Acupuncture

The ins and outs of this traditional Chinese pointy practice!

Few therapeutic methods throughout the world can instill the sort of anxiety that this ancient Chinese practice has provided in some needle-wary individuals. The practice has long been stigmatized by Western cultures, as images of sadistic practitioners filling every inch of the skin with long needles jumps immediately to the layman's mind. Still, the practice has persisted in American and European culture despite the culture shock that is inheritantly involved. It is interesting to note the incredible diversity of acupuncture when compared with Western medicine. While we perpetually are in search of new chemicals to alleviate our discomforts, this ancient practice has employed the same apparatus for centuries. In Western medicine, the needle is used as a vehicle to deliver the agent of relief into our systems. In the case of acupuncture, the needle is the agent of relief.

Still, the foremost experts in Western medicine have never been able to reach an agreement on the effectiveness of acupuncture. Practitioners and patients will attest adamantly to the benefits of acupuncture, but medical evidence is not able to suggest any valid reason why this sort of treatment should be effective. Below, EnvyMyHealth writers have delved into the often perplexing world of acupuncture in the hopes of discovering what it is that makes acupuncture such a unshakeable force in the world of alternative health care. After all, would acupuncture still be around after all these years if it was nothing more than a hoax? Read on and you just may find out.

Acupuncture: Mystic Therapy or Ancient Hoax? - An article that explores the many difficulties in verifying acupuncture's authenticity.

Getting the Point: Acupuncture Enunciated - This is information for the experienced Acupuncture enthusiast. If you already know the basics of Acupucnture but want to know more about this ancient practice: Read on!

Five Element Acupuncture - This once-forgotten discipline is seeing a revival in brighter times, and promises to bring a more holistic approach to the practice of acupuncture.

A Discussion of Alternative Medicine - Discusses the various elements of alternative medicine, including acupuncture!

EFT- The Emotional Freedom Technique - Acupuncture without the needles?

Acupressure

Acupuncture's gentler, kinder cousin!

Can't handle needles? We understand. Luckily, somewhere along the line a wise man developed acupressure. Acupressure is the use of the exact same pressure points used in acupuncture, but instead of needles, fingers are used. Sound too good to be true? It just might be. Acupressure is actually an older tradition than it's cousin, but was almost entirely discarded by the ancient Chinese after they discovered the healing powers of needles. A fairly recent revitalization has brought new optimism to the practice, however, and there is a wealth of studies that suggest the healing powers of acupressure can even rival some of the strongest Western remedies. Have you ever considered curing a headache using pressure points? How about clearing your sinuses? These are just a sampling of the many benefits that acupressure proports to offer. Read the articles below to get an in-depth look at the simple yet understated process called acupressure!

A Pressing Point: Gentle Healing Through Acupressure - An introduction to Acupressure!

The Ancient Healing Art of Reflexology - Though not technically categorized as acupressure, this healing therapy utilizes many of the same principles and is similar in it's execution.

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