Post Herpetic Neuralgia
Acupressure and Reflexology
Post Herpetic Neuralgia Treatment Series
The Difference Between Acupressure and Acupuncture
Simply stated, where acupuncture uses needles to promote energy flow, acupressure uses fingers and hand pressure. The same fundamental principles of acupuncture apply to acupressure. Both attempt to restore the normal flow of body energy called chi, that flows along pathways known as meridians.
During acupressure stimulation, neurotransmitters are released. These neurotransmitters may help to inhibit the reception and transmission of pain.
Acupressure actually preceded acupuncture in time and is the older of the two methods. Acupressure is also known as “contact healing” and may have led to the development of other modern-day therapies such as Quantum Touch.
In Asian medicine, there are many related massage therapies, such as shiatsu, that are intended to allow the body to heal by removing bound energy and/or stagnating chemicals.
Acupressure Treatments : Acupressure for a Pinched Nerve
A pinched nerve can be in several places, so acupressure treatment is dependent on the location of the pinched nerve. Find out how to use acupressure points to treat pinched nerves with help from a teacher, author and alchemist.
Self Help
Acupressure is considered a safe, simple, and inexpensive treatment. Although it can be performed by a skilled practitioner, the individual can apply acupressure by following simple charts and diagrams.
Self-acupressure techniques including Acu-Yoga, Do-In, and Tui Na, can help you control pain through finger pressure, massage, body positioning, and a variety of other means.
Acupuncture Therapy : Acupuncture Fixed Cupping Demo
Acupuncturists may sometimes use a fixed cupping method to help move the chi and blood.
Reflexology
Although somewhat more complex than self-acupressure, it is still relatively simple to use a therapy known as reflexology to improve the flow of body energy leading to reduced pain, relaxation, and a feeling of overall wellness.
Reflexology is based on the application of pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, and ears that correlate with the body’s organs. Applying pressure at specific points will open up the flow of energy to the affected part of the body.
The American Academy of Reflexology founder and director, Bill Flocco, states that reflexology is effective in soothing nerve endings. He indicated that a chemical called substance P can build up around nerve endings at our extremities due to tension, stress, illness or pain. Applying pressure can to specific spots can break up the collection of substance P and initiate the healing process.
A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that women with PMS who underwent 30-minute reflexology sessions for two months experienced a 46 percent reduction in symptoms and maintained the benefits for two months following treatment.
Charts and instructions are readily available from on-line reflexology sites. Magazines, pamphlets and other publications found at health food stores and wellness clinics provide simple instructions on reflexology.
Within ten minutes, an individual can read the applicable chart and begin applying pressure to either themselves or another person. Couples will find it enjoyable taking turns to apply simple reflexology to the feet of the other person. It can be relaxing to apply foot reflexology before bed and may improve sleep.
There may be a low level of pain when pressure is applied to spots that have blocked energy or toxicity; however, the repeated, steady pressure will ultimately reduce or eliminate any discomfort. Professional practitioners should warn the patient of any possible discomfort and the patient can inform the practitioner allowing for a reduction in pressure.
5 Reflexology Secrets Hidden in the Palm of Your Hand
Powerful self-help reflexology techniques you can use on your hands to help with:
- digestive problems such as bloating and constipation using the Million Dollar Golf Ball Technique
- low energy, exhaustion, and insomnia
- congestion from colds, flu, allergies
- back pain
- low libido or sex drive
Deborah Flanagan, reflexologist and founder of Center for True Health, shows Dr. Oz powerful, easy self-help Reflexology techniques you can do to decrease stress and help your body balance itself.
National Associations
More information on acupressure is available from the Acupressure Institute web site: www.acupressure.com. Reflexology charts can be obtained from the American Academy of Reflexology at www.americanacademyofreflexology.com.
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From Boyce N Berkel, MD, PhD – Neuralgia Relief Center – For Your Health and Betterment
