Acupressure Remedies
Acupressure has been used for centuries as a way of pain management. In the West, it has frequently been regarded as a complementary therapy or alternative medicine. Acupressure techniques were utilized in treating back pain, asthma, migraine headaches, and menstrual pain among other ailments. Now acupressure techniques are being considered as an alternative medication form. This is largely due to its known effectiveness, minimal risk of side effects, and ability to stimulate positive health change.
Acupressure is a natural alternative medicine modality brought to public attention by traditional Chinese medical theory and practiced by Ayurvedic practitioners. Many enthusiasts of this practice have reported improved pain reduction, fewer headaches, less anxiety, and a better feeling of wellness and wellbeing. In a new study involving elderly subjects, conducted at the University of Beijing, researchers examined the effects of acupuncture and acupressure on pain sensitivity and seriousness, using a measure of perceived pain and psychological distress as the most important yardstick for measuring pain sensitivity.
The study found that people who had chronic headaches had a significant increase in both the number and percent of perceived needles as well as the duration and pressure points where they believed these needles. The researchers came to the conclusion that this was because of an increase in the production of chemicals in the brain that trigger pain. These compounds, known as neuropeptides, act directly on the neural pathways controlling pain, without harming normal functioning of the nervous system, the immune system, or the cardiovascular system.
The apparent advantage of acupuncture and acupressure is in the fact that there's a reduction in the severity of headaches, a decrease in nausea and vomiting, a decreased need for sleep, improved concentration and memory, a reduction in symptoms of depression, and an increase in well-being, according to the study. The merit lies also in the fact that these favorable effects happen after just three to six sessions. Most people will need at least eight weekly sessions to get the advantages the researchers observed. During the first week of therapy, the person will notice an increase in pressure points and at the number of needles going into the body. From week two ahead, the needles will decrease and the pain will decrease in frequency.
The majority of Western patients are currently reporting success with acupressure as an alternate form of treating headaches and migraine. Although, like most other Eastern therapies, traditional Chinese medicine also includes several herbal remedies. It is important to note that when dealing with headaches and migraines, particularly in the Western world, it is important to note that, in addition to the herbs used in the acupressure sessions, other medications such as Tylenol, Advil, or other over the counter (OTC) pain relievers may need to be taken. These medications can have negative interactions with herbal medicines and cause further issues. Acupressure practitioners are always careful with patients who have a history of depression, anxiety disorders, or chemical imbalances in the brain.
According to traditional Chinese medical theory, migraines and headaches are due to energy flow disruptions and associated disruptions to the flow of qi or vital energy throughout the body. According to the panel, in order to treat headaches and migraines, an individual should perform specific therapeutic procedures using acupressure points in specific parts of the body. In actuality, there are at least forty-five points along both sides of the mind that correspond to seven unique meridians or energy channels. This provides the professional with numerous points to massage so as to treat different maladies. It's been noted that, if done on a consistent basis, acupressure has proven to be very effective in relieving the pain of both headaches and migraines.
Many have reported that they experience a higher sense of well-being when utilizing acupuncture as opposed to traditional Chinese medicine treatments including acupuncture and moxabustion. It's not uncommon to see individuals undergoing detoxification processes as well, using both traditional Chinese acupuncture and medicine. People suffering from diabetes, heart conditions, lung diseases, kidney issues, as well as the more common conditions such as headaches, anxiety, sinus issues, and migraine headaches have all reported a great improvement in their well-being after completing the specific massage procedures.
In a new study published in the Journal of Alternative Medicine, researchers at Stanford University conducted a study on the effects of acupressure on patients suffering from chronic back pain. The study demonstrated that chronic back pain sufferers managed to relief their symptoms by using both acupuncture and acupressure methods. The results of this study are quite remarkable, especially once you consider that acupuncture was previously used to treat acute back pain. This new study offers further evidence of just how effective both traditional Chinese medicine and acupressure can be in treating chronic pain. If you or someone you know has suffered from back pain and it has been unable to be treated with traditional medicine or prescription drugs, you should look into trying either Chinese medication or acupuncture to find relief.
