Have you ever wondered about those long thin needles that you hear people talk about using to restore their health or eliminate stress? How many times have you seen reports on the television or read articles in magazines or the newspapers that tell of the benefits of this practice? Most people have seen or heard about acupuncture but how many of them actually know anything about it other than to say that some needles get stuck into you and that makes you feel better. There is so much more to be said. The word acupuncture means needle piercing. That is a fairly accurate translation since this is a Chinese medicinal method by which thin needles are placed in specific places to cause certain reactions. These places are called acupuncture points. The belief here is that those special points will allow the rebalancing of the bodys energy and so allow for whatever is making a person unwell to be alleviated. Acupuncture treatments are best known as a method for relieving pain.

Unlike most medical courses of action acupuncture is part of Chinese philosophy not just a medical procedure and its success is best explained in these terms. The philosophy tells us that the balance of yin and yang, yin being dark and yang being light, the life elements, is what the aim of this traditional Chinese medicine is all about. If the yin and yang become out of sync the body becomes ill. Only restoring the balance can restore the body’s physical and emotional health.

Although many Westerner’s are still leery of such treatments the past forty years has seen the acceptance and increased use of acupuncture in North America. The needles must be put in very specific places to help very specific conditions. Despite this fact the uses of acupuncture is almost limitless. Acupuncture therapists claim that they can fix many respiratory conditions including the common cold. They can help gastrointestinal disorders like ulcers, colitis or gastritis. It is used for neurological and musculoskeletal disorders from migraine headaches to osteoarthritis, sciatica and even bed wetting. Many acupuncturists will tell you that a lot of chronic conditions that people are afflicted with like arthritis, skin disorders or injuries can be helped. It can also help eye and mouth problems like pink eye and gum disease. There are some acupuncture specialists who claim that they can help those suffering from depression, sleep disorders or chronic fatigue. Others will say they can cure such addictions as smoking, alcoholism, eating disorders or drug addictions.

Westerners, who really do not necessarily understand the idea of balancing the body’s yin and yang, are still turning to this method of healing because they are tired of modern medicine which is so much more invasive. They do not want to take pills for everything. They tire of pills to make them sleep or to make them feel happy. Many people are looking for natural methods to heal themselves. This is one reason that acupuncture continues its growth in popularity in the western world.

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If you are looking onto having acupuncture done to ease a particular problem or assist with pain relief you may want to learn a little more about it first. There is more to this traditional Chinese medicine than simply placing a series of thin needles under the skin. But how can you understand it if the words that surround this practice are unfamiliar to you? The only way is to learn the words that acupuncturists speak and what they mean.

First you may hear acupuncture referred to as a complimentary medicine. This means that it is being used as part of conventional treatment plan. It is saying that it is a combination of alternative medicine and conventional medicine together to treat a medical issue. Conventional medicine is anything that is practiced by a medical doctor. There are other terms to describe this type of medicine including western medicine, biomedicine or mainstream medicine.

Traditional Chinese medicine, also called TCM, is the method by which the philosophy of medical care is undertaken. It begins with the belief in Qi, pronounced chee, that deals with the flow of energy that when balanced properly keeps the body healthy. Yin and Yang is another term you will hear. They are conflicting powers within the body. Yang stands for dryness, the male essence and fire. Yin is the female side, it represents water and darkness. A person is only well when these are balanced properly inside the body. If not the lack of balance causes illness and the only way to rebalance the body’s Qi is through acupuncture.

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Meridian refers to the pathways that are in the body where the energy flow, the Qi, passes through. These are where the acupuncture points are found. The meridian has several systems and each is named based on the organ of the body they attach with. So, one system may be called the kidney meridian while another might be the lung meridian. Each meridian has a number of acupuncture points that are recognized by acupuncturists and commonly used for treatments.

Element is another word you will hear when discussions of acupuncture take place. This is another part of the Chinese philosophy of medicine. The Chinese belief is that everything around us comes from the five elements. These elements are fire, water, metal, earth and wood. The meridians are organized in such a way as to reflect this. These meridians are said to be part of the system of subtle energy that the acupuncturist must tap into to treat their patient.

There is one more type of acupuncture you may hear mentioned that is called electroacupuncture. This is a system whereby a minimum electrical current is sent to certain meridian points. This can be done using needles or without.

Remember this is an unfamiliar world to you but that as the patient you have the right to know exactly what is going on. Never be afraid to ask. Your acupuncturist should explain everything they are doing as they go. If they do not, find another one who will.

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One of the most emotionally charged medical issues that couples deal with today is infertility. It can drain a couple emotionally and has been known to be the cause of many marital breakups. For those couples who love each other enough to make it through this issue it can eat away at their finances as they try expensive fertility treatments, only some of which will wind up working. Thousands can be spent in the hopes of conceiving a baby and too often it is all for nothing. Now they are even trying acupuncture to see if maybe that is where the cures lie.

There are some limits to acupuncture when it comes to fertility treatments and the acupuncturist will tell their patients this right up front. If there is physical damage then acupuncture is unable to help with those kinds of problems. But if the fertility specialist has told their patient that there appears to be nothing physically wrong, that they should be able to conceive and they are not then acupuncture maybe able to work with those patients and help them to conceive.

If the health care provider or fertility specialist has said there is damage to one or the other of the couple’s reproductive organs, listen to them. They may still have methods by which they can help a couple conceive, but acupuncture will be of no direct help. But there are things that can be done, and have shown positive results when structural damage is not the issue. Frequently the acupuncturist will also suggest the use of some herbal teas. The treatments for fertility, though obviously somewhat different in nature and extent, can be used for both men and women.

The treatments usually involve the placement needles in the earlobes, eyebrows, ears and fingertips. Once the needles have been inserted carefully in the correct points the patient will relax for around a half an hour. Some acupuncturists tell their patients it takes only a few treatments to make a difference while others say it could take a few months. This method of treating female infertility is said to work because it rebalances the hormonal levels in the body. The acupuncture treatments are often in combination with the use of some herbs to reduce other hormone levels and help to regulate ovulation and so assist a woman to conceive. As well, the acupuncture treatments relieve stress and often when a couple is trying to conceive and do not have immediate success this causes a lot of pressure and this pressure in itself can make it impossible to conceive. The acupuncture alleviates stress and increases blood flow which can also help to retain the pregnancy if conception is successful.

Some people say that acupuncture is a desperate move by people desperate to have a baby. Yet, it seems that all fertility treatment is exactly that and if something can help that is less financially and emotionally demanding then why not try it? It is safe, noninvasive and much less costly than most fertility treatments.

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Acupuncture is an old medicine used to promote good health and maintain a healthy body. It is carried out by inserting hundreds of tiny needles into special acupuncture points in the body where “qi”. Qi is reported as being the body’s natural energy source, travels through channels around the body.

Acupuncture can be classed as the oldest, known medication still used today. Besides believing that acupuncture is a Chinese medicine, what else do we know?

By following the roots of acupuncture we can see that archeologists have found remnants of the medical practice. These remnants were found in the form of Hieroglyphs in cave dwellings and date back to one thousand years before Jesus Christ was born, making them 3,000 years old.

Looking even further than this, there is evidence that acupuncture was used thousands of years prior to the archeological finds mentioned.

A five thousand year old mummy was found in the Alps mountain range and named Otzi. When scientists were investigating the mummy and what it could tell us, they were interested to find that Otzi had several ailments, and what they found more intriguing was that Otzi had tattoos located at the acupuncture points that would be used today for the ailments he suffered with.

It may be disheartening, or interesting to learn that the origins of acupuncture in China are uncertain. The reason this is uncertain is that the first mention of acupuncture in a Chinese medical text dated to three hundred years before Christ but Chinese medical texts found from the first century before Christ, two hundred year later, had no reference to acupuncture in them.

It has been a much talked about debate, but research has shown that the first needles used by those of years gone by were made from sharp Bian stone, this changed through the years to bronze, gold and then silver.

Fast-forward to today and we still use acupuncture. The acupuncture we use is a descendant of that used by Daoism philosophers two thousand years ago; this shows that although the material used for the needles has changed, the actual treatment of acupuncture has not changed through the millennia.

There has been ripples of talk through the scientific and archeological communities that Europe may have had its own version of acupuncture pre Christ but there is no evidence to support this. As far as we are aware, acupuncture did not cross over to the west until the late 1960’s and 1970’s where it became the interest of people in Great Britain.

Acupuncture has grown in stature and become a widely used alternative treatment in the western world, which shows that there must be some positive affect from the treatment.

This is a complete history of acupuncture to date; it will be interesting to see what will lie in the future use of acupuncture. If acupuncture can last through centuries of war, illness and famine, through times where publication of material was not as easy as it is done, then it is clear that it will last for many years to come.

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How many of us spend way too much time at our keyboards? For most of us that is not a great problem, perhaps just a time waster. For others it can cause serious damage to our hands. Carpal tunnel syndrome, also known as CTS, appears to be caused by pinched nerves in the wrist. It can cause serious pain and a lack of sensation in the fingers. Left untreated the pain can travel up the arm and eventually can cause a paralyzing sensation, similar to when a limb falls asleep; that tingly prickly feeling. Trying to avoid having to give up their employment or the pleasures of long conversations with friends over email and online chats many people have turned to acupuncture to see if they can find the help they need. Most of these people have been rewarded with improvement.

Acupuncture for carpal tunnel syndrome usually consists of fine needles being inserted in many parts of the body but particularly the hands, wrists, arms, and often the neck and legs as well. These include the meridians, pathways, of the liver, kidney and gall bladder. By unblocking the energy flow acupuncturists believe they will cure the painful hands associated with carpal tunnel, but better than that they will cure the syndrome itself. The needles will likely be used by themselves, but as well they may use pressure to increase the energy flow and heat as well to promote faster healing. How long it takes to heal will be totally dependent on how severe the symptoms, how long they have been there and how much you use the hand that they are trying to heal. Rest is always an element of any cure.

A recent study of people who suffered with carpal tunnel syndrome showed some very interesting results. Of a trail group of three dozen people fourteen wound up resorting to surgery to try to fix the problem. None of them were successful. The group was given three treatments weekly for about five weeks. Following this it was found that thirty three of them either had no more pain or the pain had diminished by at least fifty percent. This included those who had undergone surgery with no results. Follow-up on this group showed that after a year the problem reoccurred in only two of twenty three followed but that a follow-up treatment solved that within a few weeks.

Acupressure can also be used to help this problem. The difference is that instead of using the needles to help it uses pressure, usually applied with the fingers, but sometimes with small devices, to increase the blood flow. The increase in blood flow will help contain the swelling and will definitely ease the pain and numbness.

Acupuncture is not the answer to all medical issues, it is not a medical cure, but it definitely is a natural alternative that is making a big difference in many medical conditions without being an invasive procedure or requiring the person suffering the problem to take more medication.

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Reflexology is the practice of strategically applying pressure to areas of the feet and hands as they correspond with specific body organs.

Reflexology is becoming a more and more popular term in today’s society.  Like no other time in history, people are diligently seeking alternative medical treatments.  So what is reflexology and how can it help you?  I have outlined the basics for you.

What is reflexology?

Reflexology is the practice of strategically applying pressure to areas of the feet and hands as they correspond with specific body organs.  By stimulating nerves on specific areas of the feet and hands, we can stimulate blood flow and eliminate toxin buildup in the corresponding organs and systems of the body.  And it is not only limited to the feet and hands, although they are the most widely used areas.  Reflexology can also be used on the face and the ears as well.
What problems is reflexology beneficial for?

Reflexology is a holistic treatment and is used for a variety of ailments.  Not only is it beneficial as a tool for relaxation and stress relief, but it is also an effective tool for improving circulation; relieving pain, and as an immune and nervous system stimulator.  In fact, many people with illnesses such as allergies; chronic sinus problems; acid reflux; migraines; PMS; menopause; insomnia; fertility problems and even arthritis have been helped tremendously by reflexology treatments.

What reflexology and reflexologists are not:

Although reflexology is proven to be beneficial for a multitude of problems, your reflexologist cannot diagnose or claim to cure any diseases.  They are not medically trained.  Reflexology is meant to bring your body to a state of well-being.  Only in this state is your body able to heal itself.  If your body is full of toxins, your immune system is severely compromised, making you much more likely to succumb to sickness.
Do I need to be on a special diet for reflexology to work?

Although you do not need to be on a special diet to get benefits from reflexology, it is always highly recommended to watch what you put in your body.  As many holistic nutritionists would agree, you will find that it is very beneficial to consume as much whole foods as possible.  Keep in mind that processed foods are one of the biggest sources for the toxins we build up in our systems; the very toxins that reflexology strives to rid the body of.  Outside of a whole foods diet, the basics of a good diet always apply.  Make sure to drink plenty of water, cut down, or better yet eliminate caffeine, eat a well-balanced diet, exercise and get adequate rest.  Reflexology will help take care of the stress!

Do I have to go to a professional or can I do it myself?

Reflexology treatment offers two treatment options: do it yourself or get the assistance of a trained reflexologist.  Taking a look at your goals should help you determine which route to take.  If you are looking for immediate results for an impending problem, a trained reflexologist may be the way to go.  However, I found it more beneficial to learn the techniques myself so that I can help my family and myself whenever I need to for free.  Many of the techniques are basic and can be learned quite easily.  If you want to start out simple, try to get rid of a tension headache.  This is the first technique I learned. And not only did it work, it reassured me that I can treat myself.

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Where conventional medicine has failed, natural medicine can make a real difference!

Far Eastern cultures have been using alternative treatments for thousands of years.  However, in most places of the world, natural medicine is the first line of defense against sickness and disease.  Even the most technically advanced countries such as China and Japan, appreciate the effectiveness and simplicity of natural medicine.  In

fact, we could stand to take some of their knowledge to heart these days.  In our society today, one that relies heavily on chemically laden prescription drugs, psychotherapy and surgical procedures to “heal” the sick, there has never been a better time to look into such alternatives.  Where conventional medicine has failed, natural medicine can make a real difference.

Natural medicine and alternative treatments in general is a booming industry.   Our society has become very interested in how to help cure us from common problems such as allergies, depression and anxiety.   But with so many products claiming to be the next miracle cure, how do you really know which kind of alternative therapy to use?  Maybe it is time to skip the pills and give reflexology a try.

If you are unfamiliar with reflexology, here are the basics.  Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure in a strategic manner to areas of the feet and hands, and even the face and ears.  Reflexologists see the hands and feet as an open door to the bodies systems.  Each section of the feet and hands correlate to a specific organ.  By stimulating nerves on specific areas of the feet and hands, you can stimulate blood flow and eliminate toxin buildup in the corresponding organs and systems of the body.

Although reflexologists cannot diagnose or claim to cure a sickness or disease, the results speak for themselves, making it one of the most sought after treatments today.  In fact, celebrities pay an arm and a leg for just a few minutes of reflexology.  Not only is it beneficial as a tool for relaxation and stress relief, but it is also an effective tool for improving circulation; relieving pain, and as an immune and nervous system stimulator.  In fact, many people with illnesses such as allergies; chronic sinus problems; acid reflux; migraines; PMS; menopause; insomnia; fertility problems and even arthritis have been helped tremendously by reflexology treatments.

However, if you do not like the idea of others touching your feet, or you do not have the big bucks to shell out, you can opt to learn basic reflexology yourself.  I prefer this method not only because it is free, but also because it is extremely convenient.  If you want to dig in and learn the basics, there are many online reflexology courses you can take.  Moreover, many adult education programs offer weekend reflexology programs.  Check with your local school district to find a class near you.  Although these weekend seminars will not authorize you to claim yourself as a reflexologist, you will learn enough to effectively treat yourself and your family.

The bottom line is that reflexology has proved to be a therapy that is beneficial for everyone.  It is the perfect complimentary medicine whether or not you must take prescription drugs or not.  Once you try it you will understand why reflexology has found a permanent place in the health industry.

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Like no other time in history, people are diligently seeking alternative medical treatments…why not start a reflexology practice!

Like any endeavor, building a business takes time.  Moreover, it can be a bumpy road.  However, in a growing field such as reflexology, you definitely have time on your side.  Reflexology has certainly found its place in the world of complimentary medicine.  Like no other time in history, people are diligently seeking alternative medical treatments.  So, how do you get a piece of this pie?  Check out the tips outlined below.

1. Time=Value.  In other words, it takes time to build your clientele and to get a name for yourself.  The more feet you work on the more success stories you will receive from satisfied, paying customers.  In a business like reflexology, this is key to success.  The truth of the matter is, one person could be responsible for making or breaking your reputation, but more commonly, it takes many satisfied customers to get a foothold in your community.  Word of mouth is one of the best tools you will have to build your business, so the more people that leave satisfied, the more you will be talked about.
2. If you already have an established business, but don’t have the stable clientele that you need to thrive, try the compare feet technique, as I like to call it.  When you are finished with one foot, kindly ask your client to stand up and compare how their feet feel.  Not only does this put quality into your service right away, but also it sticks the “wow” factor into the equation.  Soon your clients will be longing for the feeling they get after one of your sessions.
3. Make sure you are communicating effectively with your clients.  In other words, you MUST know if you are being too hard on their feet or too soft.  If you are too hard on their feet, and they leave in utter pain, you cannot expect them to return. In the same respect, if they leave feeling no different than they came, you did not do your job effectively enough to warrant a return visit.  Make sure you tell them up front that you can change your degree of pressure to suit their needs.  That is the only way they will know that you can accommodate them and are not just unknowledgeable and inexperienced.
4. Take an active approach in respect to customer service.   Call your client the day after therapy and ask how they are doing.  Furthermore, it is the perfect opportunity to get feedback and invite them back for a subsequent visit.  You will build trust and better yet you will know how well the treatment went and if you will need to adjust your treatment the next time.
5. Make sure your prices match your skill level, experience and reputation.  I wont go into great detail here because prices vary according to many factors, just do your homework before you set your prices and if they are too high, change them.
6. Create your environment carefully.  The setting in which you do your therapy will add value to your service or it will break your service.  If you choose to work out of your home, as many do in the beginning, price your services accordingly.  Also, because reflexology is such a relaxing therapy, create your setting to compliment it.  Avoid areas with clutter and set it up as comfortable as possible.  Soft music and very soft essential oil scents are good compliments to your setup.
7. Finally, you must determine what hours and what services you will offer to your clients.  This will partially be determined by how serious you are about your career.  It is pretty safe to say that the more flexible you are, the more clientele you will attract.  For example, if you will work nights to accommodate schedules, or make house calls, you are setting yourself up for a favorable amount of business.  Furthermore, by offering services such as “self help seminars” where you teach your clients how to do some of the basic techniques, complimented with say aromatherapy or herbal treatments; you add instant value and credibility to your practice.

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Toxins are everywhere!

If you are unaware of the importance of detoxification, please listen up.  Toxins are everywhere.  The food we eat, the products we clean ourselves with, as well as the air we breathe all contribute to the build up of toxins in our bodies.  Without effectively eliminating those toxins from our organs, they will eventually cause havoc and we will be led down the path of sickness and disease. In a society that relies heavily on chemically laden prescription drugs, psychotherapy and surgical procedures to “heal” the sick, it is more than time to put matters into your own hands.

Our society has become very curious about detoxification.  In fact, nowadays there are so many products trying to get your attention, that it can be very challenging and overwhelming to know just what is best.  If you search for detoxification online today, you will find everything from detox diet plans and fasting to high priced spa treatments, herbal cleansing pills and patches.

Far Eastern cultures have been using alternative treatments for thousands of years and still do so today.  Even the most technically advanced countries such as China and Japan, appreciate the effectiveness and simplicity of natural medicine.  So why not try a form of therapy that is effective, yet has no side affects?  However, with so many products on the market begging for a sale, where do you begin?  Maybe it is time to introduce you to reflexology.

Reflexology is the practice of strategically applying pressure to areas of the feet and hands as they correspond with specific body organs.  By stimulating nerves on specific areas of the feet and hands, we can stimulate blood flow and eliminate toxin buildup in the corresponding organs and systems of the body.  Reflexology is not only effective for self-healing, but has made it’s mark as an effective detoxification procedure as well.  And maybe most importantly in today’s society, it is free, depending on which therapy you use and very convenient.  Yes, unlike our current healthcare system, reflexology therapy is available to everyone!

If you want to go the free route, learning the simple massage techniques is all you will have to do, outside of applying it.  Each part of your feet and hands relates to a body system.  By applying pressure and massage to those areas, you will increase blood flow and help push toxins out of the body.  One of the major benefits here is that it is relaxing and therapeutic at the same time.  I use reflexology to relieve tension headaches all of the time and it works!

If you prefer to try one of the many products on the market today, try the herbal foot detox patches.  They are quite affordable and very effective.  By simply applying them to your feet at night before bed, you will help detoxify all of your organs at the same time.  Not only are well-known healing oils and tree extracts used in these patches, but there are no side effects, making them a very popular choice.

If you are really serious about detoxification, and you should be, I would recommend that you not only learn the reflexology techniques, but you use them on a regular basis.  Use it as a first line of defense.  After all, you only have one body in this lifetime, treat it with care.

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Did you know that only ten sessions of reflexology could actually help get you in and out of labor much faster?

There are many natural approaches to combating one of the most common pregnancy complaints, morning sickness.  Most people have heard of the age-old ginger remedy for upset stomachs and intestinal gas.  It is an effective remedy that is cheap to use and has no side effects, which is very important to most expectant

mothers.  However, there are many more natural remedies that you can use not only to ease the stomach, but also to ensure a smooth, faster labor.  Yes, it is true, say hello to reflexology.

Did you know that only ten sessions of reflexology could actually help get you in and out of labor much faster?  Yes, it is true.  Furthermore, women that undergo reflexology treatment during pregnancy also appear to have fewer complications during labor.  These benefits are great, but what about the nine-months of uncomfortable, often painful symptoms?

If you are new to reflexology, here are the basics.  Reflexology is the practice of strategically applying pressure to areas of the feet and hands as they correspond with specific body organs.  By stimulating nerves on specific areas of the feet and hands, we can stimulate blood flow and eliminate toxin buildup in the corresponding organs and systems of the body.  And it is not only limited to the feet and hands, although they are the most widely used areas.  Reflexology can also be used on the face and the ears as well.

Because reflexology works to put the body in a state of well-being, it is beneficial to every system in the body.  Reflexology has been known to relieve many common pregnancy complaints including headache, nausea, backache, stress and anxiety, sleeplessness, fatigue, constipation, swollen ankles and digestive problems such as acid reflux.

Of all of the pregnancy complaints, nausea, or morning sickness is one of the most uncomfortable.  Not only can it last all day and can onset in the blink of an eye, but also can lead to problems holding down food if it becomes severe.  Here is what I would recommend if you are having trouble with nausea on a regular basis.

• Start a reflexology treatment schedule and stick to it.  In a very short time you will feel like you are on top of the world.
• Eat frequent, small meals throughout the day.  This is a common recommendation, but one worth mentioning at anytime.
• Do not eliminate your carbs but rather take in complex carbs instead of simple, sugar-laden carbs.  They will only make matters worse.
• Because prenatal vitamin contain a lot of iron, that can be a cause for upset stomach.  I always got in the habit of taking it later in the day or before bed versus in the morning.
• Another common recommendation, and a good one at that, is to have some saltine crackers on your bedside.  When you wake up in the morning, wake up slowly and munch on some before you rise.  One sure fire way to get nausea going is to jump up out of bed.  Just don’t do it, I learned this the hard way!  It is better to be late than to be sick all day!
• Avoid strong odors and smells.  If you can’t hack a smell, go out and take a light walk in the fresh air.  That will usually do the trick.

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