Acupuncture procedure involves injecting very fine needles into specific points on the skin. Acupuncture began to be used in China thousands of years ago, and in recent decades, it is gaining popularity in the western world.

According to traditional theory, acupuncture balances the flow of vital energy qi, which moves along the special channels (meridians) of the body. Needles are inserted into the areas where these are expected to meridians and thus have an impact on energy flows.

Supporters of acupuncture in the West to explain the action of this method of stimulation of the nerves, muscles and connective tissue.

Acupuncture can be used for the symptomatic treatment of various conditions, including:

• Fibromyalgia
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy
• Menstrual cramps and pain
• Migraines
• Osteoarthritis
• Postoperative toothache
• Tennis elbow, or traumatic epicondylitis

At this time there is no scientific explanation as to exactly how acupuncture works. This method of treatment is not enough investigated, but it is safe and often really effective.

Risks

When using a qualified acupuncture risks associated with the procedure are minimal. Its side effects can be:

• Pain, mild bleeding and / or bruising at the points where the needle insertion.
• Damage to internal organs such as the lungs, if the needles are inserted too deeply.
• Infectious diseases, such as hepatitis Hepatitis - the scourge of our time If the master uses the previously used needles.

Acupuncture is not recommended for patients who have disorders associated with blood clotting and / or those who are taking anticoagulants. It is also contraindicated for people with pacemakers and pregnant women. Some varieties of acupuncture can stimulate uterine contractions and cause miscarriage.

Choose a reliable specialist in acupuncture is not easy, as not all of them are certified, and a certificate does not necessarily mean that before you a true professional. It is best to go to the master, who advised you of your friends you trust. If this is not possible, go to the salon, where do acupuncture, talk to an expert and look around. If you thought that the cabin is not clean enough and / or the master sets unprofessional questions - most likely it is, then you have to look for another place. Seek medical advice. Many are skeptical of alternative medicine, but some doctors may well advise on where best to go through the procedure of acupuncture.

The procedure

To determine what kind of acupuncture will suit you the most, the specialist will ask a few questions about your health and lifestyle. The initial assessment of your condition can take about an hour; subsequent sessions will last about half an hour. In most cases, to deal with some specific symptoms, it is enough 6-12 sessions. Sometimes, to maintain the results may take a few extra sessions during the year.

Before the procedure, a specialist will tell you where it is located the point at which it will act. Then, you can undress and lie down on a special table.

The needles used for acupuncture are very thin, and cause only minor discomfort. During one treatment is administered into the skin, on average, 5 to 20 needles. When they reach the desired depth, you can feel the pain, but it will pass quickly. When all the needles are inserted, the master would gently stir or rotate them; sometimes they are exposed to specific devices or heated by weak electrical impulses.

The entire procedure lasts from 15 to 30 minutes. Some people after acupuncture feel a surge of strength, and some do not feel anything special. If for several weeks no improvement probably will not fit acupuncture. It is possible that it is most effective for those that believe in this tool, however, for the people it helps, does not really matter, it underlies the action of acupuncture placebo effect Placebo - an effective tool for self-hypnosis , or not.

  Reflexology - a method of treatment that utilizes a therapeutically pressure on various points of the feet. According to reflexology principles defined in the feet portions correspond to different parts of the body, and the pressure influences the first second. In some cases, treatment is applied to the impact point, located in the palms and ears.

For thousands of years the art, similar to reflexology, applied in Egypt and China. In the early twentieth century American physician William Fitzgerald developed a technique, which he called "zone therapy." He identified specific points on the feet, which can be used to diagnose and treat various diseases. In addition, he will share the entire body into ten zones, each of which corresponded, according to the doctor, certain points on the feet. He believed that careful impact on the feet can alleviate the symptoms of various diseases.

In 1930, Eunice Ingham, a nurse and a physiotherapist, has continued to develop this technique to include the impact on specific reflex points. Thanks to this method was renamed reflexology.

Theory

Take a few theories to explain the mechanism of action of acupuncture, but none of them is scientifically proven. Supporters of acupuncture believe that the disease develops when blocked field and energetic flow of the body. Stimulation of points on the feet, improves the flow of vital energy to various parts of the body. According to another theory, reflexology promotes the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers and stimulates nerves, improving the flow of lymph. Some researchers believe that it contributes to the dissolution of uric acid crystals, which partly provides its healing effect.

Before we examine the patient's foot, experts, practitioners reflexology often learn history. During examination and treatment session the patient remains fully clothed, only takes off his shoes and socks. Therapy begins with a gentle massage of the feet, and then the therapist works on specific reflex points. Reflexology should not cause pain to the patient.

Typically used for massage oil or lotion. Sometimes apply and special tools, such as wooden sticks, clothespins, combs, rubber balls, rubber bands, wire brushes, special massagers, clips.

Some textbooks on acupuncture points out that the patient may feel tingling in parts of the body, which is influenced by stimulating the corresponding reflex points. This phenomenon has not been studied.

Reflexology session lasts from 30 to 60 mine; course of therapy may last from four to eight weeks. Often, patients are taught some skills reflexology.

The use of acupuncture

Reflexology is useful for relaxation Relaxation and stress - calm, not panic! , Stress relief How to beat stress? Create an oasis   and anxiety inherent in patients at increased anxiety Anxiety - how to distinguish normal from disease? . Scientists do not know exactly how the effect of acupuncture in the anxiety of the patient is different from the action of a conventional massage.

Reflexology can be used to relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Impact on the reflex points for headaches and migraines reduces or eliminates the need for patients to painkillers.

Supporters of acupuncture claim that it helps to cope with these disorders, like irritable bowel syndrome, constipation and faecal incontinence (fecal incontinence). It can relieve back pain (though virtually useless for chronic pain), and remove the leg swelling late in pregnancy.

Some researchers suggest that reflexology can relieve motor and sensory symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

It, moreover, provides relief for asthma (asthma its action is similar to the placebo effect), side effects of chemotherapy, colic, diabetes, and depression Depression - a little more than a bad mood .

Reflexology is contraindicated for people with gout in the active phase and not fully cured wounds. Osteoarthritis patients, especially if the struck joints of the feet, as well as serious violations in the work of the circulatory system, it is necessary to consult with your doctor before you take a course of acupuncture.

According to confirmed data is not sufficient, active stimulation of the feet can cause uterine contractions. Therefore, pregnant women can undergo a course of acupuncture only with the consent of a doctor.

For serious diseases reflexology can not replace treatment by methods approved by the official medicine.