Swobidu Health

Posts Tagged ‘acupuncture’

Acupuncture body charts have different categories and types available for both students and doctors and is easy to find for the right one to suit your purposes. available to mention are the Chinese hand, the five elements, treatment of headaches, meridian, and microsystems of the face and head acupuncture charts.

Excellent to keep in notebooks are the compact chart designs whereas wall charts are very suitable for clinical offices. Many charts feature first-class artwork and some charts come in larger sized are very fitting to be laminated.

Both black and white, as well as full color charts are offered, and there are several free acupuncture charts available for downloading.

For those who are interested to learn acupuncture, there is a wide-range of free acupuncture charts available for a student or for anyone new to the world of alternative medicine.

However, these free acupuncture charts come in black and white and are very simple to be purchased. there are few available good sources in the internet for free acupuncture charts.

One great source for acupuncture information are found in AcupunctureProducts.com which offers number of articles, an abundance copy of books and charts, a list of national organizations and some are obtainable for free.

Searching and downloading free acupuncture charts can be done without hassle through the use of product directory. Illustration of the five element theory exists in the five Element chart, which is the foundation of acupuncture and meridian therapy.

Also available is the Cardinal Points of Acupuncture chart, which outlines 41 cardinal points and lists the particular conditions, functions and parts of the body related to each point.

Obtainable in Portable Document Format (PDF) providing detailed anatomical acupuncture point locations via different anatomy diagrams, and includes cardinal points, command points and the five element correspondences is the superb acupuncture point locations document.

Insight Publishing in Temecula, California produces the Qi Journal promoting traditional Chinese culture and medicine throughout the world since it has an associated website.

You will discover on this website (qi-journal) an interactive acupuncture model, which will display the associated Pinyin name, location and indications and allows you to click on acupuncture points anywhere on the body.

Great listing of meridians and acupuncture points are also a searchable giving you the opportunity to select various acupuncture meridians and encounter a list of the related acupuncture points.

If you know the locator ID or the Pinyin name, you can also search this listing for specific points or through specific indications or ailments. this interactive tool can be a very useful resource for the meantime without the free hardcopy acupuncture chart.

Imagine… having the ability to heal a broken arm by massaging your nose.

Well… that’s crazily impossible, but you can certainly relieve arm pain by massaging your face, using Vietnamese reflexology!

Have you noticed, that whenever there’s a pain in the stomach, our natural inclination is to rub or massage our tummies with our hands? Or when we feel sleepy we rub our eyes to keep ourselves awake? If we have back pain we cry ‘give me a massage!‘?

Reflexology is basically a complex discipline that utilises this type of self-care and self-healing.

What is reflexology?

There are many therapeutic reflexology techniques, some are: foot; hand; iridology; thorax and abdominal; and endonasal reflexology. [1]

Basically, the premise is that there are points and areas on the face that are directly connected to the body’s organs, the spinal column, limbs and even the hands and feet, and stimulation of these points and areas helps to promote healing.

History of Vietnamese reflexology

Vietnamese reflexology is called Diện châm (literally “Face acupuncture/to prick”) but is also referred to as Diện chẩn (literally “Face therapy”).

In East Asia, facial reflexology had been practised for many centuries. however, it wasn’t until the 1980s that in Vietnam, a team of doctors, acupuncturists and research scientists, lead by Professor Bui Quoc Chau developed the discipline to become the complete system that it is today.

Initially named Facytherapy by the team, the discipline ‘draws from oriental medicine, in particular acupuncture, as well as from Western medicine, especically in the domain of anatomy, physiopathology, and neurology.’[1]

Watch: Professor Bui Quoc Chau in action

Facial reflexology or acupressure is a tool, focusing on preventing health problems before they occur and treating existing ones before they become major health issues.

Unlike acupuncture where needles are used, facial reflexology can be performed by simple blunt objects like your finger or a pen.

1. Bent thumb or index finger (even finger nails for certain points, e.g. point 19)
2. End of a ballpoint pen.
3. Chopsticks with filed ends
4. Reflexology rollers
5. Anything with a rounded tip

Watch: Demonstration of 12 massage techniques

How much pressure to use

Press enough to feel the pressure, but not too much that you hurt yourself.If you feel some tenderness in certain points or areas they are the areas you need to focus on.

Where to start and how long?

Start at any point and quickly run through the points or areas.If it’s sensitive then keep focusing on that area for a while. If a point or area is not sensitive don’t focus on it too much, move to the next point or area.a session can be 10 minutes to 40 minutes.

My own experience

I’ve had an excellent experience using Vietnamese facial reflexology and that is why I’m sharing it with you.My first session of self-massaging left my face feeling very tender, but in the following sessions the areas started to ‘heal up’. I was surprised at the accuracy of the points’ tenderness and the corresponding health issue(s).

The points: reflex points. using the tools outlined, either press on the points or stimulate them in the direction of the arrows.The highlighted areas: reflex (stimulation) zones. Massage around this area.

Please note: facial reflexology is very safe to use, however I’m not a medical practitioner so whatever you do with this information, it will be at your own risk – don’t blame me if you hurt yourself, ha! If symptoms persist please see your health specialist.

19, 61, 26, 0.Hangover symptoms like nausea or a dull headache. these points will give you some relief from the abuse of your body with alcohol the night or day before.Stimulation of the zones outlined will target the liver and gallbladder for faster metabolism.

19, 61, 26, 26, 41, 50, 63, 85, 113, 0.Use this if you’re consuming alcohol and want to help your liver and pancreas perform more effectively. this can also be used to reduce the chances of getting a hangover the next day.although there will be an immediate relief from the effects of alcohol, using this technique will not reduce alcohol levels – alcohol needs to be eliminated from the body for that to occur.Drink in moderation, and don’t drink and drive!

61, 50, 3, 26, 60, 74, 17, 0.Aiding digestion, this face map will help alleviate allergies that are often caused by consuming foods that contain addictives, artificial preservatives, colours and flavouring agents (which is practically in everything we eat). the reflex areas target the digestive system: the stomach, liver, pancreas, intestines and kidneys. To further assist, there is also a focus on the immune system and spinal column areas.

50, 19, 7, 3, 61, 37, 39, 0.Hayfever is a type of allergy. these points should be stimulated daily and whenever needed to help the body heal.

50, 38, 127, 39, 37, 0.Usually caused by not eating the right combination of foods, too much food, or alcohol; indigestion is also caused by a weak digestive system.these reflex points and zones target the digestive system. Use it for immediate relief, or daily if suffering from a weak digestive system.

126, 19, 0.Many perform the ‘pat on the back’ baby burping technique or perhaps they can be all ‘new age’ and do it this way! this may also be a considered a less evasive or more gentle approach than the former.

Automobiles, aircraft, boats, trains: 127, 19, 26, 103, 0.Seasickness: 63, 61, 26, 0.This can be used before embarking on a trip, or immediately as symptoms appear.

61, 26, 106, 34, 124, 0.For general headaches, try this the next time there’s one coming. There are also different face maps for specific headache origins: crown of the head; digestive; one side of the head; and temple. See below under ‘for more information’.

50, 127, 19, 3, 61, 124, 180, 0.OR124, 41, 50, 61, 51, 180, 0.Migraines are usually of a stress or digestive origin.this treats migraines and also the accompanying symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. If symptoms persist, please see your medical practitioner.

8, 26, 106, 34, 0.Useful in the treatment of twisted necks caused by prolonged immobility, such as sitting at a desk. Use several times a day or whenever needed.this map targets the neck vertebrae and spinal column.

26, 61, 3, 19, 0.These points and zones help the body eliminate toxins and wastes and increases our natural defenses. these are used for overall skin symptoms such as acne, eczema, psoriasis etc., however those specific issues also have their own set of points and zones. these points target the liver, kidneys and colon as these organs are the main causes for skin problems.

Give Vietnamese reflexology a go! If in some cases you find that it doesn’t work for you, I say it’s because you’re just doing it wrong. Go back to square one and start again!

To get more information and comprehensive diagrams on treating a wide range of health issues (including smoking, osteoporosis, ovarian cysts, gallstones, burns, depression and even shyness!), purchase Facial Reflexology by Marie-France Muller.

• Facial Reflexology: a self-care manual at Amazon.com – US$ 13.53
• Facial Reflexology: a self-care manual at the Book Depository – US$ 18.89

If you can read Vietnamese, get the books written by the founder Professor Bui Quoc Chau.

• Dien Chan

[1] Muller, Marie-France. Facial Reflexology. Healing Arts Press. inner Traditions International, 2006.

We all love our pets and want them to have long, pain free lives. Unfortunately as they age, they suffer from some of the same painful diseases the people do. Pain pills help, but often have bad side effects and don’t always alleviate the animal’s suffering. I found a way to ease the pains of my old dog and extend his life. Acupuncture.

When I noticed my ten-year-old Lab, Clark, still seemed to be in limping and in pain in spite of daily medication, I called my veterinarian and asked if he had any suggestions. He referred me to a wonderful vet who does acupuncture on animals. It’s not inexpensive but I love my dogs so much I’ll give something up in order to have the money to pay for treatments. We made an appointment for the following week.

I was afraid the needles would hurt my dog but when I met the vet he quickly allied my fears. I could tell immediately that he was one of the special ones, who really love and care about animals. to start, I sat on the floor next to my boy, stroking him while the doctor inserted needles. Clark never felt a thing. The vet told me we would have to wait about fifteen minutes for the full effect, so we chatted while Clark enjoyed all the attention. once the needles were removed, Clark wandered off to take a nap. That’s a typical response. for some reason, acupuncture makes animals sleepy.

The vet came weekly for two months, then monthly and finally we went to quarterly visits. Clark got better with each treatment until I never saw him limp. He ran and played with his two sisters in the back yard, his appetite was good – too good, he was a Lab and overweight, but mostly his quality of life improved exponentially. We cut way back on the pain medication, and eventually were able to stop giving it to Clark.

We were able to enjoy Clark for two more years until he left us to go to the Rainbow Bridge. I know without a doubt, that the acupuncture treatments not only extended his live, but also made his quality of life much better. in the future I wouldn’t hesitate to give my dogs acupuncture again.

Acupuncture has been used for centuries in China as a medical treatment for many diseases and discomforts. while it has been introduced to the West for quite some time, there are those who may still have reservations as to how effective it is and how it works.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). in TCM, it is believed that health is a balance of yin and yang within the body. Qi, or the life force (yang) is thought to flow through the body, like blood (yin) does. Acupuncture helps the flow of both Qi and blood. By applying fine needles to certain pressure points on the body, it is thought to release stagnation, drain excess and tone where there is deficiency.

TCM treats the body as a whole. Disease is the imbalance of yin and yang, and creating the balance is rather like allopathic medicine’s homeostasis. Acupuncture points are found along fourteen channels in the body along which the Qi and blood flow.

How it works

Acupuncture has been shown to have an effect on the immune system. It also stimulates the hormones, effects how gastric secretions are released, and how the blood flows. It can lower blood pressure and the production of red and white cells.

Our bodies operate by small electrical pulses. Our brains make electrical pulses which tell the nerves to transmit electrical pulses to the muscles that then move as directed, for example. Acupuncture taps into this electrical current and influences the body’s electromagnetic fields, creating changes in the flow. These changes influence how our body reacts and will stimulate different responses. Creating these new responses leads to a more balanced yin and yang to the body, and relief from the problem suffered by the patient.

How to find a qualified acupuncture doctor or acupuncturist

You may have acupuncture therapists listed in your local phone book. If not, contact some of the massage therapists that are listed. Some may be qualified acupuncturists as well or may know of some in your area. Herbal medicine experts may also know of some practitioners.

Once you have found one or more practitioners, you may want to ask them a few questions. Acupuncturists should be licensed by your state. ask about their qualifications. Where did they study? how long have they been practicing? do they also do any other kind of therapy? Is acupuncture their primary practice? What kind of problems can acupuncture treat?

The acupuncture doctor should not be upset that you are asking these questions. They should respond with specific and informational answers and encourage you to ask questions whenever you have them. They should also use proper hygienic practice during a treatment, and wipe everything down between sessions.

Once you’ve found an acupuncturist that you feel comfortable with, your treatments can begin.

Acupuncture may be used in conjunction with allopathic medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine or other therapies. It is used to treat ailments from depression, arthritis and fertility problems as well as many other discomforts. It can be a less expensive alternative to try for some health issues.

Numerous acupuncture websites and blogs exist that are quite helpful for students and professionals in acupuncture. it is important to stay informed and stay updated on the latest news in this field in order to be successful in it. As a student it is valuable to have resources for research and information gathering; as a professional it is important to have resources for networking and professional membership. there are acupuncture websites and blogs that provide all these things and much more.

Some acupuncture websites provide a smattering of information about a wide variety of subjects in the field, such as Acupuncture.com, which is a great resource for all kinds of people trying to gather information on the subject. this site in particular offers sections for patients, students and practitioners, as well as an employment section, online store and informative articles on the home page. Another good general site is YinYangHouse.com, which provides information about acupuncture and other types of alternative medicine. this site offers articles and other resources for newcomers, students and practitioners alike.

Some websites are dedicated just to students, such as TCMStudent.com. other websites, such as Insights-for-Acupuncturists.com, are dedicated to professionals. there are also websites intended specifically for patients and people interested in learning more. And there are even websites intended for pet owners, such as LuckyDogHealth.com, that include information about acupuncture and other alternative medicine treatments for dogs, cats and other critters.

A wide variety of acupuncture blogs exist on the Internet; far too many to list at one time. Practitioners, students, patients and experts on this subject have all created their own personal weblogs to inform the public about acupuncture from their point of view. A few of the most popular blogs for this subject field are DrBarak.com, Dr. Shiroko, Chinese Medicine Notes, Dr. Gray’s Straight Talk and The Spine Line.

If you’re interested in learning more about acupuncture, or if you are a student or practitioner in this field, there are websites and blogs out there for you. all you have to do is perform an Internet search, and you’ll see a good variety.

AcupunctureSchoolsU.com is one of best resource for those who are looking for best acupuncture courses and schools in United States and Canada. Here you will find detailed information about top Acupuncture Schools located in your area and request for free information how to enroll in the best acupuncture courses that are best for you.

I hurt my back when I played badminton two months ago. I know I should go to the doctor right away. However, I was thinking it may go away by itself. I am wrong again. when I sit too long, it hurts. when I stand too long, it hurts. when I stand up from the chair, it hurts. I just had a trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles. The flight was only an hour. I didn't feel sitting comfortable all the way down to L.a.

My primary care doctor said I hurt my nerve. X-ray shows the bone and muscle are fine. She refers me to see physical therapy. I saw Physical Therapy for my neck before. This is how I feel about PT. It takes too long to heal. my friend asked me to try massage therapy and Acupuncture. What do you think?

Licensed MT here, my ex is orthopedic doc.

Nerves DO take a long time to heal no matter what. It could take anywhere from 9 months to 3 years for nerve to heal. I have had injections straight through nerves so I have personal experience.

Xray will not diagnose soft tissue problems so cannot possibly show muscle and nerves are fine. only magnetic resonance can capture soft tissue diagnostic imaging.

Massage may very well aggravate an already angry nerve. Personally, I would never massage a nerve problem because it will increase inflammation in many cases.

Acupuncture may work, but not for everyone.

Anti-inflammatories and steroids are the only help for really bad cases. but anti-inflammatories also stop the healing process.

Ice is good. you must prepare to be patient.

This situation needs further evaluation. there is no simple answer here. true, nerves if damaged take a long time to heal. there could be a disc involved, but no one has diagnosed that yet (have they?) With any therapy, acupuncture, massage, physical therapy, etc., this sounds like it will take time. Just because you hurt yourself during an activity does not mean that activity is the root cause of this injury. you may have been developing this vulnerability for a long time. I have always come from a teamwork approach, meaning each healthcare provider is going to have his/her specialties and limitations. a full postural evaluation by a chiropractor, muscle work by a well-trained medical, sports or neuromuscular therapy massage therapist, and an active routine from a posturally-based physical therapist should create a good combination for continued health and wellness, even after the current condition is corrected. Your primary physician has written it off as soft-tissue damage/pain. The X-ray was negative and did not warrant an MRI, so start visiting some therapeutic professionals to discover what combination will keep you playing the sports you love

A few things. Use ice for 20 mins. on and as often as you want…don't freeze the tissue. you can use a heat pad too in between but heat causes inflammation…the ice lessens it. but the heat is soothing so, I do both. Now are you taking any medication? I like Advil…three over the counter strength with food twice a day. if something else works better for you use it. Now, take Epsom Salt baths and let the tension come out before going to bed. if you sleep on your side, out a small pillow between your knees, it aligns your spine so it doesn't have pressure on it when you are on your side. It will take at least 6 weeks to 10 weeks to get any better. if it takes longer go to an Orthopedic Dr. if he wants to do surgery go for a second opinion. you might be helped by a Chiropractor. I have been to several over the years and have been amazed when I walked out standing up after barely walking in. So, that would be my choice first. Good luck. Prayers coming your way. miss Mary