Showing posts with label Complementary Medicine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Complementary Medicine. Show all posts
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Mud Application/ Mud Therapy
For therapeutic purposes, Mud is taken from at least three feet deep, ideally from the bank of a running stream or from a clean farm. Then the mud so taken is dried for a few days under direct sun light on a clean surface and stones etc., if any; filtered by hand. Then you soak this mud in cold water depending on the texture for half an hour to 2 hours to get thick paste.
This mud can be applied locally in thick layers over the belly under the navel but above genitals. This application relieves Acidity and Constipation and improves Liver function.
Direct application on Skin, can relieve variety of Skin Disorders depending on Mud's natural mineral content. Naturopaths sometimes prescribe full mud bath where mud is applied all over the body except for the areas of Body orifices (openings) like ears, eyes, nostrils, anus, genitals and mouth. After 20 - 40 minutes under soft sun exposure (9-10 am) and 3-4 pm) you are asked to have a full shower. Full Mud Bath helps detoxify the body and improves Skin functions.
This mud can be applied locally in thick layers over the belly under the navel but above genitals. This application relieves Acidity and Constipation and improves Liver function.
Direct application on Skin, can relieve variety of Skin Disorders depending on Mud's natural mineral content. Naturopaths sometimes prescribe full mud bath where mud is applied all over the body except for the areas of Body orifices (openings) like ears, eyes, nostrils, anus, genitals and mouth. After 20 - 40 minutes under soft sun exposure (9-10 am) and 3-4 pm) you are asked to have a full shower. Full Mud Bath helps detoxify the body and improves Skin functions.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Hydrotherapy: The Water Cure
History
After the use of Herbal Medicines, the use of water to stimulate healing may be the next-oldest form of medical treatment. We know that hydrotherapy is among the treatements used in ancient Egypt and India, and is mentioned in the oldest writings known to still exist, the Vedas.
The modern system of Naturopathic Hydrotherapy has its roots primarily in the European Alps. Vincent Priessnitz (1799-1852), an unschooled farm boy who learned how to treat animals with cold water, later healed himself from broken ribs and eventually treated patients for a wide range of conditions. Despite his lack of formal medical training he was formally acknowledged by the Austrian government.
Father Sebastian Kneipp, a German priest (1821-1897), cured himself of tuber-culosis and went on to be considered the Father of Modern Hydrotherapy. A great many of the early Naturopathic physicians trained under him.
Hydrotherapy was hugely popular during the 1800's, both in Europe and the United States, and Spas and Sanatoriums flourished. Eventually, with the onset of modern medicine and a greater reliance on drug therapy, the use of hydrotherapy to stimulate our own internal healing mechanisms has waned. Here in the 21st century, it is the practitioners of Naturopathic and Ayurvedic medicine that are keeping this valuable treatment method alive.
Therapeutic Effects of Water
| Specific Physiological Effects of Hydrotherapy Enhanced Circulation of Blood & Lymph Increased Oxygen to Tissues Better Digestion of Food Increased Nutrients to Cells General Boost to the Immune System Balances the Nervous System: - Calms the Sympathetic - Nourishes the Parasympathetic Assist the Body's Detoxification Efforts |
Hydrotherapy usually consists of using hot or cold water, and sometimes alternating between the two. Water can be applied to the body in packs, in sprays, or through soaking in tubs or lakes. The water may simply be pure water, or in some instances natural mineral springs were used which were observed to have healing effects. Even in modern times, there are more research citations in Pub Med, a large government medical database, on the use of water than there are for the use of aspirin.
Hot water is known to expand tissues and increase circulation. Cold water contracts tissues and decreases circulation. When these two are alternated, a pumping effect on tissues is achieved, which accelerates the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients into, and accelerates the removal of wastes and toxins from the affected area. When these alterations are carefully choreographed, the body's parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for healing, can be stimulated.
When using mineral baths, minerals are absorbed through the skin into the blood, having direct physiological effects. Minerals and bath salts can be used in home tubs if you are not able to travel to natural mineral hot springs. Another type of home baths is peat moss baths. Peat is rich in a cocktail of plant derived minerals, and soaking in peat baths is much like soaking in a peat moss tea. Peat baths are also excellent for detoxification
Constitutional Hydrotherapy
is a traditional Naturopathic treatment developed in the early 20th Century by Dr. O.G. Carroll, and later passed on to Dr. Harold Dick. It consists of alternating hot and cold applications to the chest, abdomen and back, in conjunction with sine wave electrotherapy to the liver and adrenal glands.
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The primary treatment goal is to enhance the function of your body's parasympathetic nervous system, that portion of your autonomic functions which regulate digestion and absorption of nutrients, immune function, and is the body's natural antidote to stress.
By stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, the body's overall healing ability is enhanced. Stress is a vital part of our makeup that protects us from danger. Too often, however, the "effects of modern living" leave us in a stressful "fight or flight" mode for too long, which prevents the body from absorbing nutrients, healing, or recovering from injuries. Constitutional Hydrotherapy is a way of jump-starting the parasympathetic nervous system and defusing the effects of stress.
Conditions Treated by Hydrotherapy
Based on its therapeutic effects, Hydrotherapy can be used for a wide variety of illnesses The following list of conditions are some for which the Constitutional Hydrotherapy treatments in particular, have been effective for many patients.
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Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Shiatsu
Introduction
Shiatsu is a Japanese word meaning "finger pressure". Shiatsu uses hand pressure and manipulative techniques to adjust the body's physical structure and its natural inner energies, to help ward off illness, and maintain good health.
Shiatsu is characterized by its great simplicity. It grew from earlier forms of massage, called Anma in Japan (Anmo or Tuina in China) which use rubbing, stroking, squeezing, tapping, pushing, and pulling to influence the muscles and circulatory systems of the body. Shiatsu, by contrast, uses few techniques and to an observer it would appear that little is happening - merely a still, relaxed pressure at various points on the body with the hand or thumb, an easy leaning of the elbows or a simple rotation of a limb. It almost seems a lazy activity. But underneath the uncomplicated movements much is happening internally to the body's energy on a subtle level.
Subtle Energy in the Body
The Oriental tradition describes the world in terms of energy. All things are considered to be manifestations of a vital universal force, called 'Ki' by the Japanese, ''Chi", or 'Qi', in China. Ki is the primary substance and motive force of life. It is most often described as "energy", but Ki is also synonymous with breath in the Japanese and Chinese languages. In Oriental medicine, harmony of Ki within the human body is conceived as being essential to health.
History of Shiatsu
The Development of Shiatsu in Japan
Shiatsu was developed in the early part of the 20th century by a Japanese practitioner, Tamai Tempaku, who incorporated the new Western medical knowledge of anatomy and physiology into several older meth ods of treatment. Originally he called it "Shiatsu Ryoho", or "finger pressure way of healing", then "Shiatsu Ho ", "finger pressure method". Now known simply as "Shiatsu", it was officially recognized as a therapy by the Japanese Government in 1964, so distinguishing it from the older form of traditional massage, Anma. The role of shiatsu therapists is to diagnose and treat according to the principles of Oriental medicine.
Chinese origins of Shiatsu
The earliest known book of Chinese medicine is called the 'Huang Ti Nei Ching', 'The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine'. In it the legendary Emperor questions his physician, Ch-I Po, about problems of medicine ,and health among his people. In one well known passage Ch'i Po explains that different forms of medicine were developed in different re gions according to the prevailing climate and the resulting constitutional problems from which people suffered. Treatment using herbs, needles and heat were attributed to Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western re gions, but development of physical therapy including massage and breathing exercise was accorded to the people of China's central region. Thus began the long association of massage and manipulative therapy with special physical exercise, breathing techniques, and healing med itations which represented the highest level of Chinese medicine. These came to be known collectively as "Tao Yin", methods for guiding the subtle energies within the body to flow smoothly. Shiatsu is the modern inheritor of this tradition.
Chinese medicine was introduced to Japan by a Buddhist monk in the 6th century. The Japanese developed and refined many of its methods to suit their own physiology, temperament, and climate. In particular they developed the manual healing and diagnostic arts, evolving special techniques of abdominal diagnosis, treatment, and abdominal massage.
Styles of Shiatsu
Many early Shiatsu practitioners developed their own style and some, including Tokojiro Namikoshi and Shizuto Masunaga, founded schools that helped establish Shiatsu as a therapy. There are many different styles of Shiatsu today. Some concentrate on "acupressure (acupuncture) points". Some emphasise more general work on the body or along the pathways of energy to influence the Ki that flows in them. Others highlight diagnostic systems, such as the "Five Element'' system or the macro-biotic approach. But all of these are based on traditional Chinese-medicine.
Zen Shiatsu
Masunaga incorporated his experience of Shiatsu into his studies of Western psychology and Chinese medicine; he also refined the existing methods of diagnosis. His extended system incorporated special exercises, known as "Makko Ho', to stimulate the flow of Ki, and he developed a set of guiding principles to make the techniques more effective. He called his system "Zen Shiatsu" after the simple and direct approach to spirituality of the Zen Buddhist monks in Japan.
The Chinese Approach to Understanding the Body and Health
You may notice a circularity in the logic of Chinese medicine. Westerners think of cause and effect as a linear progression of ideas and events from A, through B, to C. Eastern philosophy regards events as mutually conditioned, arising together. They are not seen as distinct from the environment in which they occur. The background is as important as the fore-ground. An example is given here to help to clarify the difference.
A headache is not just an event in the head, according to Chinese medicine, nor is it merely a pain, or something to be stopped without regard for its origins, nor even treated on the same basis as someone else's headache. Rather, it is an obstruction of Ki, related to the overall energy patterns in the whole body of the particular individual, their circumstances, and lifestyle. Treatment might involve work on the arms or legs as well as (or instead of) the head and will bring more lasting and satisfactory changes than will an attempt to block the superficial symptoms.________________________________________________________________________
* Edited extract from Paul Lundberg’s ‘The New Book of Shiatsu’, as obtained from ShiatsuSociety.Org
Saturday, December 6, 2008
What is 'PILATES'?
Pilates is a form of exercise that was developed in the 1920s by Joseph Hubertus Pilates (1880 – 1967). Having grown up weak and sickly, he suffered from a variety of diseases during his youth. Determined to overcome his weaknesses, Joseph Pilates began exercising and developing his own methods to achieve greater health. Over time, he became a competitive athlete in gymnastics, diving, and skiing.
Pilates was not always named after its creator. Originally, Joseph Pilates called his system Contrology, focusing on the foundational principles of mind-body control and core strength. He began teaching his system in London, England during WWI while being detained because of his nationality on the Isle of Man. During this period Joseph Pilates was able to further develop his methods and raise the health of other internees and disabled individuals in the camp hospital.
Eventually, Joseph Pilates immigrated to the United States where he was able to set up a training center in New York City with his wife. His methods quickly became popular with dancers, gymnasts, actors, and other athletes for the superior levels of body control his students developed.
Joseph Pilates continued the development of his methods for over 80 years. During this time, his students were primarily fit and healthy individuals, which lead to many advanced forms of training that required complex machines to perform the exercises. After his death, many of the well-trained students brought his methods to a greater population by focusing on the needs of beginners.
Principles of Pilates
Pilates incorporates a variety of principles reflecting the influences of yoga, Alexander Technique, meditation, gymnastics, and dance. Pilates instruction always includes the following principles to maintain its efficiency and effectiveness.
Concentration
During each Pilates exercise, keep the mind alert by focusing on every movement. This will develop the mind-body connection, allowing you to relax and use only the necessary muscles. The cultivation of mindfulness on the action you are performing will enhance your control of the mind in all aspects of life.
Control
Each movement should be performed precisely to work the muscles effectively and avoid injury. You will develop this ability gradually by repeating the exercises with consciousness. You may not be able to move your body in the ideal manner initially, but your ability to control your body will increase with each Pilates session.
Center
The source of the body's power and movement originates from an area that Pilates instructors often refer to as the core or powerhouse. The muscles of the abdomen, hips, and lower back form this center. They function to stabilize and protect the body during movement.
Breath
Correct breathing is essential to health. It is common to either hold your breath or improperly breathe using only the upper third of the lung during exercise. Pilates trains you to perform lateral breathing using the diaphragm that allows the lungs to more effectively expand and achieve maximum efficiency of breathe. During Pilates exercises, it is important to exhale during exertion and inhale during recovery.
Fluidity
Each movement during Pilates should be performed in a flowing manner, avoiding jerky movements. Each exercise should be continuously with no breaks or variations in the speed of movement. By developing this fluid feel, you will cultivate the graceful movement of a dancer.
Precision
The performance of each movement in Pilates requires precision. Practice may be necessary to develop a through understanding of the exercises; however, learning the exact movements will prevent injury and provide maximum health benefit.
Routine
Repeated practice is an essential component of developing your mind-body connection and strengthening your body. Following a pre-determined routine for successive Pilates sessions will allow you to familiarize yourself with the mechanics of each exercise, developing deeper connections with each session.
Isolation
Isolation involves the focus of your mind on the specific muscles used during a movement. By mentally connecting with each Pilates movement, you will increase your mind's specific control of each part of your body. This ability will eventually allow you coordinate and balance your entire body with every movement.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Thai Massage
In its native tongue, Thai Massage is called Nuat Phaen Boran, which translates as Ancient Massage or Traditional Massage. Thai Massage is also often referred to as Traditional Thai Massage, Thai Yoga Massage, Passive Yoga, or Assisted Yoga. The development of Thai Massage started approximately 2,500 years ago with Shivago Komarpaj, also known as Jivaka Kumarabhacca; a traditional Ayurvedic doctor who was the personal physician to the Buddha. Over time, this system of massage traveled across Asia to Thailand, with the Buddhist religion. Along the way, elements of Chinese Medicine were incorporated into the methods of Thai Massage.
Today, there are several different styles of Thai Massage practiced all over Thailand. The most prominent style of Thai Massage is taught at Wat Pho, a temple in Bangkok, Thailand. Many foreigners travel to the northern Thailand city of Chiang Mai to learn from a long-standing branch of the Wat Pho Thai Traditional Massage School.
What is a Thai Massage Like?
Thai Massage is often described as a unique blend of acupressure, reflexology, and yoga stretches. Thai Medicine combines both Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine theory. A person’s life force circulates their body through energy pathways called sen, similar in layout to Chinese Medicine’s meridians and Ayurveda’s nadis. While there are thousands of sen in the body, most Thai Massage focuses on treating specific acupressure points along the 10 most important sen.
Thai Massage is considered a spiritual practice for both the practitioner and patient. Each session is traditionally begun and ended with a prayer, honoring the teacher. Specific precepts are followed by traditional practitioners to maintain Buddhist morality, humility, and cleanliness of mind and body.
When you receive Thai Massage, it is customary to be fully clothed except for your feet and wearing pajamas or other loose clothing. Thai Massage is given on a mat laid upon the floor, with no oils being used during the treatment. In some cases, a steamed herbal liniment may be applied with a towel to the skin; the combination of heat and herbs enhances the healing process.
Thai Massages start with you lying on your back, and with the practitioner beginning by working on your feet. Foot massage is an important component of Thai Massage and is also practiced independently of full body massages. The practitioner continues by massaging your body through a series of choreographic movements. These movements resemble various yoga postures; however, they do not require any effort by you. This aspect of Thai Massage has led some to playfully call it “lazy man’s yoga”, since the practitioner does all the work of stretching your body. The practitioner utilizes both of their hands and feet to position and counter-balance your body into the various stretches. The combination of gentle pressure all over your body and the passive stretching will open the energy lines in your body, improving your health. The coordination of both patient and practitioner moving into these postures can also help you to relax and let go, allowing your body to be moved beneficially.
A full Thai Massage can last over two hours, as every part of your body is massaged and stretched. While this may seem long to some people, the meditative atmosphere and relaxed state of your body will allow the time to pass quickly.
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