The Soothing Relaxing Effect Massage Therapy Has On The Mind And Body

In modern times, massage therapy is not always recognized as a primary mode of healing in our day to day living. In the West, people often consider this practice as a mere indulgence or even a luxury especially during really stressful days.

Just a few people know that massage therapy has a tension-releasing effect that is rooted in a long history of addressing different forms of ailments. For centuries, in the East, massage therapy is actually a widely used form of healing and the fact that it is still being used today suggests the astonishing staying power and the genuine effectiveness of this therapy. It has a whole host of interesting benefits some of which includes its cost-effectiveness and its soothing relaxing effect on the mind and body.

For people suffering from a lot of physical discomfort, massage therapy is an ideal treatment. It is a perfect option for people who are in pain. Even hospitals offering physical therapy provide massage care for patients requiring rehabilitation of their injuries.

Regular massages can also be availed of by adults suffering from high blood pressure. Studies show that massage therapy can actually reduce hypertension, a common disease seen in older people.

Because massages can bring about total rejuvenation and relaxation, it plays a major role in general wellness and health. Massages keep you revitalized enabling you to face the day filled with vim and vigor. They also can lower your levels of stress, which is quite an important thing to consider since stress has been proven to kill cells that are especially important for immunity. Since massages prevent us from feeling stressed, in a way it contributes to good health.

And obviously, is there anything more important than being and staying happy? While we now know that massages bring about good health they also are an incredibly effective way to feel happy and there are some studies to prove it. These studies show, that in a light massage, the body produces and releases considerable level of the happy hormone oxytocin, that’s connected with the feelings of contentment.

These are just some of the numerous benefits one can gain from getting massage therapy. It indeed is a legitimate and viable option to medical treatment.

Jubal J Bewick, EAMP, MSAOM – Board Certified Acupuncturist and Herbalist in Walla Walla, WA

Auricular Acupuncture Has Been Proven To Work Against A Number Of Disorders And Diseases

In medicine, a reflex system is where one part of the body represents the entire body. The ear is one such example of this system. A reflex system is sometimes called “microsystems,” in which there is a two way communication between one part of a body and another part of the body. One part of the body actually reflects the condition of another part of the body and can also treat it. Foot and hand reflexology are the two most familiar reflex systems known. Auricular acupuncture is the assessment and stimulation of the outer ear known as auricle, for diagnosing and treating of illnesses in other parts of the body.

It is believed that auricular acupuncture has been used in China for thousands of years. Ancient Chinese healers utilized the ear in diagnosis and treatment. Hippocrates diagnosed and treated sciatica and impotence by bleeding points behind the ears. During the Middle Ages in Europe, medical documents noted treatment of the ear for sciatica. French doctor Paul Nogier in 1956 developed a comprehensive map of the ear reflex system. He produced a model that used an inverted fetus as an image representing the entire human body. Doctors all over the work have validated his work. In 1973, Michael Smith, a New York based doctor, came up with a protocol for substance withdrawal abuse by stimulating five pressure points on the ear. He was the one who established the NADA or the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association.

Auricular acupuncture in Vancouver has been used by health care providers that include psychologists, massage therapists, chiropractors, physicians, and acupuncturists. It is a lesser known therapy albeit an extremely effective one. In auricular acupuncture, acupuncture points located in the ear are stimulated with ear pellets, magnets, lasers, needles, or manual pressure. This type of acupuncture can be just as effective without the use of needles. The World Health Organization director said in 1990, “Perhaps, auricular acupuncture is scientifically, the best documented and most developed of all of acupuncture’s microsystems and is the most widely used and most practical.”

One of the strongest aspects of auricular acupuncture is that it can be used for practically any type of illness. It can help to treat menopause symptoms, headaches, arthritis, anxiety, addictions, insomnia, stress, pain, and many other conditions. It is often used as adjunct to other types of treatment; however, it is not meant to be used as substitute for other mainstream medical care.

In China, research has determined that auricular acupuncture can resolve more than 200 disorders and diseases and is efficient in 85 percent of cases. In 1980, a double blind study was conducted by the Pain Management Center in UCLA to validate the scientific precision of auricular diagnosis. In diagnosing musculoskeletal pain via observation and palpation of the ear, researchers discovered that auricular diagnosis had an accuracy rate of 75 percent. In a weight loss study done at South Australia’s Adelaide University, results showed that auricular acupuncture can help subdue appetite. The people in the auricular therapy group experienced a significant amount of weight lost compared to the control group.