What is Reflexology?

December 21, 2008 by admin  
Filed under Alternative Health

Reflexology is a type of practice similar to acupuncture; only no needles are used.  The process involves massaging or pressing areas of the feet, hands, and ears to achieve certain health effects.

Reflexology depends on the same general principle as acupuncture, believing that the life force, or Qi, can be blocked within the body, preventing proper healing.  It is believed that pressing on these areas can release blocked Qi and allow healing to resume properly.

Modern reflexology began in 1913 when Dr. William H. Fitzgerald, M.D., discovered that applying pressure gave a kind of anesthetic effect on other areas of the body.  It was further developed in the 1930s and 1940s by a nurse named Eunice D. Ingham.  She discovered that the hands and feel were very sensitive, and she mapped areas that corresponded to certain parts of the body.

Some people get reflexology charts and attempt to perform it on themselves.  This can be beneficial, but you may also run the risk of causing further blocks if you press on the wrong areas.  You could unblock one area and block another if you don’t know what you’re doing.

It’s best to consult with a highly-trained reflexology practitioner.  Unfortunately there are no licensing requirements or regulations, so you may need to ask around for a qualified practitioner before you find one that can help you.

You can ask friends, conduct internet searches, or even test out a few for yourself.  Reflexology can work, but only when performed by someone who really knows what they’re doing.

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What is Acupuncture?

December 21, 2008 by admin  
Filed under Alternative Health

Acupuncture is a type of alternative health treatment that uses tiny needles inserted into the skin to treat a number of different medical issues, especially chronic pain.

The practice originated in China, and other forms of it have developed in Japan, Tibet, Vietnam, and Korea.  It has been around for hundreds of years, and is considered a part of traditional Chinese medicine.  In fact, a crude version of acupuncture using needles made of stone was discovered as far back as 3000 B.C.!

Acupuncture may have even been practiced in Eurasia as long as 5,200 years ago.  While modern acupuncture did originate in China, it may have been practiced all over Eurasia in a crude and ancient form much earlier than the current Chinese form.

The World Health Organization and other international medical institutions have studied acupuncture and concluded that there is enough evidence to warrant further research into the technique.

The needles used in acupuncture are extremely thin.  They are inserted into the skin along lines called meridians.  There are twelve primary pathways on the body.  There are six yin and six yang channels, including three of each on each arm and three of each on each leg.  There are also channels on the hands and feet.

Acupuncturists use certain body signs to diagnose medical issues.  They inspect the tongue, body order, listening for sounds like wheezing, asking questions about chills and fever, perspiration, and appetite, and palpation of various parts of the body.

Once a diagnosis has been made, the needles are placed into the body at the appropriate points along the various channels.

Acupuncture is used for treating dozens of illnesses and disorders, including:

  • Chronic pain
  • Allergies
  • Anxiety
  • Arthritis
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Digestive issues
  • Drug detoxification
  • Headaches
  • Hiccups
  • Strokes
  • Weight Loss
  • And many more

Alternative Health Methods

December 21, 2008 by admin  
Filed under Alternative Health

There are a number of different alternative health methods that really do work to alleviate symptoms of all kinds of health issues.  Although some types of alternative health treatments can be dismissed as “mumbo jumbo”, some really are very effective and should be pursued when possible.

Diet

The very best alternative health treatment for many issues is to simply change the diet.  Adding in more fiber and fresh fruits and vegetables can help detoxify the system, and will also bring in plenty of vitamins and antioxidants that can fight off disease and infections.   The immune system will be boosted, and the digestive tract will be cleansed.

Eliminating processed and refined foods like white flour and sugar will also go a long way to clearing up a wide range of health issues.

Acupuncture

Dismissed by many people as ineffective, acupuncture can be highly effective when administered by a trained professional.  If you can find a highly-experienced acupuncturist, they can help you with a wide range of ailments.

Reflexology

While it may seem silly, reflexology is incredibly effective.  It can help clear up a number of minor issues, including fertility issues, female issues, kidney issues, and more.  This is an inexpensive and effective treatment.

Meditation

Meditation is remarkably effective at a number of different things.  It can not only help you reduce stress, it’s also great for reducing blood pressure, clearing up respiratory problems, improving circulation, and improving memory.  Tai chi combines meditation with breathing and stretching, and takes meditation to a new level for even more remarkable effects.

Remember, it wasn’t so many years ago that a lot of people thought chiropractors were con artists.  Now chiropractics is considered a mainstream form of treatment for back and neck pain.  Don’t dismiss alternative health methods without first trying them.  You might be shocked to find out just how well some of them can work for you!

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