This is the beginning of the new lunar calendar. In celebration of the Chinese New Year, I will be discussing the many wonderful contributions the Asian cultures have given the world in relation to alternative medicine.
Celebrating Chinese New Year: The Contribution of Acupuncture Traditional Chinese Medicine teaches that channels of energy flowing throughout the body, may be manipulated by pressure known as acupressure or with the insertion of fine needles, called Acupuncture. By manipulating the Qi, our vital life force or energy, good health is brought into balance. These techniques help the body to find homeostasis. The Ancient Art of Acupuncture is the needling of specific points along "meridians" or channels that run throughout our body. Acupuncture can be traced back as far as the Stone Age in China. Acupuncture remained relatively unheard of in the United States until 1974 when James Reston, a reporter for the New York Times accompanied President Nixon on a trip to China where they witnessed an appendectomy and several demonstrations of serious surgeries being performed with acupuncture as the only anesthetic using Acupuncture Anesthesia. Western science has never been able to reconcile how Acupuncture works. They can prove "that" it works, but not "how" it works. The body functions as an entity through 12 channels called "Meridians", that distribute Qi. "Meridians" or channels are pathways of energy flow. Very often pain, numbness, soreness, sensations of heat or cold, and other sensations along the course of a meridian will be an important clue to problems in that particular system. Each meridian connects to an organ. It is through these meridians that organs receive nourishment and stay in balance (function properly). There are also 8 extra vessels. that store energy and help regulate the flow of Qi in the meridians. In addition there are gates through which the inner Qi communicates with the environment, to help regulate the body. It is a natural law that energy flows in wavy lines like the breeze, mountain ranges and streams. In people, Qi flows in the meridians. This undulating flow is beneficial and natural and is relative to how Qi of people interacts with Qi of nature. How Chinese Medicine Treats "Several processes have been proposed to explain acupuncture's effects, primarily those on pain. Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) to release chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals either change the experience of pain or release other chemicals, such as hormones, that influence the body's self- regulating systems. The biochemical changes may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well being."(5) There are three main mechanisms: Conduction of electromagnetic signals: Western scientists have found evidence that acupuncture points are strategic conductors of electromagnetic signals. Stimulating points along these pathways through acupuncture enables electromagnetic signals to be relayed at a greater rate than under normal conditions. These signals may start the flow of pain-killing biochemicals, such as endorphins, and of immune system cells to specific sites in the body that are injured or vulnerable to disease. Activation of opioid systems: Research has found that several types of opioids may be released into the central nervous system during acupuncture treatment, thereby reducing pain. Changes in brain chemistry, sensation, and involuntary body functions: Studies have shown that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones in a good way. Acupuncture also has been documented to affect the parts of the central nervous system related to sensation and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions and processes whereby a person's blood pressure, blood flow, and body temperature are regulated.(5) What Chinese Medicine Treats Digestive Abdominal pain, Constipation, Diarrhea, Hyperacidity Emotional Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Nervousness, Neurosis. Eye-Ear-Nose-Throat Cataracts, Gingivitis, Poor vision, Tinnitis, Toothache, Tonsillitis. Gynecological Infertility, Menopausal Symptoms, Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Musculoskeletal Arthritis, Back pain, Muscle cramping, Muscle pain, Muscle weakness, Neck pain, Sciatica. Neurological Headaches, Migraines, Neurogenic bladder, Parkinson's disease, Postoperative pain, Stroke, Bell's Palsy. Respiratory Asthma, Bronchitis, Common cold, Sinusitis, Smoking cessation, Miscellaneous Addiction control, Athletic performance, Blood pressure regulation, Chronic fatigue, Immune system tonification, Stress reduction. Group [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED]@yahoogroups.comWelcome To dimpill's gang! This is the Best Place to Hang around.We Give u the Best in Latest News, Jokes, Funny Pictures,Wallpapers,Latest Buzz and Much More! Connect your World with Us join Now http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dimpill_gang/join Affiliated group from dimpill_gang for Only Adult Mails http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fantazies/joinAffiliated group from dimpill_gang for Only Health and Food Mails http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Health_and_Gourmet/join _______________________________________________ No banners. No pop-ups. No kidding. Make My Way your home on the Web - http://www.myway.com
