Acupuncture has been one of the most popular and sought-after areas of alternative medicine since ancient times and to this day. Initially, the technique was in demand only in Asian countries, which in ancient times were considered perhaps the best doctors in the world.
Over time, the technique began to spread to other countries, attracting more and more attention and adherents. And although some skeptics still believe that all the positive effectiveness for a sick person is based only on self-hypnosis, doctors do not think so.
In the course of numerous studies, experts came to the conclusion that the atlas of biologically active points, which were briefly called simply BAP, created several centuries ago, is scientifically substantiated.
What does acupuncture treat?
It is a mistake to believe that acupuncture is aimed solely at neutralizing health-threatening symptoms. It successfully fights the original source of the disease, especially for conditions when the victim suffers from muscle pain.
Content:
- What does acupuncture treat?
- Principle of operation
- Where are the points?
- Safe or not?
People whose professional activities are closely related to sports, active physical activity or constant sedentary work are the first at risk. They are the ones who often have to withstand severe muscle spasms due to overexertion of the same muscle groups every day.
But in addition to the beneficial effect on the muscular skeleton, the treatment helps to cope with some severe pathologies of internal organs. It is not for nothing that many doctors include acupuncture as part of complex therapy for chronic diseases.
Despite the fact that this format of assistance was first used by Asian sages, the term “acupuncture” itself was introduced only in the seventeenth century thanks to the Dutch physician Ten Ryne. He studied Chinese healing methods, and published the results of his work in scientific publications. This is how the first books appeared, which quickly spread among the medical community in Europe.
The stereotype that the Chinese alleviation program is still rejected by official medicine has long become obsolete. Today, world luminaries recommend using this generally accepted method for toning the body, as a calming activity and for the sake of relaxation. Some biologically active points began to be used to relieve pain or for stimulation.
Although the procedure has not been used for the first time, modern scientists continue to discover new BAPs, which allows the field to develop. To confirm the recognition of the strategy, specialists from the Ministry of Health began to issue certificates to acupuncturists. With such documents, doctors carry out legal activities, helping people survive the acute stage of illnesses or reduce unpleasant manifestations during the chronic course of the disease.
The basis for acupuncture, or, as it is also called, reflexology, is especially thin needles. They are created from a high-strength metal alloy that is safe for the human body.
And if initially the sages used only such tools, performing the entire procedure manually, now technology has advanced. Some medical centers offer electroacupuncture. Even laser variation is practiced. Some people are so keen on this that they even purchase a special massager for specific purposes.
Algorithms without needles are a little less known. Usually this is standard acupressure, which involves the implementation of the plan due to thermal or magnetic influence. Regardless of which specific methods were chosen, their spectrum of action is relatively similar.
Chinese branches of therapy are excellent against depression as part of an integrated approach, functional disorders, and severe pain syndrome.
Also, a correctly used regimen helps speed up recovery after a recent serious illness or severe emotional shock. At the same time, experts never tire of repeating that even if acupuncture is highly effective, it is better to combine it with traditional healing methods. The technique itself is effective, but as monotherapy it will work well only in the early stages of the disease, or for prevention.
True, some reviews claim that the method helped a number of patients after standard drug approaches did not bring the desired effect. When the victim is ready to slowly but surely move towards his goal, this type of therapy is suitable for him. A therapeutic intervention, subject to all medical recommendations, can improve well-being if you are diagnosed with:
- impotence;
- disorders of the functioning of the nervous system;
- osteochondrosis;
- hypotension;
- hypertension;
- cardiovascular disorders;
- destabilization of the intervertebral disc;
- frigidity.
An alternative route has proven itself well for headaches when it is not possible to determine the exact genesis, or due to constant emotional fatigue caused by stress. People seek help from a reflexology room with a runny nose, toothache, or cough. Some nutritionists are not against using acupuncture for weight loss.
Acupuncture and acupuncture points on the foot
The human foot is a reflection of almost all internal organs, so many doctors recognize the undeniable benefits of walking barefoot on textured surfaces: small pebbles or sand, freshly cut grass, and even just on the ground. During this, natural stimulation of active acupuncture points of the foot occurs, due to which the work of organs and systems “restarts”, blood circulation improves, tone and energy increase. If at the moment you do not have the opportunity to enjoy a pleasant walk barefoot, we suggest doing acupressure of the feet, and it will serve as an excellent preventive measure for many ailments:
- The Yongquan point in the center of the foot under the big toe is a receptacle of energy and vitality. Her massage helps restore health, improve the general condition of the body and normalize metabolic mechanisms.
- Acupuncture on the inner surface of the big toes is an effective remedy in the fight against colds. Even a simple self-massage of this area will reduce fever and body aches, reduce headaches, and relieve nasal congestion.
- A sure way to combat weakness and dizziness is to press on the nail plates of the toes. This way you can activate the body’s internal reserves, improve blood flow and fill tissues with oxygen.
- Fatigue can be relieved by massaging the acupuncture point on the first phalanx of the thumb.
- When treating a cough, acupuncture and acupressure at the base of the big toe will be a reliable assistant.
- The digestive zones are located in the central part of the foot and along the edges of the heel. Actively rubbing them will help overcome indigestion, constipation, bloating and other gastrointestinal problems.
- The convex pad under the thumb should be massaged for pain in the heart, shortness of breath, or heaviness in the chest.
- The inner part of the sole is closely interconnected with the spinal column. Massaging this area can help relieve back pain and tension by improving blood flow to the area.
- Massaging your toes is one of the proven remedies for nasal congestion.
- You can relieve tension, pain in the eyes and even strengthen your vision by acupressure of the area located at the foot of the index, middle and ring toes.
- Just below the zone responsible for vision is the projection of the lungs. Massage of this area is indicated for bronchitis, pneumonia and other diseases of the respiratory system.
How to influence an acupuncture point at home
There are many massage and self-massage techniques that will stimulate metabolic processes at an acupuncture point, activate the work of the projected organ and improve the general condition of the body:
- Pressing should be done smoothly. First, you should lightly touch the acupuncture zone, gradually increasing the intensity and duration of exposure.
- Intermittent pressure involves sequential alternation of intense pressure and relaxation.
- Longitudinal movement is rhythmic stroking of the acupuncture center with the pad of the thumb.
- Pinching involves grasping the skin located on a biologically active point with the pads of the thumb and forefinger.
- Vibration is a light tapping of the fingertips that causes vibration waves in the skin and muscle fibers.
- Rotational massage includes light circular movements around the perimeter of the acupuncture zone. The rotation frequency usually fluctuates around 60 rpm, during which the pressure becomes more noticeable.
Today, acupuncture and acupressure are excellent methods of prevention and non-drug treatment of various diseases. This approach can significantly improve the condition of the body, alleviate existing symptoms and prevent their occurrence in the future.
Principle of operation
In order for a unique massage to bring maximum benefit, the specialist must, before starting the session, figure out which areas need to have the greatest impact. When a future expert undergoes training, they explain to him that schematically all BAPs can be divided into four categories:
- harmonious;
- calming;
- activating;
- special
The first variation provides for responsibility for the work of a number of internal organs. The doctor will work with them to restore health in case of identified chronic lesions.
Calming zones are designed to stabilize the activity of the nervous system. Here it is necessary to take into account all meridians in order to relieve a person of the accumulated psycho-emotional burden. Moreover, it is not at all necessary that the primary source for this is a significant shock. People often accumulate stress within themselves, stressing out all the body’s systems from within for years.
Before the coming work week, when the mobilization of all hidden forces is required, it is better to put work with activating points first. So, during one session, use special needles to provoke a surge of energy to accomplish great things in the near future.
Special areas deserve special attention. They are unevenly scattered throughout the body and help heal various pathologies.
Regardless of which strategy is used: Vietnamese or Chinese, the mechanism of influence remains the same. As soon as some kind of malfunction occurs in the victim, this indicates that a stable connection has been broken between the “broken” organ and the point responsible for it.
The physical influence provided by a special sharp weapon is designed to quickly establish lost contact. As a reward, the victim receives restored connections and stabilization of his health. The same thing happens if veterinary reflexology is taken as a basis.
Positive dynamics do not always make themselves felt immediately upon completion of the manipulation. Sometimes the algorithm is carried out along the path of cumulative action, manifesting itself after a certain time. It all depends on the specific diagnosis and the degree of neglect of the disease. Despite the fact that BAPs are scattered in 32 directions throughout the body, scientists were able to group the most saturated areas. These areas were the ear, scalp, upper limbs, and feet.
Moreover, on the hands there may be two points very close to each other with completely opposite spectrums of influence. To avoid mistakes, only an experienced doctor should perform all actions with needles. It would be better if he completed not just specialized courses after a medical higher education institution, but began to constantly improve his own qualifications. This is explained by the fact that although only 150 points are used in the main work, there are about a thousand of them.
It is more effective to involve a larger number of them in your work in order to achieve the desired results, and then consolidate the positive changes obtained without the chance of relapse. Practical acupuncture takes only the ten most effective points as a basis, but is always open to those researchers who discover new healing territory.
Where are the points?
Many ordinary people are so captivated by the idea of receiving long-awaited healing through needles that they try to independently organize a search for BAT, using knowledge from thematic manuals.
But all such textbooks are written exclusively for people with medical education. You should not experiment with your own health without having the proper skills to do so. It will be more productive to make an appointment at a certified center, where sessions are conducted by experienced professionals. They use only proven devices.
Today, most practitioners prefer to use special equipment to achieve their therapeutic or preventive goals. But ancient doctors often acted in emergency cases with their fingers, pressing hard on certain communication centers with internal organs.
Even today something similar remains. Mention of such help can be found in advice given to those flying on airplanes to combat nausea during motion sickness. And if they have a headache due to the overwhelming need to constantly concentrate on something, then people automatically reach for their temples to press on them with force.
The development of the technique has made it possible to apply pressure more subtly in order to increase efficiency and at the same time reduce the risks of accidentally influencing completely unnecessary neighboring points.
Under the third thoracic vertebra there is a source of connecting communication aimed at:
- eliminating fatigue;
- stabilization of the respiratory system;
- acceleration of children's growth.
Only experienced reflexologists recommend using a special approach to children. The warning is explained by the fact that the baby’s body is constantly growing and transforming. It is more difficult to work with them, since the likelihood of a minor mistake greatly harming your well-being increases.
By influencing the area located four centimeters on either side of the spine with a focus on the twelfth vertebra, it will be possible to cure the spleen and also neutralize fears. The reason for this is the presence of several points at once that are particularly susceptible to influence.
Acupuncture localized near the second lumbar vertebra is designed to facilitate the passage of blood and also have a beneficial effect on the surge of male sexual energy. Alternative medicine uses the zone to improve hearing and increase endurance, which will especially appeal to people exposed to significant physical activity on a daily basis.
The feet also have their own secret areas of influence. One of the most studied is "hidden" between the ankle and the Achilles tendon, allowing you to work on correcting impotence. There is also a kind of trigger mechanism for relieving toothaches and attacks of rheumatism.
The acupressure technique often addresses the area of the second vertebra of the sacrum, because it is there that there is an area responsible for getting rid of gynecological diseases.
It also has a beneficial effect on the stabilization of joint activity, even when included in a program for rehabilitation after paralysis of the limbs.
When a person suffering from an acute respiratory infection comes to the appointment, he urgently needs to find the middle of the wrist fold of skin at the end of the tendon. A needle must also be inserted there if the victim has been diagnosed with diabetes. Just don’t forget about one important nuance: for women, the point is localized on the right hand, and for men, on the opposite hand.
A detailed diagram of the location of the BAP states that there is another active zone on the elbow joint. It is responsible for a general strengthening effect on the body, and also normalizes constantly fluctuating blood pressure.
It copes with leveling signs of fatigue, relieves dizziness, and also works for the benefit of visual acuity. Here, just like in the previous case, the point is located on different hands for men and women.
Acupuncture and acupuncture points on the hand
Despite the small size of the human palm, there are about 20 different points on its surface, which serve as a projection of 15 different organs. To get rid of discomfort and improve the condition of the body, massage the following areas:
- The Lao Gong point, located between the ring and middle fingers in the middle of the palm, can be easily felt if you clench your hand into a fist. Acupressure of this zone is recommended for diseases of the oral cavity - periodontal disease and stomatitis. In addition, regular pressure improves appetite and eliminates the unpleasant symptoms of heat stroke and food poisoning.
- The Nei Guan area, responsible for pain relief, is located between the two tendons of the wrist. Massage of this point can relieve any type of pain, calm, improve sleep, normalize blood pressure and heart rate.
- in the crease of the wrist is an area of heart disease. Perceptible pressure and circular massage of the area is the best method of relieving tachycardia, angina, and circulatory disorders. In addition, Shei-Men is included in the acupuncture program for frequent migraine attacks, chronic fatigue, weakness, dizziness and eye pain.
- Massaging the point on the bend of the phalanges of the thumb has a positive effect on hormonal levels and the functioning of the thyroid glands.
- Regular sessions of acupressure of the proximal phalanx of the index finger will help normalize the cardiac cycle. The complex of procedures for heart ailments also includes massage and acupuncture of the first phalanx and the bend of the middle finger. Do not be alarmed if, when you press on this area, slight tingling sensations appear on the left side of the sternum - this means that you were able to “reach” the desired organ.
- For colds affecting the trachea and throat, the best solution would be self-massage of two zones located under the second phalanx of the middle and ring fingers. A slight soreness during the session is a sure sign of a positive effect.
- For pathologies of the liver and spleen, it is recommended to influence the acupressure zone between the pads of the middle and index fingers.
- The points under the first phalanx of the little finger and in the middle of the inner surface of the palm are responsible for the condition of the gastrointestinal tract. Pressing on them helps to cope with nausea, bloating, flatulence, heartburn and other unpleasant sensations in the stomach and intestines.
Stimulation of acupuncture points on the palm can improve not only the physical condition, but also the emotional background. For example, the area at the base of the thumb regulates the activity of parts of the brain on which world perception and perception depend. The fingertips are directly related to the state of the nervous system: their massage helps relieve stress and anxiety, relaxes and improves mood. And the area on the wrist, where the pulse is usually measured, can influence the release of creativity and self-knowledge.