A common practice in alternative medicine is known as acupressure. Acupressure is defined as being the application of the hands or the fingers to the body, creating pressure on the body. These specific points on the body, which are commonly referred to as acupoints by many acupressure practitioners, lie along meridians which are perceived to be invisible lines made up of flowing energy in the body.

Acupressure comes from traditional Chinese medicine. In traditional medicine, the stimulation of these points using acupuncture or acupressure has been thought to restore the proper flow of energy in the body, known as Qi, as well as to treat a number of specific conditions and ailments including headaches, nausea and muscle tension.

Acupressure can either be done on your own self or performed by a practitioner, typically a licensed acupuncturist. There are a number of different acupressure points, but one of the most common ones is known as PC6, and it is located just on the inside of your wrist. Another can be found in the skin between the thumb and the forefinger, and it is believed that placing pressure here for a period of time can relieve nausea as well as chronic headaches.

Acupressure is not for everyone, but if you have a chronic condition and you are looking for a non-conventional way to treat it, then you should consider that alternative medicine practices such as acupressure and acupuncture have shown themselves to be capable of helping in certain situations. Work with a licensed acupuncturist when determining whether or not this type of therapy can benefit you.

When it comes to taking herbs, you may actually be unwittingly making a mistake that could potentially harm your health. Here is a look at one of the biggest mistakes that you could be making when it comes to taking herbs.

Are you drinking chamomile tea without really knowing what types of medications it is capable of interacting with?

Most people think that chamomile tea is simply harmless, but the truth is that this seemingly harmless tea can have some pretty serious side effects when it is combined with specific types of medications, and so it is important for you to be aware of these potential interactions so that you can avoid them.

Here is an example: There was a case that was published in Canadian Medical Association Journal in the April 2006 issue that describes how a 70 year old woman was being treated by her physician with a drug called warfarin, when she was simultaneously using chamomile. She ended up being admitted to the hospital because she had internal bleeding, and it turned out that she had been using chamomile body lotion and chamomile tea as a means of self treating some cold symptoms that she had.

There is actually a pretty extensive list of drugs and medications that are capable of interacting with chamomile. It is important that you speak to your physician before you take chamomile, or tell your physician that you are taking chamomile if he or she plans to put you on a new medication so that you can prevent a completely unnecessary interaction from happening between your medications and your herbal supplements. A little bit of forethought can go a long way in ensuring your good health and overall safety.

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How to Use Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is also known as Melissa officinalis, and it is an herb that is used fairly regularly for the treatment of stress and anxiety. This essential herb is actually a member belonging to the mint family. It contains what are known as terpenes, and these are chemicals that are thought to be capable of producing a relaxing effect. There are a number of potential uses for this lemon balm herb. Some of the common health claims that lemon balm is applied to are going to include the prevention or the treatment of the following conditions: Heartburn, indigestion, genital herpes, cold sores, insomnia and anxiety.

There have not been very many scientific studies to date that have focused on any health benefits that are associated with lemon balm. Despite this, findings from the currently available research are suggesting that this herb is definitely showing promise in the treatment of a number of things. Because of its antiviral properties, lemon balm can be used to treat cold sores for example. Lemon balm may also be capable of benefiting people that are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, at least according to a study from back in 2003. Additionally, lemon balm has been recommended for the treatment of insomnia, anxiety and a number of other conditions as well. Lemon balm is generally going to be considered to be safe, but it can interact with some medications and so you should not attempt using it as a supplement without first speaking to your physician.

You can generally purchase lemon balm in a capsule, tincture or tea form depending on personal preference. Make sure when making lemon balm tea that you keep the steam in, because it is thought to contain all of the therapeutic aromatic oils of the herb.

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Using Essential Oils Daily

Essential oils and aromatherapy have been proven in some studies to benefit the body and overall health in different ways. There are hundreds of different essential oils that are said to be capable of enhancing health, but that does not mean that every one of them has been studied in depth to explore the beneficial effects. The current research regarding aromatherapy is somewhat limited, but some essential oils have so far proven themselves capable of helping in the treatment of specific conditions.

Lemon, for example, is said to be capable of improving your mood when you breathe in its scent. This is according to a study from 2008 that tested 56 volunteers. Studies have also showed, however, that lemon oil does not lower blood pressure, ease pain or lessen stress. A study in 2009 indicated that animals inhaling linalool from lemon essential oil decreased their stress-elevated immune cell levels.

Another essential oil that has proven itself capable of working is lavender. People say that lavender has a sedative effect, and so it has proven itself capable of relieving anxiety and lessening insomnia in several different studies. One study was published in 2007 that showed lavender to be capable of alleviating agitated behaviors in older adults suffering from dementia.

Tea tree oil has been used for a very long time in folk medicine for the purpose of treating burns, cuts, infections and a number of other skin conditions. It may also be capable of killing Staphylococcus aureus, the bacteria that is responsible for causing staph infections, at least according to a report from 2009.  Other studies have showed that tea tree oil can be effective in treating a number of other conditions including dandruff, athlete’s foot and warts.

Another worthwhile essential oil is rosemary. If you sniff rosemary for five minutes you can experience a decrease in a stress hormone known as cortisol, according to a study that was conducted in 2007.

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Understanding Aromatherapy and Essential Oils

In the alternative medicine known as aromatherapy, specific plants known as essential oils are utilized in order to promote healing and to stimulate well being. If you are suffering from any of a number of different conditions, then the odds are good that aromatherapy may be able to have some kind of an impact. Aromatherapy is often incorporated into other therapies, such as massage for example, because you can apply the essential oils into the skin by way of a carrier oil. Aromatherapy oils can also be inhaled using an aromatherapy diffuser or something similar for example.

You can think of essential oils as being a highly potent substance containing all of the aromatic compounds from within a plant. These oils are capable of being extracted from a wide variety of different parts of the plant, including the roots, the leaves and the flowers.

There are a wide variety of different types of aromatherapy practices and essential oils. Some of these essential oils are more advantageous than others in delivering the results that they are meant to. Five essential oils that have been proven to be successful include lemon, lavender, tea tree, rosemary and peppermint.

Breathing in lemon can improve your mood significantly according to a study from 2008. Lavender is believed to have sedative properties, and so it can relieve insomnia and anxiety according to a number of different studies. Tea tree oil has been used in folk medicine for many years for burns, cuts, infections and a number of other skin conditions and it is recommended for use in pets as well as people. Rosemary has a scent that can help you relieve stress because it decreases cortisol levels. Peppermint on the other hand can help to relieve irritable bowel and when breathed in can relieve tension headaches and improve energy. These are all basic essential oils and herbs that can have a profoundly positive impact when you use them properly from day to day.

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Acupuncture for Pain Relief

There are a number of different pain conditions that acupuncture can be used to help, including people that are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, people that have severe menstrual cramps and people that have TMJ which is also known as temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Acupuncture has also been beneficial for people dealing with arthritis conditions, lower back pain, headaches and migraines.

Acupuncture for Headaches and Migraines

According to a research review that was published back in 2009, acupuncture can be as effective as medication if not more so than in protecting people from migraines. Another review done in 2009 indicated that acupuncture may also be capable of benefiting people that have frequent chronic tension headache episodes.

Acupuncture for Arthritic Conditions

According to recent research, acupuncture may also be capable of benefiting people that have osteoarthritis, especially in the knees. According to a review and a meta-analysis in 2007, researchers have found that administering acupuncture in an intensive treatment regimen over two to four weeks may offer significant relief for this type of arthritis related knee pain.

Acupuncture for Lower Back Pain

According to a study back in 2009, 638 adults that had chronic lower back pain were studied. They participated and underwent 10 different acupuncture sessions that were administered across a period of seven weeks. These people showed much greater improvement in their symptoms in comparison to those that only received standard care. A year after the treatment, the study members that were in the acupuncture group had still showed significant improvements in their dysfunction, showing the potential for long term relief.

Emerging evidence is suggesting that a number of different people are going to be able to benefit from acupuncture, including people that are suffering from TMJ or temporomandibular joint dysfunction, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome and even menstrual cramps. These are just some of the ailments that have shown to be treatable using acupuncture and other alternative treatments.

Originally practiced in Chinese Medicine for many years, acupuncture is regarded as an alternative medical therapy that involves the use of needles in order to stimulate very specific points on your body. Each of these points is said to be connected with meridians, which are specific pathways within the body that are responsible for carrying your vital energy throughout your body.

According to theories regarding acupuncture, it is blockages in your natural flow of energy or “chi” that disrupt your well being and lead to become ill. It is believed that when you stimulate these acupuncture points, blockages can be cleared up that will allow you to return to a healthier and more vital state. Because this type of practice involves needles, it is vitally essential that you only allow a licensed practitioner to practice acupuncture on your body, and that you never do it to your own self.

Acupuncture is commonly used for treating pain, and pain complaints and musculoskeletal complaints actually account for as many as seven of the top ten different conditions that individuals use acupuncture for. According to the National Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, acupuncture is appearing to be a truly promising alternative for people with a wide variety of different pain conditions, but it is apparent that further research is going to be needed before any conclusions can be drawn about how effective acupuncture actually is for these conditions.

Acupuncture is commonly used for migraines and regular headaches, arthritis conditions and lower back pain. Acupuncture has also been recommended for people that are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, people that have severe menstrual cramps and people that have TMJ which is also known as temporomandibular joint dysfunction. There are a number of other ailments as well that acupuncture may be capable of treating, but the official word is still out as people try to understand how acupuncture can impact the flow of energy in the body, and the health of the body accordingly.

Some say yes, others say no. Whatever the response, people are citing a number of different reasons for their opinion.

Those who believe that an electronic cigarette is safer than a regular cigarette give several typical responses. One is that the device is safer because no tobacco product is being burned, thus no tars or chemicals are being taken into the body (as happens with regular cigarettes).

Others say that an electronic cigarette is safer because even if the contains some nicotine liquid, the amount taken in is nowhere near that of a regular cigarette. Less nicotine means less danger from nicotine intake; plus, taking in less nicotine can help them cut down or even stop smoking regular cigarettes.

The argument is also made that an electronic cigarette is safer because nothing is burning. There is no danger of burning oneself or someone else with the lit end, or of anything catching fire should one fall asleep while smoking an electronic cigarette. This can be especially true, they say, of those devices that have automatic shut-off features that operate when the device has not been puffed on for a while.

Those who take an opposing view say they believe an electronic cigarette is not safer because the filters and delivery methods in the devices can actually release harmful chemicals. They also say that if one smokes an electronic cigarette that contains liquid nicotine, the chemical is being absorbed in the body, and even a small amount is too much.

They also say that anyone who truly wants to quit smoking can take advantage of smoking cessation methods such as nicotine patches or even acupuncture, which is a part of traditional Chinese medicine practices. Any of these may help someone be able to stop smoking entirely, without having to rely on e-cigarettes.

TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) is often an alternative source of health medicine all over the world, dominating the Asian market to begin with. In fact, it is considered as the mainstream method of treatment all over in East Asia. The West is yet to accept it as a major force in the medical world as the majority of the Western society depends largely on allopathic remedies.

TCM is not a single dimensional way of treating people as it consists of various forms of treatments such as acupuncture, massage, herbs and dietary therapies. TCM’s roots are supposedly quite deep in to the history of ancient China. Arguably it is the kind of treatment that has been going on in China and East Asia for thousands of years. TCM is based on the clinical observation of Nature and how it interacts with the human body, and vice versa. It studies the cosmos as well to get deep in to the remedial system of human body system. TCM has got its practice majorly through family tradition as it has moved from one generation to the other to establish its dominance.

China is one of those countries who prefer to update themselves with modern technologies and advancements without refusing the history, culture and tradition. As a part of that, TCM has also been modernized in its application. Now the major ingredients of TCM, such as herbs and plants, are transformed in to tablets and soluble granules. China has its medication source from living creatures as well. The living creatures used for preparing TCM, which are about 25 in number, include frogs, earthworms, bees and snakes. Their key ingredients are now packed in sachets as pills. Another example of its modernization is that Artemisinin, an extensively used western drug to treat malaria, has got its inspiration from the major ingredients of TCM.

The philosophy behind Chinese Medicine is that the human body is made up of a set of systems that are interconnected with one another. Chinese medical practitioners akin the human body to the universe and state that it is ruled by yin and yang energies. Their view of disease or illness is that it arises out of the malfunctioning of interconnected body systems or simply put – an imbalance in yin and yang forces. It is only when there is harmony between these two life forces that a person’s qi or vitality is maintained and they enjoy good health. There are five critical elements in the human body and Chinese medicine aims to balance these elements to heal the body of its various illnesses.

Chinese health medicine is useful for treating a variety of health problems. Here is a look at the conditions that it can treat:

Respiratory problems such as chronic cough, perennial rhinitis, asthma, bronchitis and sinusitis

Gastro-intestinal problems such as chronic constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis

Rheumatological problems and urinary problems

Psychological problems such as depression, anxiety and so on

In the west, Chinese alternative medicine is viewed as alternative form of therapy, but in China it is used alongside modern medicine. Its popularity has risen over the years, owing to the fact that it does not cause any side effects since it does not make use of any harmful chemicals. Those who have undergone treatment feel re-energized and vitalized. It has shown positive results for problems such as asthma, bronchitis, arthritis, gastro-intestinal diseases and so on.

Many people are seen to opt for alternative medicines now-a-days because it does not give the kind of side effects experienced with chemical-based drugs. It includes a wide range of practices such as massage therapy, chiropractic, naturopathy, acupuncture, herbal medicine, acupuncture, and naturopathy.

Alternative health medicine has been used to treat a variety of illnesses such as bad breath, insomnia, heart disease, allergies, depression, skin problem, gastrointestinal problems, arthritis and much more. Though in the west, alternate medicine is not used in general hospitals in China, Chinese Medicine in the form of herbal treatment methods or acupuncture is used alongside modern medicines.

Chinese Alternative Medicine is based on the philosophy of yin and yang energies, which must be in the right balance for the body to function normally. The oldest book on Chinese medicine Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic, extensively describes the use of various forms of herbs for treating various health complications. It indicates the use of 365 different species of roots, stones, woods, grass, fur and also animals for curing diseases.

A diagnosis of a problem is based on observation of symptoms rather than the use of laboratory tests. There are four types of observation methods used and these include general observance of sickness symptoms, finding out background of the patient, hearing the patient and also smelling their body odor and finally touching them to understand their body strength and area of ailment.

Chinese alternate treatment methods are extensive. It encompasses auriculotherapy, acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, Qigong, Tui na and much more. The form of treatment chosen depends on the illnesses and careful observation of what is necessary to cure the problem. It takes a good Chinese alternate medical practitioner a lot of years to understand various health problems and treatment methods and become fully accomplished in handling the treatment process. Today, it is favored by many because they find that it provides effective treatment, without causing undue side effects.

TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), which is often an alternative foundation of health medicine all over the world, dominates the East Asian market.

The history behind the development of TCM goes back to Buddhist and Taoist philosophies which proclaim a unique thought that human beings possesses a close bonding with mother Nature. Every activity of human beings is directly or indirectly connected with the environment they are surrounded with.

Chinese legends say that Yellow Emperor composed a book named Neijing: Suwen which deals with the basic questions about the “Inner Cannon”. He composed the same after having a conversation with Qibo, his minister. This book is supposed to be the foundation of TCM. However, modern scholars have their disagreements regarding this. According to them, this book was brought together only about 2,000 years or so, which means it was not done before Han Dynasty.

There were significant developments in TCM all through Middle Ages. The noteworthy emperor of Tang Dynasty, Emperor Gaozong, was responsible for the commissioning of one materia medica, which was a compiled academic research. It took note of 833 substances worth medicinal worth. These substances were in use taking from stones, cereal crops, minerals, metals, herbs, animals, plants, fruits and vegetables. These ingredients were categorically recorded in accordance with their pharmaceutical employments.

TCM is viewed in recent history as a major part of evolution in modern medical science. There was a time when evil spirits were accused of being responsible for all the diseases but TCM can be regarded as the first of the lot to give it a scientific thought while curing a disease. This medical method is entirely based on observation and practical implementations of available resources. The Western civilization has identified TCM long back even in the 18th century when acupuncture was not an uncommon way of treating illnesses.

Chinese Alternative Medicine seeks to treat illnesses through a combination of various techniques that cure diseases by unblocking the energy flow in the body. One of the most well-known Chinese treatment methods is acupuncture.

According to the acupuncture theory, the body’s vital energy is Qi and it circulates throughout various body parts through energy channels called meridians. This flow of energy is similar to the way the body’s circulatory system works. If there is any interruption on the flow of Chi, the body succumbs to illness.

This form of medical treatment began around 2500 BC and is highly effective in treating various diseases that cannot be cured by western medicine. There are many acupuncture styles and techniques and these include Japanese style acupuncture, Korean Hand Acupuncture, Auricular Acupuncture, and Classical Chinese Acupuncture. The most commonly practiced form in the United States is the Classical Chinese Acupuncture.

The process of healing is done at three levels – mind, body and spirit. In curing the problem, it seeks to not just completely remove the symptoms of the problem but also the cause. Traditional acupuncture can treat chronic problems such as arthritis, migraines, and also other problems such as PMS, depression, chronic fatigue, headaches, migraines, chronic back pain, withdrawal symptoms of drugs and alcohol, infertility and so on.

During an acupuncture session, needles are inserted in various points of the body for the purpose of releasing blocked energy. However, it is not just the inserting of needles that is the critical factor here. In addition to the use of needles, a wide array of herbs is used with the needles or on their own. Pressure points are massages to help relieve muscle tension and bring abut relaxation. Lifestyle changes are also prescribed to reinforce treatment effects.

Acupuncture is a very effective alternate medicine or health medicine. In order to gain the best benefits from acupuncture treatment, it is necessary to have it done by an expert. Depending on individual health and the illness, it can take just a couple of sessions or maybe many sessions to ensure that the problem does not continue.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is sought after for curing health problems, because it is highly effective and can bring about definite positive results. The reason behind its effectiveness is that it likens the human body to the universe and all systems inside the body to be interlinked to one another, just like elements of the universe.

The entire body has a crisscross of meridians flowing through it through which the body’s energy, referred to as Chi in Chinese Traditional Medicine flows. When the energy is blocked, illness occurs. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) looks into releasing this blocked energy for making the body to function properly.

TCM practices include herbal medicine, qugong exercises, and acupuncture. Major theories that govern treatment are five Phases, Meridian System, Zang Fu, Six confirmations and four levels. The most important of these theories is the five elements theory. The five elements on which TCM is based are Water (kidney, ears), Wood (liver, eyes), Fire (heart, sexual glands, and tongue), Earth (spleen, mouth) and Metal (lungs, nose). This five elements theory has been use for more than 2000 years for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment of various illnesses.

Unlike modern medical practices, TCM does not make use of lab tests to check for the health problem. It makes use of methods such as observation, using hearing and smell, and touching to find out the exact cause of the problem and a means for curing it.

TCM can cure problems such as anxiety, spinal stnosis, high blood pressure, allergies, arthritis, insomnia, bipolar disorder, psoriasis, and even spinal cord injury. In order to get the best results from treatment it is necessary to consult an experienced practitioner. This way the health problem is addressed at the root level so that the actual cause of the problem is analyzed and the problem rectified to bring about normal health once again.

The philosophy behind TCM is the energy Chi – Qi, which is considered to be a vital part of the human body. This is the energy that animates the entire body and makes everything to work as required. The Chinese consider Qi to flow through all meridians of the body. It is important to keep the meridians clear so that body health is maintained. Chinese Traditional Medicine can pinpoint at body areas where Chi does not flow, resulting in health problems. For example, health problems such as stomach ache, headache and pain are a result Qi stagnation. When this stagnant Qi is released, energy again begins to flow properly through the body and health is restored.

TCM considers Qi to come from the universe. Treatment for disease is based on the five element theory. The five elements include water, wood, fire, earth and metal. When any of these elements are affected, their corresponding body parts come down resulting in disease. Water covers body organs – kidney, wood – liver, Fire – Heart and Sexual Organs, earth – Spleen, and Metal – Lungs. Treatment is prescribed based on which organs are affected by checking the corresponding element and releasing the flow of energy to that element to bring about a cure.

Chinese Traditional Medicine is effective in curing so many health problems. It can cure problems such as depression, hypertension, hearing loss, diabetes, arthritis and so on. The reason why it is so effective is because it is able to resolve health problem by attacking the root of the problem. In areas where modern medicine has failed to bring about an effective cure, TCM has shown positive results and hence is able to show the right cure for the problem.

Many people try alternative health medicines because they fear the potential side effects that arise when using chemical-based medicines. The most popular alternative health therapy is Chinese Medicine. Though it has many techniques and practices, the most commonly known practice is acupuncture.

Acupuncture has been practiced in China for more than 2000 years. In the past hundred years, it has spread to Europe, United States and also Canada. It is a much sought after form of treatment because it can effectively curb many health problems such as depression, inflammation, high blood pressure, vertigo, angina and obesity. Those who do not want to take pain medication will find acupuncture effective in helping them control pain.

How does acupuncture take place? As part of the acupuncture process, fine needles are inserted into the patient’s skin at various acupuncture body points. The needles are inserted at various depths. The acupuncture Chinese medicine treatment takes places over a couple of weeks or on a fortnightly basis. A typical treatment course lasts for twelve sessions or less and each session last for half an hour.

A person taking the treatment has to lie face-up or face-down, while the needles are being inserted. When the needles first pierce through the skin, the person will not experience any pain, but once the needles reach the correct depth a penetratingly acute stimulation is felt. At times, the practitioner may pre-heat the needles, or electrify them with minute amounts of electricity post insertion. The needles stay inserted for some 20 minutes time, after which they are carefully removed.

People who undergo acupuncture treatment feel quite invigorated and energized afterward. Their health problem also reduces and they do not experience any pain or side effects that can occur with normal drugs. Those who have undergone acupuncture Chines alternative medicine treatment show positive results in treatment outcome particularly when normal drugs and medial treatment have failed to bring a cure.

According to Chinese medicine, everything in nature is ruled by yin and yang forces. If there is an imbalance in these energies, it can result in health problem. The aim of Chinese medical treatment is to bring back this energy into a proper balance, so that health is restored again.

Any person who is considering acupuncture should inform the practitioner about their medical history. A typical acupuncture course is made up of twelve sessions. During an acupuncture session, fine needles are inserted into acupuncture points, or those areas of the body that have been marked out for the procedure. The needles are thin, solid, metallic ones and they can be manipulated by hand, else they can be stimulated through electricity. When the needles are heated, the process is called moxibustion. Here the acupuncturist will light up a small bunch of moxa herbs and holds it over the needles. The herb burns off slowly to give off some smoke and a pleasant incense-like smell. When electricity is used to heat the needles, electrical wires are hooked up to the needles and some weak current is passed through them. A mild, tingling sensation is felt during the treatment process.

Hardly any pain is felt by the person undergoing this Chinese alternative health medicine treatment and those who take it up feel relaxed, else they feel energized. Acupuncture needles are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use by licensed practitioners. The FDA also lays down safety procedures that need to be followed when practicing acupuncture.

Acupuncture is a very effective form of treatment because it can cure diseases without side effects. This is an ancient Chinese medicine health practice that has been used in China for more than 2000 years. Today it is popular in other parts of the world because it works as a satisfactory alternative health therapy.

What type of illnesses can acupuncture alternative health medicine cure? Acupuncture is effective in reducing sever chest pain – Angina caused by lack of blood and oxygen flow to the heart muscle. It is also useful in treating problems such as depression, numbness, headaches, fatigue, back pain and shoulder stiffness. It is quite effective in treating depression which is usually treated through chemical drugs that can cause side effects in the long-run.

With today’s hectic lifestyle, fatigue is a common problem. It can cause strained muscles and also insomnia. Acupuncture offers a solution to this problem and people suffering from tiredness report brisk sensation and an invigorating feeling after undergoing an acupuncture treatment session. Another health problem that acupuncture is effective in controlling is high blood pressure. The body releases polypeptides beta-endorphins during an acupuncture sessions and this can effectively control blood pressure. Those who are short-tempered will find acupuncture to offer them good relief from their health problems.

Women suffering from pre-menstrual syndrome find acupuncture an effective mechanism for controlling this problem. PMS symptoms such s body swelling, weight gain and other psychosomatic conditions can be brought under control through this technique. It has also proven to be effective in treating infertility and is known world-wide as being able to control this problem. You can also lose weight considerably with acupuncture. This is because it is effective in curbing cravings, controlling your appetite, which is the chief cause for obesity.

Acupuncture is a safe alternative medicine practice. Those seeking acupuncture treatment are advised to go to an experienced acupuncturist so that they can gain the complete benefits of this treatment form.

Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM comes with a history of over 3000 years. It tries to diagnose the human ailments with a Taoistic understanding of the universe and the nature of alternative Health Medicine. Its unique method of diagnosis and treatment is very different from Western medicine. Its foundation of treatment is based on diagnosing and differentiating syndromes. The body of literature encompasses a vast array of folk medical practices based on mysticism.

It believes that the body’s vital energy,chi, circulates through networks called meridians. The energy running through these pathways reaches each and every organ in the body and determines healthy functioning of each organ. When chi is interrupted or is not in balance, the body falls sick. It treats the zangfu organs, which is believed to be the core of the human body. and the Chi, which is believed to be the carrier of information and any imbalance is manifested through the jingluo system.

Traditional Chinese medicine treats and diagnoses an ill or diseased human body on the basis of the yin-yang theory as weel as the idea of the five elements. These theories are based on the belief that there is a connection between the laws of nature and the physiological and physiological changes in human body. It studies the phenomena of nature’s laws and its effect and relationship with the human body.

Chinese medicine is also referred to as Oriental Medicine, and involves ancient practices like acupuncture, Qigong exercises and use of various herbs to heal and restore balance in the human body. Though these therapies appear to be very different form each other, they all share the common belief and assumptions of the nature of human body and its relationship with the universe.

Acupuncture treats the body by stimulating certain external body parts while qigong exercises regulate and maintain smooth flow of Chi or energy through the channels or meridians in the body. The herbal medicines, on the other hand, keep the internal organs of the human body in a good functioning order. Many scientists describe the different methods of treatments in Chinese Medicine as Information Therapy.

Alternative medicine

Cupping evolved as a means of promoting healing by restoring the balance of the four ‘humors’ in the body, namely yellow bile, black bile, blood, and phlegm. It was initially used to drain sores and infected wounds, and later used to treat arthritis, rheumatism, poisonous bites, and body aches.

The method used is to place cups of glass or bamboo with reduced air pressure inside on the skin to create suction. The sucking effect is said to release toxins, clear blockages, rejuvenate blood vessels, and clear the skin. The cup creates an area of blood stasis, or stagnation, leaving the rest of the body free for energy to flow through.

The cups made of glass or bamboo come in different sizes, and are sometimes used with acupuncture needles. A pocket of low pressure is created by thrusting a burning cotton ball inside the cup and pulling it out quickly. The cotton is typically soaked in 90% alcohol, so that it quickly generates enough heat to create a mini-vacuum. These days, small suction pumps are used on the cups to eliminate the risk of overheating and burning.

A bruise-like reddish patch is the most visible after-effect of cupping. A darker patch is said to be indicative of high toxin levels in the blood. A ring-like mark is also common and should disappear soon after the treatment. Lubricating the skin is said to be a good way to allow movement of the cup and reduce the possibility of a burn.

Like any form of treatment, cupping should be done with certain precautions. Burns are an ever-present risk in the traditional method of cupping. Patients are also advised to take a brisk 30 minute walk after treatment to reduce the possibility of blood clots. Cupping should not be done during fever, convulsions, cramps, or pregnancy.

Chinese medicine rests on the theory of Yin and Yang, or the opposing feminine and masculine forces. Heat, activity, hardness, dryness, and energy are Yang, while cold, lethargy, softness, and moisture are Ying. Despite being opposites, each one is contained in the other, and any imbalance results in illness. There are many facets to the concept of Yin and Yang in physiology, but a basic understanding is sufficient to grasp the concept of body types.

There are five basic body types in Chinese medicine and they range between, and include, the extremes of Yin (cold) and Yang (hot). Yin bodies are sensitive to cold and wind, and are usually pale-complexioned. They also tend to get exhausted quite easily and feel cold even in warm surroundings. Yang bodies are the other extreme, with a tendency to feel hot most of the time. They also consume cold drinks since they often experience thirst and dryness of the mouth. People who have this body type are also prone to temper outbursts and insomnia.

Bodies that combine yin and yang characteristics harmoniously are called, quite fittingly, Neutral types. Phlegm or damp types are the ones that lie been the Neutral and Yin states. Such persons have a marked preference for sweet foods, and tend to have heavy or bloated bodies. They also snore easily and have low energy levels. The dry body type lies between Neutral and Yang types, and does not gain weight easily. Individuals in this category often complain of a lack of lubrication and moisture in their bodies. Dry climates affect them negatively, and they are prone to dry coughs.

Most people are a combination of body types. Understanding this classification is considered an essential prerequisite to most alternative forms of medicine.