Learning Acupressure

There are several schools of massage that teach acupressure. One simply has to locate schools that teach acupuncture as part of the curriculum. Some individuals will even purchase audio visual CD’s that will help them learn acupressure techniques. They may also purchase a full color acupressure chart that will allow them to identify the points and the meridians of the body. The meridians can best be identified as previously mentioned, as highways in which the energy flows throughout the body. One can also learn acupressure by going to an institute that specializes in learning this particular treatment. An applied Kinesiology and healing touch institute is popular. One can also get a degree in Chinese medicines which teach the individual about the use of a pressure point in the body and acupuncture points as well. Obviously, the more deeply the individual wishes to learn the subject will determine where they choose to obtain their training.

Acupressure Points on the Body

There are 12 meridians on the human body and on these meridians are located tens of acupoints. Every meridian corresponds to an organ of the body. Once a person has health problems this would mean that there is misbalance in the meridians. Acupressure helps finding that points in the human body where the energy is blocked and works out on that point in order to release the blocked energy and make the energy flow stabilize.

Acupressure Yin and Yang Meridians

In acupressure there are yin and yang meridians. The yang meridians flow from the fingertips to the face or the face to the feet. Conversely, the yin meridians flow from the feet to the torso, or from the torso to the fingertips along the inside area of the body. The Yin meridians are primarily identified with female energy. The yang energy is primarily identified as male energy. The energy is supposed to be unblocked by acupressure and allowed to flow freely throughout the body.

Energy Release from the Body During Acupressure treatments

When the pressure points are stimulated during an acupressure treatment it allows the energy to flow throughout the body. The practitioners often press on the points for 3 minutes. They are usually looking for a sensation somewhere between hurting and feeling good. “hurts until it feels good.” However the finger pressure is used depends on the practitioner, and also the age and general health of the patient. Those that have some sort of energy or are in ill health typically do not have as much time focused on specific pressure points as do others who are in better health, and can tolerate more pressure on specific points.

Cost of treatments

Acupressure can be free if one’s spouse learns the treatments and performs them correctly. It can even be a self treatment. However, it is often performed along with massage techniques or it is often incorporated into the practice. This is especially true in Thai massage or oriental massage techniques and should not cost any more than the cost of a traditional massage.

There are many methods of using acupressure. Perhaps the traditional way of using the treatments are the best. One will certainly benefit from getting this treatment done the accepted way with a skilled practitioner. A practice that has been around for thousands of years certainly has some benefit or merit to it. Unlike acupuncture it is relatively easy to learn the basic techniques of acupressure. You can apply them to your life to relieve pain and stress.

1. What are acupressure mats and how do they works?
2. What types of acupressure mats are there?
3. What are the benefits of using acupressure mats

What Are Acupressure Mats and How Do They Work?

An acupressure mat has been used for many years in India as an alternative treatment for pain and tension. The modern acupressure mat is much more comfortable and feature well rounded plastic nails that make up a mat.

It is believed that the body has 14- 20 energy points (also known as chakras) connecting the body. When any of these energy centers are out of balance, the boy experiences pain and disease. By applying pressure to these energy points, acupuncture mat tries to bring some energy balance.

You can use the mat everyday by simply lying on it for 20 to 40 minutes. The “nice pain” you will feel is stimulation of your body’s energy to restore balance.

What types of acupressure mats are there?

According to HowMuchIsIt.org, an acupressure mat can cost between $30 to $60 dollars depending on how many nails it has.

Himalaya acupressure mat

Swedish Wellness manufactures the Himalaya Acupressure Mat. It features 8,820 acupressure nails that apply pressure on the body’s pressure points. This mat was recommended in the Dr. Oz show as a must have for weight loss, stress and pain relief.

Heavenly acupressure mat

These mats come in two variations- those with a pillow and those without. Those with the pillow have a mat that features 8820 acupressure points and a pillow with 1638 acupressure points. The pillow-less mats have 8820 points. These are helpful for better sleep, aiding in weight loss and relieving stress.

Nayoya acupressure mat

This Mat features 6,210 acupressure nail points. It is effective for relieving back pain, enhances circulation, and improves sleep and the digestion process. The mat weigh just 1lb and 2oz.

Doctor oz acupressure mat

Dr. Oz explained the many benefits of using this mat including weight loss, relief of back and neck pain. A study by Dr. Zilberter of North Carolina showed these results from researched participants: 98% experienced pain relief, 96% felt relaxed, 94% slept better and 81% felt more energetic by using the acupressure mats.

Halsa acupressure mat

The Halsa is from Sweden and features 8820 points, naturally reliving your body of pain. It comes with a vinyl-carrying bag.

Tibetan acupressure mat

This mat has more pointed nails to provide more pressure in the body’s acupressure points. It features 18 spikes for each of its flowers adding up to 4158 sharp nails points. It also sports evenly distributed plastic buttons on the mat’s platform. The platform is linen to offer the ultimate pressure.

Acupressure mat with 8820 pressure points

Most mats have 8820 pressure points to ensure that the nails touch most of the thousands of pressure points in the body. This causes a soothing and calm physical and mental sensation.

Bed of nails acupressure mat

This mat features 100% non-toxic plastic nails and pure cotton fiber that can be hand washed. It features 6,440 acupressure nails and is effective in treating cellulite, relieving pain, and enhancing energy levels.

Pranamat eco acupressure mat

This mat features lotus flowers that apply pressure on the body to promote lymph and blood circulation, pain relief and to aid in relaxation. It is made from eco friendly material that is washable.

Shakti acupressure mat

The Shakti Mat is an impression of the ancient bed of nails and features 6000 acupressure spikes. This mat has its origin in Sweden and is attributed to alleviating tension and promoting relaxation.

What Are The Benefits of Using Acupressure Mats?

When the plastic acupressure nails apply pressure on your body, the body releases endorphins, also known as “natural pain relievers”. The production of endorphins will give you a sense of well being and an alleviation of pain.

The pressure also triggers the release of Oxytocin, which gives a sense of calm. Oxytocin production also aids in reduction of stress, causes us to be socially interactive and vibrant, enhances self-esteem and boosts memory. Oxytocin also contributes to the repair of weak or damaged cells and brings blood pressure to normal healthy levels.

The mat can also be used for relaxation after a long day or a stressful period. It is effective in calming sore and tired feet, backaches, stiff necks, shoulder and back, tension and pains.

1. What is the history of acupuncture?
2. How does acupuncture work?
3. What are the criticisms against this practice?

What is the History of acupuncture?

The term acupuncture has French origins dating back to the 16 century. The term derives its meaning from the Latin words acus meaning needle and punctura meaning puncture. Acupuncture is generally believed to have originated from the Eastern traditions, particularly of Chinese medicine. This practice was both a Taoist philosophy as much as it is a medical practice today.

Acupuncture dates to more than 8000 years back when inhabitants of this time became keen on the flow of energy through the body and the relationship between humans and natural forces. As might be expected there were numerous sages during this period, with the most renowned being Fu His. This sage developed the concept of yin-yang after his observation of nature in his conclusion that the two prevailing forces controlling the universe were reception and creation. The concept of yin and yang become the cornerstone of Chinese medicine.

Throughout the various dynasties in China, acupuncture developed a foothold until the 1911 Revolution that saw Western and herbal medicine introduced in the greater Asia, subsequently suppressing acupuncture for a while. However many traditional doctors during this period continued to use acupuncture to relieve pains, to alleviate physical stress, curing emotional depression, and to treat a host of ailments including cardiovascular, respiratory and circulatory diseases.

How does Acupuncture work?

Acupuncture entails the stimulation of the meridian points along the body, primarily through the use of metallic needles. These meridian points are also known as energy points or chakras, which if out of balance will result to the development of disease and pain. Acupuncturists believe that there are about 14 – 20 meridian points that interconnect the body and offer 2000 points through which acupuncture can be carried out.

Acupuncture works based on the yin and yang concept such that it seeks to bring balance between the passive energies of yin and the active energies of yang. Through electrical or manual manipulation of the needles, these two energies are able to restore their balance. This allows for the free flow of Qi (Chi), also known as life giving energy. Unblocking Chi means releasing the body from pain and disease.

What are the criticisms towards acupuncture?

A Consensus Development Conference on Acupuncture report stated that more and more medical doctors are using acupuncture as an alternative and complementary medicine. Another report by the National Health Interview Survey on the use of Chinese alternative Medicine by Americans indicated that up to 3.1 million adults use acupuncture for pain relief and other chronic conditions. However, in spite of the flourishing popularity in acupuncture and Chinese medicine in the West, organizations such as the American Medical Association (AMA) do not yet recognize acupuncture. The AMA has long been in a drawn battle against alternative medicine, with the main caveat being that there are no set standards for who qualifies to undertake these alternative practices. According to the AMA the lack of national standards on education and professional qualification blurs the line between quackery (as in alternative medicine) and clinical medicine.

Essential oils for hair growth:

Lavender oil: Studies have shown that lavender oil has remarkable results in improving hair growth for used for couple of months. Lavender oil has soothing and relaxing effects of the scalp cells and work deeper to nourish the hair follicles and stimulate blood circulation. The roots and the hair shafts are properly nourished which results in faster hair growth.

Ylang Ylang: This exotic sounding essential oil has profound effects on hair growth. It has a stimulating effect on the scalp that promotes hair growth. When used regularly, it increases the thickness of the hair shaft and grows thicker hair. It has a balancing action on the scalp by regulating sebum production and is a great natural conditioner.

Rosemary oil: It is one of the best hair growth enhancing essential oil that helps in enhancing cellular metabolism and stimulating healthy hair growth. It has a nutrient dense composition, which nourishes the hair making them soft, thicker, shiny and prevents breakage and hair fall. It reduces the inflammation around the hair follicles and stimulates healthy hair growth. Because of its premium hair regrowth properties, rosemary oil is used in many shampoos and other hair care products.

Eucalyptus oil: This versatile oil has many properties that help in keeping your hair healthy and beautiful. It stimulates blood flow and nourishes and moisturizes scalp, which promotes healthy hair growth. It enhances the elasticity of the hair, thereby preventing breakage and split ends.

Essential oils for keeping your hair healthy and beautiful:

Tea tree oil for hair: Tea tree oil is a great natural moisturizer that encourages the flow of body’s own natural oils and keeps your skin free from dandruff and dryness. It does not have direct action on hair growth but by removing dead cells and opening clogged pores, it enhances regrowth of hair follicles.

Bergamot Oil: The antiseptic properties of bergamot oil clean the scalp of unwanted dead cells and grease, which helps in strengthening of hair.

Jasmine oil: Jasmine oil provides shine, is non-sticky and smells lovely.

Some of the common hair care shampoos are:

1. John Masters Organics Lavender shampoo: Listed price of $26.4 (8 oz.). You can find online deals at better price.

2. Quinessence hair care range:

3. Northwest Scents lavender and rosemary shampoo: 8 oz. at $14.95

How to apply essential oils?

You can either use an oil treatment blend by mixing essential oils in carrier oils or by adding essential oils to your shampoo or conditioner. You can also directly apply 5-6 drops of oil on your scalp and massage it gently. Keep it covered with a hot towel for some time and then rinse your hair with mild shampoo.

Difference from Common Shampoos

Unlike other commercial shampoos, this one has been made from all natural ingredients. It is really difficult to find a shampoo made from natural ingredients, as most shampoos have got dangerous chemicals that seem to give good results in beginning, but in the long run they badly damage hair and scalp. This tea tree oil shampoo has been enriched with pro vitamins and highly soothing botanicals, which shall provide moisture to your hair and scalp.

Tea Tree Oil’s Benefits

Australian tea tree oil has been used as a vital ingredient of this shampoo. The oil is famous for its anti bacterial and anti fungal properties. Jason has added special botanicals and proteins into this shampoo, and the oil combines with these two components for purifying and fortifying hair follicles. Hair becomes shiny, soft, easily manageable and full of volume by using it.

Directions for Use

Using this shampoo is as easy as any other shampoo, being natural doesn’t mean that you have to treat this shampoo in a special manner; rather it is in ready to use condition. User needs to moisten hair with water, take a small proportion of the shampoo and do some quick lathering. Rinse hair, and then take a bigger amount of shampoo and lather thoroughly from roots to tips, this shall remove all excess oil, dirt and debris. Rinse the hair thoroughly with water and enjoy soft & smooth hair.

Price

The price for a 17.5 fluid oz bottle of this shampoo is just $10.99, which is pretty cheap. Jason has set a decent price tag, while other natural hair care products are pretty expensive as natural products are rare.

User Reviews

Majority of the users have given this product a 5/5star rating, and the overall rating is 3.9/5 stars. Below are some user testimonials:
- Sharon Stillson – This young lady from Seattle has fine limp hair, and she is highly allergic to artificially scented shampoos. Using this natural shampoo made her hail healthy, and without causing respiratory trouble. She gave this shampoo 5/5 star.

- Ramona Nashville – She has waist long hair, and was facing trouble due to itchy scalp. She tried a number of so called medicated shampoos, but no gain. Finally she tried Jason Tea Tree Oil Shampoo and her scalp is perfectly healthy now. She loved the 2 times washing phenomenon of using this shampoo, and gave it 5/5 star.

Pros: Cleans thoroughly, gentle on the hair, makes hair healthy, and Lathers very well, natural ingredients.

Cons: Some users reported a rash. Some users reported it to be harsh on their scalp.

Conclusion

Just like any other shampoo in the world, the Jason Tea Tree Oil Shampoo might not be suitable for a few people having delicate scalp and hair, and people having serious dermatological issues can look at this shampoo’s ingredients to see if it contains something dangerous for them. For all others, this shampoo is highly recommended.

How Acupuncture is Performed

Acupuncture is performed by long thin needles placed under the skin. This needles work by targeting specific areas of the body where pain receptors are stored. In traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture points were set to target QI or energy in the body. There are specific meridians or points on the body that upon stimulation release the Qi. It was performed in the traditional way for many thousands of years in China. The practice then spread to Korea and later Japan. The practice has been relatively unchanged throughout the years. This is part of the reason that is so intriguing and popular with both medical professionals and consumers of these services alike.

Acupuncture in the Modern Era

Acupuncture in the modern era most likely began with the trip by President and Mrs. Nixon to China in 1972. While in China they witnessed a patient receiving major surgery without receiving anesthetic. Needless to say, they were quite intrigued by the process. A reporter traveling with the Nixon’s underwent acupuncture in a procedure after an emergency appendectomy. Since that time it has slowly been incorporated into the repertoire of many Western medical practitioners. Acupuncture is currently taught in several medical schools. It has also been taught frequently in Chiropractic schools. Acupressure is also taught as part of a massage curriculum. The evidence shows that Americans are continually seeking alternative treatments. They spent over 1 billion dollars on these treatments in 1995. A modern acupuncturist typically will begin a treatment by taking the patients pulse and doing an inspection of the tongue. This is garnered by years of how the Chinese practiced acupuncture. The tongue was considered to be a roadmap to the entire body.

Critics

Acupuncture has its critics. In 1990, a national council against health fraud pronounced acupuncture as primitive, and stated that the concepts bear no relationship to modern scientific knowledge. Some individuals consider this a con to obtaining the procedure. By and large however, the process has been supported by organizations such as the National Institutes of Health, and the American Council of Scientific Affairs.

Does Acupuncture hurt? Is it painful?

In the acupuncture process the long thin needles are inserted into the skin in a superficial way. It is not painful, only involving a slight tingling sensation, nor is there normally any bleeding associated with the process, under ordinary circumstances. This is especially true if the acupuncturist is skilled with the use of the needles. Unlike many traditional Western medical treatments there are no drug used, nor is it deeply invasive. Since there are no side effects from drugs it differs substantially from Western medical techniques. It is increasing in popularity partially due to this difference. In acupuncture the patient’s energy or qi is doing all of the healing work. The patient should only feel a slight tingling during the process. The angle of needle insertion should be perpendicular.

Effectiveness of acupuncture as a Treatment Method

The data suggests that acupuncture as a treatment method is effective in reducing headaches, migraines and back pain. A UK study showed that at least 59 percent of the population believes that acupuncture is effective for pain relief. There is also sufficient data to report that acupuncture is effective with osteoarthritis sufferers as well as a treatment to reduce nausea in chemotherapy patients. It is definitely effective as a pain relieving agent as well as promoting relaxation and wellbeing in patients. The use of acupuncture as a treatment method is still being studied in medical circles, but the evidence supports that acupuncture as a form of treatment is highly effective at least for some conditions, and may be useful for other conditions as well. It is considered to be an effective and low risk treatment modality. A typical acupuncture session is relatively short lasting anywhere from 10 to 60 minutes. In the year 2011 the average cost for a session of acupuncture ran from 25 to 80 dollars. The con of the treatment is that it may not work for all conditions, and has some risks.

Safety of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is quite safe when performed by trained medical personnel. The needles that are used should be sterile and used for only one session. They are generally disposable but some states allow them to be reused if they are first sterilized. The use of acupuncture has been endorsed if a bit timidly by the several nations around the world including the National Institutes of Health, the National Health Service located in the UK, and the World Health Organization. The event of adverse effects from the treatment is low. In rare cases the use of acupuncture can cause slight injuries including bruising. In even rarer events serious injury like pneumothorax can result. The issues of injury however are quite rare, and most of the injuries that have happened have been the result of poorly trained or unlicensed individuals performing the procedures.

Acupuncture as a treatment method is still being studied today, although common sense would warrant that a treatment that has been used for thousands of years has specific merit. Those that need pain relief or relief from chronic nausea should be specifically interested in this treatment. It is successful enough in the case studies to interest many individuals in acupuncture as a treatment method. This treatment method will be studied far into the future, but with more and more medical schools and professionals endorsing this method of treatment its future is bright. It is safe to say this enduring treatment method will be around for years to come.

Tea tree oil though very effective should not be used on its own as it is very strong. It might have other side effects if used in its natural form. It is therefore better to mix it with a shampoo. For children, you can mix one part of tea tree oil with five parts of the shampoo you use for their hair. You can be using this daily for several days until all the head lice are removed. After washing the hair with the mixture of shampoo and tea tree oil, you should comb it to remove the dead lice and nits.

For adults, the mixture can be made stronger but you should be more careful if you have sensitive skin or have any other skin problems. Once you have got rid of the head lice, you should disinfect all combs, beddings and other clothes to avoid being infested again. This can be done by rinsing the clothes and combs in a mixture of tea tree oil and warm water. Avoid sharing of personal belongings such as combs, hair brushes and towels. Hats too should not be shared as they can lead to transmissions.

The causes of nail fungus

Nail fungus is caused by a fungus which is a microscopic organism affecting between 6-8% of the adults does not need sunlight to thrive. The dermatophytes are the fungi group responsible for this fungi infection; however various molds and yeasts can also cause this infection. Although Trichophyton rubrum is the common cause of nail fungus, some other dermatophytes like Trichophyton soudanense, Epidermophyton floccocus and Trichophyton tonsuran can cause this infection. The moulds causing this infection include Aspergillus, Scopulariopsis and Neoscytalidium. These micro-organisms enter your skin via any tiny cut between the nail & the nail bed where they grow when exposed to the favorable moist and warm environments.

The tea tree oil

This is a great solution that has worked perfectly against various skin ailments which rarely respond to any chemical treatment or medicine. Tea tree has both the anti-fungal and the anti-bacterial properties making it the best cure for various skin ailments completely. The anti-fungal properties make it the best cure for nail fungus, even for the most stubborn nail infection. Even though its effect with this infection is not immediate, you will start noting some effects after some few days of use.

How to apply tea tree oil

Before commencing use, you must test this oil on your under arm to see if you are allergic to it. You can then begin by applying tea tree on your infected nail using a cotton swab which has been drenched with at least two drops of this oil. Swab the cotton beneath your infected nail and also over it and allow it time to dry before going to bed. You can cover your nail with a plaster before going to sleep. Make sure that you leave the oil on your nail overnight daily until it is completely cured. You can mix tea tree with Vaseline, iodine or vinegar and then apply it on the affected nail.

Tea tree oil seeps into your affected nail and then attacks all the fungus which has grown in your nail. Within a very short time you will note a new healthy nail growing on your toe or finger without any fungus. So make sure that you apply it once a day before going to sleep until you are completely cured and with a new fungus free nail. Tea tree is gentle on individuals with sensitive skins so they do not cause any harmful effect.

How does a pad massager for chair with heat work?
What are the benefits of using it?
How do you choose the appropriate chair pad massager?

How does a pad massager for chair with heat work?

The chair back massager with heat features several massage motors that power the nodes and rollers found in the pad. The nodes and rollers have a soothing motion that helps alleviate pain and discomfort when I sit at my workstation for too long. It is also possible for me to adjust the rollers and the nodes to sooth specific parts of my back or my neck.

These pads also have a vibration movement that eliminates tension in my back. Batteries or electricity usually powers the chair back massager with heat. I prefer the massage pads that are battery powered because that way I can move around with it even take it with me in a plane. The heating mechanism is very important as it plays a role in warming up your back thereby relieving the pain.

What Are The Benefits Of Using A Massage Pad For Chair?

One of the most important benefits that I have derived from using these pads is the sheer comfort that they bring. I work long hours and I also travel regularly, thus I use the back massage pad for chair to ensure that my back and neck are free from pain. The nodes and rollers are non-intrusive so I barely notice them, just the comfort only.

My homedics chair back massager is great because it is portable. It fits well in my seat at the office, it is snugly on my couch and it fits perfectly in the plane seats. I also do not have to worry about it not functioning where there is no electricity. It has a battery function that keeps the motors working regardless of where I am.

The only caveat to some back massage pad for chair is that they cannot be adjusted to accommodate a person’s height or weight. This means that if you buy one of these it is unlikely that you can customize it for someone else to use.

How to Choose a Massage Pad for Chair?

Before buying my own homedics chair back massager I made sure to read the reviews of the different people who have used the various brands available in the market. Reviews are a great way of knowing the experiences of other people. I found that the best massage pads for chairs are the ones that that are easy to fasten to any type of chair. This means that I am able to use the same massage pad everywhere that I need to.

I was also keen on finding a massage pad that will sooth not just parts of my back but the entire length of from the neck down to the tail bone. It is also a good idea to take into consideration the price of the back massage pad for chair before buying one. Online stores typically have better prices.

Benefits of Elite Optima Massage Chair

The best thing about elite optima massage chair is that it offers heat therapy. Heat therapy softens the tight and bunched up muscles in the body and allows it to relax in order for the massage rollers to deeply massage the tension points in your body from the neck down to your spine and even including feet and calves. For those who are not aware, a good body massage can lead to improved skin tone, toxins removal, and relief from pain or body aches and of course, increase of blood and circulation. And all these, are exactly what this chair can guarantee you.

Aside from the heat therapy, the product also has great features like 170 degrees recline for comfort, a body scanning technology to tailor a massage for the owner, six intensity settings to choose from, multi-directional kneading for a full body massage and best of all, the company provides a 5 year warranty for its parts.

Amazing Elite Optima Massage Chair

The chair is wonderful and is considered as the best. The price may be a little high and it will no doubt take up too much space but it is guaranteed to work for you. People who bought the chair have expressed their ultimate satisfaction. In fact, customer reviews have been so good that the Elite Optima Massage Chair has been recognized as “Consumers Digest best buy”.