumbs, press down the center of the upper leg holding each point for 2-5 seconds. Press the center of the back of the knee. This is an ancient acupoint (UB 54) noted in the classics to relieve all types of back pain.

, The lower part of the leg should also receive shiatsu. With the thumbs, press down rapidly in a circular motion at the center of the calf. The giver is sitting at the receiver's feet facing the head. Finish with firm pressure on the center of the calf (UB 57} and the inside and outside of the heel of the foot (UB 60 and KD 3). Pressing the bottom of the foot with the thumb is useful.

Moxibustion

The heat of moxibustion is very effective in relaxing muscles which are contracted or spasming. Apply moxa for 3-5 minutes on the following points: UB 23, UB 25, UB 57.

Exercise

A variety of exercises can be done to strengthen the lower back. They can be done either alone or with a partner. The following are just some examples of what you can do.

Leg and Head Lift

Lie face down and have both arms behind the back. Raise the legs and the upper body at the same time, stretching them backward so that a bow position is assumed. Hold for as long as possible. Rest, then repeat.

Waist Bend

Stand with feet shoulders' width apart. Bend forward at the waist and gradually move toward the floor. Bounce gently until the hands touch the floor. Then return to a standing position and bend backward at the waist. Repeat this several times. It is best if you gently push yourself with the understanding that progress is slow but sure.

Hanging

With your hands, hang on to a bar or door frame above your head. This will stretch the spine. While hanging swing the hips forward and backward, side to side. This will rotate the lumbar area. Continue until you get tired. Then let go, rest, and repeat a few times.

Leg to Chest Lift

Lay on the back, lift and bring one knee to the chest then, back out straight again. Alternate with each leg. Do the right leg first, then follow with the left. Repeat with each leg twenty times.

There are numerous other exercises which can be extremely useful in mending an ailing back. These exercises will also lessen the possibilities of re-injury if they are performed on a regular basis.

More important for your recovery is the fact that you can invent your own set of exercises quite easily. Examples such as standing with your arms swinging from side-to-side as you twist and look over your shoulder or gently rolling on a padded floor on your back with your hands grasping your feet. Both can loosen stiff muscles as it increases a better blood supply to the area of pain. The point is for you to develop what your body needs. As little as 5-10 minutes invested each day will pay big dividends. The alternatives to healthy home back care are medications and often times surgery. These options should not be decided upon lightly.

More classical exercise routines such as yoga, Do-In, Chinese, Korean, and Tibetan exercise programs are beneficial.

Curvature of the spine

2007-11-04T11:23:00.000-08:00

Curvature of the spine

Shiatsu on the back may relieve the pain brought on by curvature. In some cases, the curve may be slowly corrected.

Shiatsu

Have the receiver lie face down. With the giver standing directly over the receiver with
one leg on each side of the body, press the back points using body weight. Lean into each point, bending the knees. Beginning at the shoulder level, work down, pressing 11/2 inches from the spine. Hold each point for 3-5 seconds. Repeat many times, spending time where hardness or pain is located.

Moxibustion

Moxa heat can be applied on any hard or painful spot that you find while doing shiatsu. Do bird-pecking technique for five minutes on each point.

Ginger compress/Ginger oil

A ginger compress can be applied directly to the area of the back where the curve is the most obvious or to the area of pain. The compress will increase circulation and begin to loosen and relax the muscles that hold the spine in its curved position.
A mixture of ginger oil can be vigorously rubbed all over the back near the spine daily. This soothes and softens the muscles. (See appendix)

Breast Feeding

2007-11-03T13:53:00.000-07:00

Breast-feeding

Nourishing your baby can be a daunting task for the first few weeks. Here's a guide to print out and keep at hand during feedings.

How to Breast-feed Your Baby

Breast-feeding may be natural, but that doesn't mean it always comes naturally. It often takes practice, so be patient and persistent -- it's worth the effort. In the first few days, your baby may not be too hungry, but she'll become more interested as her need for nourishment increases.

If you or your baby finds nursing difficult, seek advice from your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant.

Things to Know:

Nurse your newborn as soon as possible after birth, preferably within the first hour, and every time she shows signs of hunger thereafter. Watch for increased alertness, mouthing, nuzzling against the breast, or rooting (a reflex in which your baby opens her mouth and turns her head toward something that touches her cheek).

If you follow her cues, you'll probably be breast-feeding every two to three hours around the clock for the first four to six weeks. But do allow your baby to breast-feed more frequently if she wishes.

In the early weeks, if four hours have elapsed since the last feeding, you should rouse your infant by gently moving her arms and legs. If she doesn't awaken enough to nurse after a few minutes, stop and try again in half an hour.

Getting Started:

Settle into a comfortable position: sitting up or lying down, with baby angled across your breasts or alongside you. The baby's entire body should be facing you, not just her head. Use pillows as needed to support your arms, your back, and/or the baby. (Make sure no part of the pillow might impede baby's breathing.)

Ignore distractions and concentrate on the softness of your baby's face against your breasts. If your baby doesn't immediately suckle, you can usually trigger the rooting reflex by gently stroking her cheek with your finger or your nipple.

Help your baby to latch on to your breast correctly. Her mouth should encircle the entire nipple area (called the aureole), not just the nipple itself. Some babies take a while to learn how to do this, but it's essential, because incorrect latching-on quickly leads to sore nipples. Help her by placing your nipple in the center of her mouth, with as much of the as possible aureole within her lips. Press your breast down away from her nose, if necessary, to allow her plenty of breathing space.

Adjust your position and hers as necessary while she's feeding. The more relaxed you feel, the better the feeding will go.

Allow your baby about five minutes on each breast when you first begin. Over the course of the next few days build to ten to fifteen minutes per breast. This depends on your baby's appetite -- and each baby's needs are different. Don't force the issue -- you'll know if you're baby is getting enough nourishment by your pediatrician's weigh-ins and the number of wet diapers (about 5 to 8 per day during the first few days, 6 to 8 per day thereafter).

To break suction so you can switch breasts, simply slide your finger between her mouth and the nipple.

Unless your nipples are sore, it's okay to let her enjoy slowly sucking for as long as she likes.

After she's finished with each breast, burp her by patting gently on her back as you hold her against your shoulder or in some other comfortable position (some babies prefer a sitting up position on your lap). Put baby atop a clean cloth as you do this -- occasionally milk comes up with the burp. Be aware that she won't always burp audibly, but it's important to try to help her get rid of any gas.

NURSING BASICS

BREAST MILK AND SUPPLY

BREAST FEEDING AND PAIN

Breast Feeding and Pain

2007-11-03T13:51:00.000-07:00

Pain

Check your latch. I knew I had the latch down when there was no white tip or line across the nipple and it didn't hurt after a few seconds to nurse. The initial pain went away after a few weeks.

Frozen peas aren't just food. A bag of frozen peas [is] awesome as a cold compress for engorgement.

Cabbage combats soreness. Use cabbage leaves for soreness -- they are cooling and feel great! Just place individual cabbage leaves inside your bra (break them apart, wash, separate with paper towels, place in a big plastic bag, and keep them cold in the fridge.)

No biting allowed. The advice I got was to watch while the baby is latched on. If you watch, you can see when the latch is dropped and a bite is coming, so you can pull out before it happens. If you do get bitten, I've been saying "No bite!" and then not letting him back on for a minute so he associates that with not nursing.

Breast Milk and Supply

2007-11-03T13:47:00.000-07:00

Breast Milk and Supply

Breast Milk

Give it a swirl. Milk that has been stored in the refrigerator tends to separate and that is normal. So before you give it to your baby, give it a swirl. You'll see that it will come back together.

Don't worry about the consistency. If your milk is watery, you're extracting the foremilk. If it is thicker and whiter, it is the hind milk. You may also find that after your baby drinks your breast milk, the bottle has a residue. Don't worry -- it's the fat of the hind milk left in there.

Milk Supply

Moist heat encourages let down. I was stressed and worried I wouldn't let down. The worst thing for me was hearing everyone tell me to just relax. What helped was moist heat. I put a wet towel in the microwave for a short time. A shower worked as well.

Reading may help you relax. I found that reading or doing a crossword puzzle while pumping would really help. I guess it took my mind off getting enough milk, or pumping for a certain time. It sort of distracted me. Find something you like to do and if possible do it while pumping.

Pump while you nurse to boost output. One way to quickly pump is to pump the boob baby's not nursing on while she nurses on the other. That way, your let-down happens faster. I always had trouble alone, but got a great stash by nursing and pumping together.

Heartburn

2007-11-03T12:32:00.000-07:00

Heartburn

People with heartburns should pay attention to their diet. As a rule of thumb avoid sweets and sweet drink and eat lots of raw vegetables and fruits. Note which particular food triggers the problem and avoid this food in the future.
The burning sensation accompanied by chest squeezing, crushing, or pressure may be a heart attack.
Sit comfortably or lie down, close your eyes and breath deeply when massaging the active points.

Location: midway between the belly button and the bottom of the breastbone.
Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure into the abdomen.
Duration: 2 min

Location: two fingers-width below the belly button.
Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure into the abdomen. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside.
Duration: 1 min

Location: on the interior side of the arm, in the hollow between the bones of the forearm, three finger-width above the wrist crease.
Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in the direction of the palm. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside
Duration: 3 min or more

Location: with the tip of your index finger probe the area on the front side of a leg below the knee until you feel a slight dip.
Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in downward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside.
Duration: 1 min

Location: on the arch of the foot, in the hollow two finger-width away from the ball of the foot, above the tendon of the big toe (move the big toe up and down to feel the tendon).
Direction: apply firm deep strokes of pressure in upward direction. The initial painful sensation will soon begin to subside.
Duration: 1 min

Nursing Basics

2007-11-02T12:42:00.000-07:00

Nursing Basics

Got breastfeeding issues? Get advice from the experts -- moms who got it right. Paid pros, like lactation consultants, are great, but sometimes mom-to-mom tips ("this worked for me") are the ones that really click.

Avoid comparisons. I think the biggest mistake nursing mamas make (I did this too) is compare themselves to what other nursing mamas are doing. Each nursing relationship is unique. I expected my nursing experience to be like my sister's and we are worlds apart: she had too much milk, I had too little.

Trust yourself. Before you quit, give yourself time (6 to 8 weeks) to adjust to breastfeeding.

Keep well hydrated. Get a water bottle with a straw (my hospital gave me one), and keep it filled to the brim. You never know when you'll get thirsty, and it might not be a convenient time [like while you're nursing] to get more water.

Get a Boppy. I love my Boppy. I still use it for my 9-month-old. To me, it just makes it easier to have one hand free while you nurse.

Your pump can help with problems. If you have inverted nipples, I found that pumping a few minutes to draw them out helped.

Keep at it even if you have a cold. Your breast milk will [help] keep your child from catching your cold. I learned this from my midwife and after trying it during the winter months when I got sick. And even when my baby did get a cold, I found it was very short lasting.

If you need to, supplement. You can do both -- breast feed and formula feed. It doesn't have to be only breast milk, but every drop your child gets is beneficial.

Don't worry if your baby looks tiny. My doctor told me babies don't start looking chubby until they're into their 8th pound. It took us 6 weeks to get there.

Practice nursing in public. I feel uncomfortable about nursing in public, so my plan is to buy a nursing camisole to cover my tummy and practice in front of a mirror so that I know what people can and can't see. As for other people giving me unpleasant looks, I don't plan on looking up! I will just look lovingly at my daughter.

Diaper Check

The scoop on poop. My pediatrician said after one month, breastfed babies may go up to 10 days without a poop and that is normal. However, in the first month you should see dirty diapers more often. Obviously, they don't magically hit one month and start going longer stretches, but those are the general guidelines. My daughter is 3 months old and usually goes every day, but occasionally goes 36 hours and then has a massive blowout!

Seedy is good. If her poopy diaper [looks like it has] seeds in it, that's leftover hind milk that her body doesn't need. Be happy. Your baby is well fed.

Don't worry if the poop comes in different colors. When I called the pediatrician about my son's stool having different colors, I was told that anything in the yellow, brown, or green hues is not a problem.

How wet is wet? To tell if my daughter's diaper was wet enough, I used to pour 4 tablespoons of water into a clean diaper. That's how I was told I could tell what a wet diaper felt like.

Acupressure for Weightloss

2007-11-02T12:13:00.000-07:00

The secret of reducing weight lies in your palms, soles and the two fingers — the index finger and the thumb. Does it sound incredible or unbelievable? It need not, because it is absolutely true that deep finger pressure helps one to reduce the excess weight without having to depend on external help. Acupressure is being widely practised in almost all parts of the world by specialised practitioners as welt as common man.

When we get hurt on the body or get hit on the head our immediate reaction is to press the affected part. We massage our temples with pain balms when it aches and, press the abdomen to relieve stomach ache. But there are specific areas in our body, palms and soles to give pressure and relieve the pain or whatever other disorder afflicts us. By giving pressure on the specific points of these areas, disturbed functions of the internal organs are restored to normalcy and cure is obtained.

The skin of the palm and sole are drier than the-skin in other parts of the body. The large number of sweat glands, concentrated in the palms is highly sensitive to the change in temperature. They contract in cold weather and in nervous condition make the palm cold. They expand in heat and during fever and panic.

Power in the palm and sole

The palm and sole are equipped with a rich supply ot selective

nerves and nerve endings. That is why we can feel with our hands what we even cannot see with the eyes. With the lips of our fingers we can feel our pulse which none of the other organs can do.
Our body consists of two forces -- positive and negative -which together create the electricity to sustain life. This is a priceless provision of nature installed in our body. The palms and soles serve as the switchboard to the entire network of the nerves in the whole body. This electric power is lowered at limes when one is sick, tired, depressed or when one'suffers from chronic illness.
Acupressure has originated from the same roots as Acupuncture. Our body functions with the help oiprana or energy or Qi as it is called in Chinese. This energy flows in a definite pathway or channel in our body connecting ihe various organs. Any imbalance in the level and flow of this energy results in illness and disease.

Acupressure uses finger pressure on the acupuncture points as well as the reflex points in the paim and sole. Acupressure is an effective method of treating oneself at home. Especially in obesity, Acupressure gives best results if followed with palience.

The organs and the various systems, like digestive, respiratory, circulatory and other systems in our body are inter-connected in their function where, if one of the organ over or under-furtctions, the other subsequently gets affected. Finger pressure on the reflex points of the body corrects the functions of these disturbed organs.

There are around 38 points located in each of our palms and soles. By stimulating these pointstthe interruption created in the flow of the energy in the channels connecting the internal organs of the body gets regularised.

If you can treat, heal and cure obesity successfully, you have cured almost all diseases and discomforts of your body. The secretion of the hormones by the Endocrine glands, plays a very important role in the increase in body weight. [ This has been explained in one of the previous chapters.] By stimulating the points related to these glands in ihe palms and soles, ihe abnormal secretion of hormones is corrected. Giving pressure controls appetite stimulates the pituitary gland to govern the secretion of hormones in proportion to the requirement of the body and reduces fatty tissues in the body. (See illustration)

But there is a catch in accupressure too as in other type of natural self treatment. Yes, it is the role of diet that is complementary.

The Correct Method of Giving Pressure to the Points

AH the points on the palm and sole must be given hard pressure as if pumping. Place the thumb on the point and the four fingers on the back side of the hand. Do not press continuously but without lifting the finger press hard once and release a bit and press again. The points located on the body must be pressed rotating the finger on and around the point. Each point on the palm and the sole should be pressed at least ten to fifteen times in a session. Press the points in the given order. Also press the points in both ears as given in the illustration.

Instructions to give pressure

While giving pressure start with the right sole first, then the left sole, right palm and left palm in the lasi.

First give pressure lo the centre point solar plexus, then all other points and finally the kidney point, h can be as follows:

1. Solar plexus
2. Pituitary, pineal
3. Thyroid
4. Adrenal
5. Pancreas
6. Lungs
7. Mean — liver
8. Stomach
9. Colon
10. Bladder
11. Kidney

Give pressure to the points in both the ears.

Each session should lust for at least twenty minutes. This self treatment must be given after bath and before breakfast in the morning and before meals in the evening. Never give pressure on a full stomach, neither when you are extremely tired , nor when there is fever and for women during their monthly cycle. Some people go for a body massage to reduce weight but massage is not necessary if acupressure is given regularly for two to three months.

Overweight, Big hips from overnourishment, Cellulite

2007-11-01T14:49:00.000-07:00

Overweight
Big hips from overnourishment

Cellulite

For cosmetic or beauty reasons, many people are concerned with their weight. Most people have good reason to be concerned. The health risks associated with an overweight condition can be serious. Illnesses such as diabetes, backache, hardening of the arteries, and osteoarthritis are the most common reasons why your doctor will recommend that you should lose weight. Most cases of obesity are caused by a calorie input that is greater than energy expenditure. In other words, people are eating more that their bodies can use.

The excess is stored as fat in all the usual places around the body, the waist, hips, upper thighs, and breasts are the favorite resting places for those transformed desserts that now add unwanted girth to your once slim body. Many people are worried about the formation of cellulite which appears as dimples or lumpiness in the fatty tissue.

The way to lose weight is to reduce the calorie intake to below the body's requirements and to regulate the metabolism. The amount of food and drink put into your body must be less then the amount of energy that is used in your day to day activities. The greatest amount of weight loss usually occurs in the first week of a reducing diet, mostly because of fluid loss. A realistic weight loss goal is one to two pounds per week. Emotional factors also play a large role in eating and weight gain.

Shiatsu

Full body treatment helps to increase circulation throughout the entire body. Shiatsu also relaxes the individual so that they may gain insight into excessive eating patterns, thereby removing the emotional factors in being overweight. Remember that not everyone must look like a movie star. However, body weight should be appropriate for bone structure and your physical activity. It is certainly possible to be a few pounds over the average weight and be healthy. Superficial body fat is not the real danger. It is the fat that is stored in and around the vital organs such as the heart that is of concern. Fat on the waist mirrors excess fat building up in vital places within.

Diet

Desserts, cream sauces, cheese, snack foods, and other high fat and high sugar foods, as well as overeating, all contribute to increased weight. It becomes clear to us that diet is the foundation for solving an overweight problem. The macrobiotic diet, which is high in complex carbohydrates (grains and vegetables) and low in refined sugars and fats is an appropriate solution. Generally, it is better to have regular, small meals than to try to starve yourself and over-compensate later with "reward" foods. Meals must be balanced and satisfying. Include a wide variety of whole grains, such as barley, corn, whole wheat, brown rice, millet, fresh garden vegetables and seaweed with miso or tamari broth soup. Avoid peanut and other nut butters as well as nuts in general. To effect the greatest weight loss, fruit intake should be limited, perhaps not even every day. Enjoying food and not suffering emotionally is the key to understanding food and putting it in its place. Food is an enjoyable part of life that allows us to live. Be honest with yourself in your relationship to it and it won't control you.

Making minor changes in the daily routine occasionally is helpful to keep your interest renewed. Changes in your exercise routine or diet go a long way to keep you interested in life and not become bored. As an example you may want to avoid salt for one week or not eat rice for three days—any change that gives you a break from the normal routine and gives you the opportunity to self-reflect. Some people enjoy fasting once a year or eating only whole grains for several days occasionally. All of these suggestions are simple yet quite helpful.

Exercise

Increase your energy output with the help of exercise. Exercise that makes the pulse increase and body sweat for twenty minutes at a time quickly burns away the pounds. Walking, swimming, dancing or aerobics can be used. Do something that you really enjoy!

Epilepsy, Tremor, Shaking

2007-10-31T12:13:00.000-07:00

Epilepsy

Tremor

Shaking

In earlier times this illness was thought to be associated with possession by evil or even divine spirits. Actually, epilepsy is disorganized electrical activity in the brain. This leads to attacks of disturbed sensory or motor functions.

Shiatsu can be used to reduce the frequency and shorten the time of seizures. Diet
is also very important. The brain and the digestive system are related.; if we can clean the intestines, then the brain will be beneficially affected.

Shiatsu

Full body treatment should be completed. Frequently pounding the head with the fist, along with deep abdominal massage is helpful.
PressGV20,GB20, GV26

Moxibustion

Warm each point for 2-5 minutes. SP 6, ST 36, UB 13, UB 15, UB 23, CV 12.

Diet

Within the standard macrobiotic diet, more strengthening foods are taken in order to control epilepsy. In addition to fifty-sixty per cent whole grains like brown rice, eat many vegetables. Also the method of cooking should incorporate a longer cooking time such as baking and a waterless style. (See macrobiotic cook books.) However for those who are very tight and rigid, their cooking should also include lightly cooked vegetables in order to soften the body.

A major cause of seizures is the repeated overconsumption of liquid. Therefore excessive drinking of water, fruit juice, milk, soft drinks, beer, wine, and alcoholic drinks should be avoided. Overeating is a common habit of people with epilepsy. Recreational activities other than eating should be encouraged

Acupressure Point for Strain arms tension

2007-10-30T10:41:00.000-07:00

Acupressure is a traditional healing practice that involves the application of finger pressure to specific acupuncture points on the body. This point stimulation promotes circulation, eases muscle tension, and stimulates the body's inherent healing ability, making it ideal for people who have arm tension and aches from prolonged keyboarding, writing, or any other repetitive movement.

Instructions:

With your thumb or middle finger at a 90 degree angle to the skin, apply gradually increasing pressure. Hold for 2-3 minutes. Each point will feel different; it may be achy, sore, or tense.
The pressure should not be painful or uncomfortable - don't try to bore a hole into your arm!
The points do not have to be used together to be effective, so choose the most tense points if you do not have time for the whole routine.

Try these Acupressure Points:

1.
Swamp of the Curve (LI 11)
Bend your arm so your palm faces your chest. The point is at the outer end of the elbow crease.

2.
Third Mile (LI 10)
From LI 11, draw an imaginary line to your thumb. The point is 3 finger widths down this line. Feel the area for the most tender point.

3.
Outer Marsh (LU 5)
Make a fist, bending your elbow slightly. The point is at the elbow crease on the outer side of the tendon.

4.
Bottom of the Valley (LI 4)
The point is at the highest spot of the muscle between the thumb and index finger when they are brought close together. Caution: do not use this point if you are pregnant.

5.
Inner Gate (PC 6) and Outer Pass (TW 5)
TW 5 is on the outer forearm, 3 finger widths up from the wrist crease and midway between the two long arm bones. PC 6 is exactly opposite, on the inner forearm between the two tendons.

6.
Great Mound (PC 7)
At the midpoint of the inner wrist crease, between the two tendons.

7.
Energy Pool (TW 4)
The point is in the hollow at the center of the wrist crease, on the back surface of the hand.

8.
Marsh at the Crook (PC 3)
Make a fist, bending your elbow slightly. The point is at the elbow crease on the inner side of the tendon.

The above demonstration should not be used as a substitute for treatment. It is intended to maintain health and prevent disease only. Any newly arising arm or wrist pain should be examined by a qualified practitioner.

Acupressure Point for Stress

2007-10-29T09:24:00.000-07:00

Acupressure is similar to acupuncture in that it is derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine. Where it diverges from acupuncture is that it does not use needles but pressure to heal or relieve pain. The pressure can be applied with the tip of the finger or knuckle. The method involves applying a deep massaging type of pressure around various pressure points. This article will outline the theory behind acupressure and how it is used to relieve stress.

Chinese philosophy has talked about a life force that runs through the body for thousands of years and it is taken as one of the fundamental principles of traditional Chinese medicine. The life force is called chi. We are born with chi energy that is inherited from our parents. We can also create chi energy by eating and drinking.

The energy runs throughout our bodies from points in the body called meridians. The energy flows from one meridian to another to form a pathway of energy that is constantly flowing. This flow of energy gives a person their vitality. A free flowing chi indicates that the body is healthy.
The meridians are the areas where acupuncture and acupressure can be used to heal. If a person becomes stressed, is suffering from anxiety or some kind of everyday illness it is said that the chi is out of balance. This is described as bad energy, bad food or stress causing a blockage in the free flowing chi energy. By performing acupressure on specific meridians, the energy can be unblocked and the chi can flow freely again hence restoring health.

Chinese medicine has learned through trial and error over thousands of years which illnesses are related to certain meridians in the body. If you were to see a traditional Chinese medical practitioner they would ask about your problems and then work on the specific pressure point.
This can also be learned by the individual. There are many books that teach people about chi and where the meridians are for certain illnesses, organs in the body or parts of the body.
Acupressure and acupuncture are now widely recognized in western societies as effective therapies for a variety of complaints including stress related problems but scientific research still disputes the underlying theory of chi.

Numbness, Paralysis, Hemiplegia, Paraplegia

2007-10-28T15:15:00.000-07:00

Numbness

Paralysis
Hemiplegia
Paraplegia

Paralysis is the loss of muscular function in a part of the body, caused by damage to the muscles themselves or to a part of the nervous system. There are many diseases that cause these symptoms, including muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis, diabetes, polio-myletis, and multiple sclerosis. The most common cause is stroke, which is caused by a hemorrhage (bleeding) or blood clot in the brain.

Hemiplegia is paralysis of one side of the body resulting from damage to or disease of the part of the brain that controls the motor nervous system. The left side of the brain controls the right side of the body, and the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body. Stroke is the most common cause of this disease. After a stroke, the limbs are, at first, limp, but they soon become stiff and may suffer cramps.

Paraplegia is paralysis of the lower limbs, often accompanied by problems controlling the rectum and the bladder.

Treatment should be directed toward increasing circulation and muscle strength. Shiatsu and exercise can be helpful.

Shiatsu

Full body shiatsu with special emphasis on the affected area is necessary. Additionally, attention should be paid to the neck, spine, and kidney areas.
With the receiver lying face down, press, near the spine, the area from the shoulders down to the end of the shoulder blade. Hold each point for 3-5 seconds. Repeat many times.
Do the same type of treatment in the area near the kidneys.

Diet

Due to the causes of stroke, either hemorrhage or blood clots, the foods which help to promote these conditions must be eliminated. These include saturated fats like those contained in meat, eggs, and dairy products, as well as sugar and other expansive (yin) foods. The standard macrobiotic diet will gradually dissolve the deposits of fat and cholesterol. Mineral rich foods like seaweeds and hard, green leafy vegetables will restore the blood vessels to their normal strength and flexibility. Oil use should also be limited, with occasional use of sesame, toasted sesame, or corn oil preferred.