Traditional Chinese Medicine

This traditional Chinese medicine practice, is based on the same thoughts as that of acupuncture. Acupressure is applied by placing physical pressure either through hands, elbow or with the help of various traditional and modern devices on different points of the body surface.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) does not work within any scientific standard but some of the professionals formulate hard work to bring practices into a facts based medicinal framework. There is no scientific consent over whether or not proof supports the effectiveness of acupressure beyond a placebo (non-specific effects or subject-expectancy effects). According to the protocols of evidence-based medicine, existing clinical trials' reviews conducted by the Cochrane Collaboration and Bandolier concluded that a lack of effectiveness or lack of well-conducted clinical trials.

Acupoints used in the acupressure treatment may be in the same area of the body as the targeted symptom, but it may not always be the same. The TCM theory for the selection of such points and their effectiveness is that they work by stimulating the meridian system to bring about relief by rebalancing yin, yang and qi. The combinations of points are said to be used to manipulate or incapacitate an opponent. For e.g. martial artists massage their own acupressure points regularly in order to remove blockage from their own meridians, which in turn enhance their blood circulation and flexibility and keeping the points "soft" or less susceptible to an attack.

Acupressure might work by means of release of endogenous opioid analgesics such as encephalin, endorphin causing reduction of pain. Acupressure is considered as a safe form of therapy and its side effects are rare.

There are various Acupressure instrument available in the market. An acupressure wristband is an example of that instrument. It is said that it helps to relieve the symptoms of motion sickness and other forms of nausea. This band is intended to give pressure to the P6 acupuncture point, a point that has been comprehensively investigated. The Cochrane Collaboration, a group of evidence-based medicine reviewers, proclaim that the use of P6 for nausea and vomiting which is effective for reducing post-operative nausea, but not vomiting. The Cochrane review includes various means of stimulating P6, including acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, transcutaneous nerve stimulation, laser stimulation, acustimulation device and acupressure; it did not comment on whether one or more forms of stimulation were more effective. EBM reviewer Bandolier said that P6 acupressure in two studies showed 52% of patients with control having a success, compared with 75% with P6 acupressure.

But still acupressure is considered as one of the growing sector in alternative medicines in various parts of the world. Even the modern physicians are tending to the applications of this therapy.

Therapeutic touch

In case you are interested about energy healing, in this case, Reiki, here I show a true story of somebody. He is a Therapeutic Touch practitioner and has turned a few skeptics into true believers, he is proud to say he loves practicing Reiki healing.

I think that's great. It's something that I would be interested in learning if I had the time and resources for training. I think "touch" is one of the greatest things in this world and most overlooked when it comes to well- being.

There is a site that says you can learn Reiki online for free. However, although this free training and attunement on the internet may work, I personally would advise that you're best to find a Reiki master to be trained and attuned one to one.

Let me explain about Reiki and give a little background info so that you can make your own judgment, but what I am going to explain is based on explanation my friend gave to me. She has been trained and attuned in Reiki and finds it to be a really strange phenomena.

The 'attunement' that she mentions is when the ability to be a channel of the Reiki energy is passed on from the Master to the person being trained. What happens is that in effect they give you a more powerful treatment. Some of it seems like some kind of ritual or rain dance and involves touching your feet hands and head etc.

She was quite skeptical that it would work after this attunement (she is a scientist!). But all she can

say is that, to her amazement, she now gets a warm, tingling sensation in the palms of her hands when she places them on her body. It sounds crazy, she knows, but that's the way it feels.

So how is this attunement done over the internet? As well as being able to treat people by contact, you are also said to be able to 'send' energy to someone a great distance away. She has no experience of whether or not this works or not, but people she has spoken to say that it does.

There is a web page claims to do the attunement like this - they probably do it by using your name and address and doing the attunement on a dummy. This may work but if done from a distance the attunement may not work as well. Also she thinks you need to speak to someone one to one and you will be bound to have lots of questions to ask after the attunement. It can have a very profound effect on people and lots of questions arise. Her Reiki Master lives locally and she can ring her go or go and see her. Also, it does help to actually see the hand positions used rather than just on the web or in a book.

Relaxation response

When you are feeling stressed and tense, it is hard to accomplish anything and you are usually just in a bad mood. Yoga exercises and meditation are two great ways to relieve stress and reach a feeling of calmness. Release your stress with the yoga meditation relaxation response.

Yoga asanas or exercises combined with meditation give your body a natural relaxation response that fights stress. The asanas release tension in the body and meditation releases turbulence in the mind and emotions. In addition to that, practicing yoga will also increase your happiness and serenity, both of which will make you feel better in the long run.

It is impossible to avoid all stress but you are able to help yourself avoid the negative effects by learning how to activate the relaxation response. During a stress response your body is filled with chemicals that prepare you for "fight or flight" which is helpful during an emergency, but it is bad when it is active over a long period of time.

The relaxation response gets your system back into balance by: reducing stress hormones, relaxing your muscles, deepening your breathing, and slowing your heart rate and blood pressure. It also increases your energy and focus, relieves aches and pains, boosts motivation and productivity, and combats illness.

When practicing yoga, you gain the body, mind and emotions come into harmony. When this happens you have an incredible sense of well being. Just like when you feel stressed and tense your day doesn't go well, when you start out with well being, everything in your day seems to go really well.

Another way to reduce your stress is with meditation. When people think of meditation they picture Buddhist monks who sit with their legs crossed in silence trying to achieve inner peace. This is essentially what you are supposed to do, but you do not have to cross your legs unless you want to. Sitting in silence and focusing your mind on a meditation object is a great way to clam the mind and emotions and activate the relaxation response.

When you feel tense, it is because your bodies stress levels are increasing. While this is good in an emergency situation, it is not good for your daily life. In order to lower your stress levels you need to activate your relaxation response, and the best way to do that is by doing yoga exercises and meditation.

Reiki/energy medicine

Japanese Reiki is a method of healing that employs what we refer to in modern English as the "bio-energy field" or simply "life energy". The life energy has different names in different traditional healing rationales, such as prana in Ayurvedic Medicine, qi in traditional Chinese medicine and ki in Japanese Reiki healing.

Simply put, the idea is that there is an energy field that surrounds all living things. It's easy enough to understand the idea, but not so easy for some people to accept. It is hard for some people to accept the existence of anything that they cannot see with the naked eye, but modern science would not have advanced this far if there were not people who could accept the existence of things that they could not see.

History of Japanese Reiki Healing

There are many stories and legends surrounding the beginning of Japanese Reiki. The fact is that Usui Maiko operated a dojo or school in Japan in the early 1920s, at which he taught students to recognize and use the bio-energy field to heal illnesses of all types. In the West, the word dojo has come to mean a school of martial arts, but in Japan, the word is used to refer to any school and literally means "place of the way".

Usui called his system "Reiki Ryoho", a system of healing that involves the use of the Universal life force. The term "Japanese Reiki" is sometimes used in the West to refer to the system that he designed, because over time different teachers have taught different versions of the healing art.

The idea of "healing with the hands" did not begin with Usui. He simply created a system that made it easy for people to learn the art. Whether or not he was divinely inspired is a matter of personal opinion. Apparently he was "inspired" in some way and believed that it was important to teach others.

It is a fact that he taught many people, including officers of the Japanese Navy. It is a fact that he formed a society known as Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkei. The society still exists in Japan and is called Usui Kai.

One of Usui's students, Chujiro Hayashi, went on to teach the Hawaiian born Japanese American woman Hawayo Takata. Takata eventually taught Japanese Reiki healing in Hawaii.

Many of her students continue to teach. Currently there are Japanese Reiki teachers or masters in the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe and many parts of the world. The system is still taught in Japan, as well.

Simply and briefly stated, that is the history of Japanese Reiki healing. Several authors have written books composed almost entirely of the history of Usui Maiko and his students, probably hoping to dispel some of the myths that surround the man's life, i.e. he was a professor of Christian theology at a Japanese University and studied at the University of Chicago in the United States. There is no evidence that either of these is t

Reflexology

Reflexology is an ancient and natural healing process that dates back at least 5,000 years to Egyptian and Oriental cultures. Some call it a kin to Acupuncture because specific points and target areas guide practitioners of both techniques. However, Acupuncture incorporates the use of fine needles applied to the entire body, whereas Reflexology does not use needles and concentrates on the feet. Reflexology can also be performed on the hands and ears.

The science of Reflexology considers the feet to be mini-maps of the human body, with each organ, gland, and part of the body linked to a corresponding reflex area or point in the foot. By targeting a certain area or point, Reflexology speeds relief to the corresponding part of the body.

A Reflexologist can work on different parts of the feet to facilitate healing for individual conditions, however, it is desirable to work on all areas to put the entire body into balance. Some examples of how Reflexology assists in healing, or simply alleviating specific pain or discomfort, are as follows:

Condition: Menstrual cramps Area(s) of the foot a Reflexologist would concentrate on: Ankle Top of the Foot Inner Heel

Corresponding area in the body to these points in the foot: Reproductive Organs

Condition: Back, Shoulder & Neck Tension

Area(s) of the foot a Reflexologist would concentrate on: Inside Edge of Foot

Corresponding area in the body to these points in the foot: Spine

Condition: Digestive Problems Area(s) of the foot a Reflexologist would concentrate on: Center of Arch

Corresponding area in the body to these points in the foot: Large and Small Intestines By helping the body self-regulate and balance itself, Reflexology has a unique capacity to relieve stress buildup. Beyond the specific results that have been reported-relief from migraines, constipation, colds/flu symptoms, back/neck pain, digestive problems-Reflexology creates an overall calm that seems to envelop the body, allowing the body and mind to decompress and release energy flow. As a result, the body experiences greater stamina and energy, enhanced productivity and creativity, and emotional equilibrium. Clients with chronic problems such as allergies, chemical dependencies, and weight management issues also report significant improvement.

Is Reflexology a medical treatment? No. Reflexology is not a medical treatment, nor is it a foot massage. Rather, Reflexology is a distinct system of natural healing. It is both a science that requires study, sound technique and practiced skills, and an art that must be approached with dedication and patience.

Does Reflexology hurt? It is rare that a client reports pain during a Reflexology session. Twenty-six bones, 56 ligaments, 38 muscles, and 7,000 nerves make up each foot, therefore there is a lot of territory stimulated during a session. The sensations experienced during a Reflexology session are felt in the feet, not in the corresponding organs, glands or body parts. However, it is common for a client to feel sore in various parts of his/her body 1-2 days after a session. The reason for the soreness is because toxins are released from the feet during a session and often it takes the body's own elimination system some time to flush them from the body. An open dialogue between client and therapist is encouraged so that the client gets the most out of his/her session.

Who uses Reflexology today? Reflexology is easy to learn and yet so powerful. It has grown so popular in recent years that surgeons and other medical doctors, chiropractors, podiatrists, dentist, nurses, midwives, physical therapists, occupational therapists and massage therapists use it as a complimentary modality. To illustrate how it can be used in conjunction with medical practices, imagine the following scenario: A pregnant woman has gone into labor. Although some of the pain she experiences can be treated with modern pharmaceuticals, she still suffers from pain and discomfort in her lower back and neck. In order to help relieve her neck/back pain, Reflexology is performed on her feet, specifically to the inside edges-a very non-invasive treatment to an internal problem. There are no needles and nothing needs to be exposed other than her feet. In just on hour, she feels a renewed sense of calm and her neck/back pain has subsided, allowing her to focus on the miracle of childbirth! In addition, many interested lay people choose to learn Reflexology to help reduce stress in their everyday lives, or in the lives of friends and family members.

Is Reflexology safe? Reflexology safe to practice on persons of all ages, including children and seniors, and regular sessions have been known to assist in various chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer, addictions, terminally ill, and obesity.

Osteopathy

What to Expect on Your First Treatment

Understanding what to expect on your first osteopathy treatment goes a long way to making you more comfortable and therefore contributes to a better treatment experience. Firstly, seeing an osteopath is very common. In fact over 30,000 Australians have an osteopathic treatment each day.

Osteopaths are classified as primary healthcare providers by the Australian health system. This means that you do not need to secure a doctor's referral in order to make an appointment. As osteopaths are registered health professionals, you are also eligible for private health insurance rebates, which can significantly reduce the cost of a treatment.

What Should I Bring to a Treatment?

As osteopathy is a manual therapy that focuses on helping your body heal itself, there is no need to bring anything to your treatment. It's recommended that you bring any recent x-rays, especially if they relate to your area or concern. An osteopath has training in reading x-rays and identifying their information.

It's also a good idea to wear loose fitting clothes, as this helps your joints move freely during the treatment. Tight clothing tends to restrict movement and thereby restrict the osteopath's treatment technique.

Although times vary between osteopaths, expect your initial treatment to last about one hour. During this time your first treatment will be split into two parts: your medical history and your treatment.

Treatment Part 1: Your Medical History

The first 20-30 minutes of your initial osteopathic consultation will be spent discussing your medical history directly with the osteopath. This will generally be a casual chat, which the osteopath uses to identify any underlying areas which may directly or indirectly contribute to your health concerns. Your osteopath will also take the time to explain the practice of osteopathy and debunk any myths about osteopathy.

It's important to be open with your osteopath. Like a doctor, your osteopath is there to help. If you choose to withhold information, be aware that this information may be the missing puzzle piece which could help your osteopath address your health concern. Every osteopath is bound by patient / doctor confidentiality. Common areas of discussion include:

• Any health concerns that you believe you currently have
• Any health concerns you have had previously
• Any medical treatments or advice you are currently on or subscribing to. Including the names of medications their reasons for use and length of treatment.

Treatment Part 2. Your Physical Treatment

Once you have discussed your medical background, your osteopath should have an indicative understanding of your past and present health concerns. It's now time to formally test these views through a thorough osteopathic diagnosis. In this part of the treatment you will be required to lie on the osteopathic treatment table and prepare for your manual treatment.

Osteopaths are happy to accommodate your clothing preference during your treatment. Given that treatments do involve massage and musculo-skeletal assessment, it's strongly advised that patients remove their tops (ladies can keep their bras on). Osteopaths will usually give you towels to cover up, both for warmth and modesty. You are usually not required to take off your pants during a treatment, unless you have a very specific condition.

Your osteopath will conduct a thorough diagnosis, paying special attention to your areas of concern. These diagnosis techniques will either support your osteopath's initial diagnosis, or lead to further diagnostic testing to reveal other potential causes.

Once your osteopath has determined an accurate diagnosis, they will discuss what they have found and the appropriate technique that's used to treat your health condition. The technique your osteopath uses will vary depending on your conditions, your level of mobility and how your body reacts to manual therapy. Your osteopath will always ensure that you are comfortable with the osteopathic techniques used during your treatment.

Subsequent osteopathic consultations are usually for 30 minutes and focus predominately on physical assessment and treatment.

Nutrition therapy

If you're constantly aggravated with IBS attacks, changing your diet is one of the best solutions. While using nutrition therapy for irritable bowel syndrome wont cure IBS, it can change the quality of your life. You can reduce or eliminate attacks and get back to living life without the pain and problems of IBS. Recurring symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, or constipation are common IBS problems. Doctors are unsure to the exact cause of these more severe symptoms. Doctors do realize that what you eat can greatly affect your IBS symptoms. Nutrition therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome varies depending on how your body reacts to certain foods and the symptoms.

Begin Slowly With Nutrition Therapy For Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Many people may wonder if nutrition therapy for irritable bowel syndrome is different for men and women since more women have problems with this condition. No one will have the same nutritional needs or identically the same reaction to the foods they eat. The first part of successful nutrition therapy for irritable bowel syndrome begins with keeping a symptom journal. Certain foods may set off an attack. By recording the foods you eat and when attacks occur, you'll be able to being to see a pattern that correlates with foods.

To better control these attacks, you need to have a better understanding about the way your body reacts to foods. Not all patients with IBS have the same food aggravations.

Many sufferers begin avoiding certain foods all together but in all reality, you need to have some of these foods in your diet. The best way to begin nutrition therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome is to add more fiber to your diet. Fiber will only make stools easier to pass, with less cramping and pain. Some foods that are high in fiber that you should begin working in your diet are fruits, whole-grains, and legumes. It is also important to drink plenty of water. These two changes can make a big difference almost immediately. If you are not a fan of eating fiber-rich foods, you can always take fiber supplements but with any fiber, you do not want to take a lot at once and irritate your system. The best way to keep your system going normally is to add fiber gradually. Make notes of all the foods that cause you to have gas, cramping, bloating, or diarrhea.

Ground flaxseed is another great product that you can add to your diet. Flaxseed has fiber and can help relieve many symptoms of IBS. Make sure you eat ground flaxseed instead of whole, because whole flaxseed does not digest as well as when the seeds are ground.

When it comes to nutrition therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome, no two diets will be alike. Make sure to increase fiber content and eat a variety of foods from each food group. Limiting yourself to only a few specific foods will often cause you more problems that it will correct. Pay attention to what your body is trying to tell you. Make gradual changes and you'll find your life with IBS getting better and better.