Quest for the Acupuncture Point – WHO Standardized Locations

Quest for the Acupuncture Point – WHO Standardized Locations

Currently, each acupuncturist in North America may locate the same acupuncture points differently, depending on how and where they have been trained. The issue of these point discrepancies may be somewhat of a surprise not only for consumers but also for many acupuncturists and students. The “acupuncture point”, which is supposed to be the most fundamental aspect of this ancient medical treatment, has not been standardized.

Many people have blindly assumed that acupuncture point location is uniform. Despite this assumption, there has, in fact, been a substantial discrepancy among schools in China, Korea and Japan regarding the locations of some acupuncture points. Even for some of the most famous and commonly used points, (such as the ST36 point – a point located below the knee), location differences existed from institution to institution. Although it has not been widely reported here in Canada, it was big public news in Japan and some other Asian countries

Good news however, is that in late 2006, under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO), a group of advisors from China, Japan, South Korea, and other countries met in Tsukuba, Japan, and agreed on an internationally standardized set of 361 acupuncture points. It was a historic moment in the acupuncture community. A final version of the book, WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations, was just released in May this year.

How will the standardization affect the clinical practice of acupuncture?

It is expected that many accredited acupuncture education programs around the world will soon adopt the new international guideline. However, there will be virtually no impact on the way most acupuncturists practice. Here are the reasons why:

A discussion about standardization of acupuncture point locations under the WHO had begun in 2003. During a series of consequent meetings over the next few years, the consensus was made through discussion and negotiations based on traditions in each country and interpretation of various ancient texts. It was not based on research of clinical efficacy using different point locations.

In reality, the exact location of an “acupuncture point” differs from patient to patient; therefore, during the actual treatment, experienced acupuncturists consider the text book location only as a rough guide. They further determine the exact location based on various factors including information detected through practitioner’s fingers – subtle differences in skin texture or underneath tissues, etc. The procedure requires highly sensitive hands, earned through training and years of clinical experience (This is the reason why many renowned acupuncturists in Japan insist that students train their hands first through massage therapy training). It has been generally understood that acupuncture points are typically within a few millimeters in diameter. Stimulating outside of the parameter potentially has no or much less clinical effect.

So, why is standardization important?

Standardization is especially important in the educational paradigm. With the internationally agreed standard, training can be done in a more systematic manner and basic minimum knowledge of students can be tested with the same guidelines among schools. The international standard can also be useful for research projects and communication among peers. It is certainly an important landmark project for furthering the credibility of acupuncture.

Acupuncture beyond acupuncture points

It should be mentioned that the WHO guideline only states “2 dimensional” locations and does not specify how deep the acupuncture needle should be inserted. Research studies have demonstrated that an acupuncture needle inserted in exactly the same location produced different physiological reactions (opposite response in some cases – this is part of the basis of the multi dimensional meridian structure theory), depending on how the needle was inserted and stimulated, and whether it was superficially into skin or deeply into muscle. Recent studies also indicated that efficacy of acupuncture is also influenced by various other factors including respiration and posture at the time of needle stimulation.

Standardizing the location of acupuncture points took numerous hours of tireless work by many experts; but it has been done (at least on paper). Standardizing the acupuncture procedure is a different story however. Acupuncture is a complex form of medical therapy involving both science and art.

Points of this article

• Exact location of an acupuncture point differs from person to person.

• Finding effective acupuncture points requires knowledge, skills, and experience.

• Acupuncture is not simply inserting a needle into the location specified in the textbook.

Tim H. Tanaka, Ph.D. is director of The Pacific Wellness Institute and visiting research fellow at School of Health Sciences, Tsukuba University of Technology.

Original article and pictures take www.pacificwellness.ca site

Press On These Points On Your Palms And See What Happens To Your Body

Press On These Points On Your Palms And See What Happens To Your Body

Did you know that pain from different parts of your body can be alleviated only if you press on specific points on your hands? This is possible because each finger is associated with at least one organ in the body, but also with some emotions.

Original article and pictures take usefulbeautytips.net site

Post natal care – the Ayurvedic way

Post natal care – the Ayurvedic way

Post natal Ayurvedic care can be done in three stages. This cure will have long terms benefits.

We know that the care given to the pregnant woman is for both the mother and child. But the care given after delivery is a life-long one for the mother. Plus it is intended to lend her the health to raise future generations.

Post natal care has three stages which can be categorised based on the medication used for post natal care.

Post natal uterus purification medicines for a week

These are medicines for removing the rheumatism related to delivery and strengthening the uterus for the next two week.

Medicines for physical fitness

Ayurveda refers to a woman as sutika for 90 days after delivery or until the onset of her next period. The science specifies special diet and care for the sutika to ensure a smooth recovery. Such care will enable the uterus to shrink back to its original state and also help produce sufficient breast milk and prevent infection.

Medicines needed in the first stage: Deepyakadi kashayam, Deepyakadi choornam, Panchakalosavam, Panchakolapoornam, Pulilehyam, Ashokarishtam, Hinguchadichoornam etc can be taken.

Medicines needed in the second stage: Anti-rheumatoid medicines, Dhanwantharam kashayam, Vidaryadi kashayam, Dasamoolam kashayam, Dhanwantaram gulika, Dasamoolarishtam, Jeerakadyarishtam, Dhanwantararishtam, Mritasanjeevani and Draksharishtam.

Medicines needed in the third stage: Sowbhagyasundi, Vidaryadi khritham, Chyavanaprasam, Aswagandhadi lehyam, Amritaprasam, etc for physical fitness should be taken as per instructions. Do not consume the above mentioned medicines without a doctor’s advice. Alter the quantity of intake according to physical condition.

For oil massage bath

Use any of Dhanwantaram thailam, Pindathailam, Lakshadi, Balasavagandhadi and Sahacharadi. Water boiled with ripe jackfruit tree leaves is good for bathing.

Avoid fish and meat in diet for up to 12 days after delivery. Take pearl onions and turmeric powder fried in ghee. Avoid green chillies, Malabar Tamarind, fatty food and water. Boiled water can be used. Avoid food that causes constipation. Instead have food with plenty of fibre in it, like leafy vegetables and fruits.

Points to note

Today delivery and caesarean sections take place only in allopathy hospitals. One thing to be noted here is that one usually approaches an Ayurveda physician for post natal care medicine only after exhausting the medicines and tonics given in the hospitals. By then the time for taking medicines would have been past. Therefore treatment can be started soon after delivery.

Another important thing is the tendency of medicines being prepared by women who assist in post natal care. In earlier days these were especially skilled people. It is not the case now. Medical texts are found not just in libraries today. It is the ill effect of them becoming roadside merchandise. The medicines are prepared and distributed not according to scientific rules. The medicine manufacture hardly takes into account the correct proportion of lehyams and khrithams.

Do not reheat honey

Ayurveda tells us that medicine with honey in it becomes toxic if reheated. Each yogam of medicine mentioned in the oushada yogams has its own definite proportions. It is ideal to make it as per these rules. A reduced or enhanced proportion will render it useless. Proper care and treatment given during pregnancy, delivery and post natal period will be beneficial till the end of life.

Original article and pictures take www.corespirit.com site

Pitta Dosha

Pitta Dosha

How is a balanced Pitta person?

A typical Pitta person has a medium sized body, and a good appetite and doesn’t like to skip any meals. A Pitta person is dynamic and goal oriented. A balanced Pitta person is warm, very intellectual, fearless, and has a strong digestion.

How is an unbalanced Pitta person?

A Pitta person who is not in balance is often irritated, critical, impatient, stubborn, dominating and can get rashes. Typical health problems include inflammations, gastric ulcer, eczema, rage, insatiable hunger and thirst.

General Guidelines for Balancing Pitta

If you experience symptoms of Pitta imbalance, the general guidelines below will help balancing your Pitta. Find out the changes that you need to make in order to stay healthy.

Pitta

You need BALANCE! You need to balance your work, food, drinks etc Avoid tough deadlines Take some time off Don’t have too high demands Avoid heat. Avoid too much sun and hot emotions. Avoid too much spicy food Good food choices: red products, vegetables, oils, meat, milk, cream, rice, wheat, green leafy vegetables, turmeric, beans, lentils Exercise: You have a strong motivation and are very competitive and could use a more playful attitude in your workouts. Don’t push yourself too hard to avoid getting injured. Outdoors sports and team sports are preferred. Good exercise choices: Swimming, diving, canoeing, American football, baseball, basketball, ice hockey, skiing, running

Dietary Guidelines for PITTA

If you are a Pitta person, and have Pitta-related problems like feeling angry, irritated, critical, having rashes, eczema, inflammations, insatiable hunger and thirst, it could be a sign of an unbalanced Pitta. Pay attention to your diet and follow the Ayurveda recommendations:

• Include: sweet, bitter, astringent foods
• Include: oily, heavy, cold foods

If you need to balance your Pitta, try moong beans, olive and coconut oil. Asparagus, cabbage, cucumber, carrots, cauliflower, sprouts, celery and green leafy vegetables are also recommended. Barley, oats, white rice, wheat are beneficial for Pitta people. Sweet fruits like grapes, coconut, cherries, melons, mangoes, pomegranates, sweet oranges, plums, pineapples are great food choices. All sweeteners are good for Pitta. White meat is acceptable (chicken, pheasant, turkey). Milk, butter and ghee are food for pacifying Pitta.

• Avoid: pungent, sour, salty foods
• Avoid: dry, light, warm foods

Turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, fennel and cardamom should only be taken in small amounts as they increase Pitta. Chilly should be avoided. Reduce use of almond, corn, sesame oil, brown rice, and corn. Reduce intake of sour fruits, such as olives, under ripe pineapple, sour oranges and unripe bananas. Large quantity of honey should be avoided. Avoid red meat, seafood and egg yolk. Reduce use of cheese, yogurt, sour cream, and cultured butter milk.

Tastes decreasing PITTA	Food / herbs to eat	Tastes increasing PITTA	Food / herbs to avoid
Sweet	Peaches, sweet plums, grapes, melons, oranges, sweet potatoes, carrots, beets Milk, butter, rice, wheat bread, basil, licorice root, red cloves, peppermint, slippery elm, fennel. Avoid highly processed sweets such as candy bars and sugar	Pungent	Onion, radish, chili, ginger, garlic, asafoetida, cayenne pepper, black pepper, mustard
Bitter	Dandelion root, holy thistle, yellow dock, rhubarb, bitter melon, greens such as romaine lettuce, spinach, and chard fresh turmeric root, fenugreek, gentian root	Sour	Yogurt, vinegar, cheese, sour cream, green grapes, citrus fruits hibiscus, rose hips, tamarind, pickles, miso caraway, coriander, and cloves
Astringent	Unripe banana, cranberries, pomegranate, myrrh, goldenseal, turmeric, okra, beans, mace, parsley, lentils, broccoli, cabbage, saffron, basil, alum	Salty	Table salt, sea salt, rock salt, kelp, sea weeds

Below you will learn how to balance your Pitta, especially if you have problems with weight loss or PMS

Balancing Pitta – Weight Loss

If you are a Pitta person, you digest your food very well. You don’t have any problems burning carbs and sugar. Even so, some people with Pitta dominance have problems with their digestion. This can occur if you skip meals! Your body will start generating “ama”, a toxic byproduct generated due to improper or incomplete digestion. Your body that is used to burn food has nothing to burn now, and this can damage your stomach. It’s like an empty pot on a hot stove; this will result in a burned pot since there is nothing in the pot. If this continues you could get ulcer.

Pitta – Don’t skip any meals

It’s very important for the stomach to start the day with a breakfast. A lightly cooked apple or pear mixed with plums for breakfast is an excellent way to start your day. Porridge oats for breakfast is also recommended by Ayurveda. A Pitta person should eat three meals a day at the same hours.

Pitta people, who are overweight, often don’t eat on regular times and as a result the body will generate “ama” (as described above) and clog the digestion system. The body won’t be able to assimilate the nutrients and the body’s metabolism will not function properly, and this is why a Pitta person becomes overweight. So if you are a Pitta person and want to lose weight, don’t skip any meals, eat on regular times instead.

Pitta – Get balance in your life

A healthy body weight required a balanced life style. If you are a Pitta person you should go to bed early. If you stay up late at night, you will probably get an appetite for foods, snacks and drinks, and this will definitely add to your weight problem. So, if you want to lose weight, go to bed before 10 pm, before your energy cycle kicks in.

Balancing your life also means lowering your demands on yourself. Take some time off, so you won’t get caught up in your work all the time. Be around kids and play some ball. Taking some time off and having a playful attitude, will ease your mind and help your body to work harmoniously. If you manage to balance your life, you will automatically lose weight. If you are in balance you will not only lose weight but also avoid other Pitta related health problems like inflammations, gastric ulcer, eczema, and rage.

Pitta – Choose outdoor team sports

A Pitta person has a very strong motivation and is very competitive. It’s important that you ease up a bit and don’t take your training too serious. You could easily push yourself too hard and get injured. Try a more playful attitude in your workouts. Your hot personality would benefit from outdoor sports, since it helps cooling you down. Swimming, diving, canoeing, skiing and running are all good alternatives for you. Since you like team sports very much, training exercises such as American football, base ball, basket ball and ice hockey are all activities that fit your personality perfectly.

Balancing Pitta – PMS

Excess Pitta causes the following PMS symptoms: cramps, skin problems, irritability, anger, and heat. If you have these PMS symptoms, avoid foods with pungent, sour or salty tastes, according to Ayurvedic Diet.

PMS symptoms: cramps, skin problems, irritability, anger, heat

Avoid: pungent, sour, salty foods

If you are a Pita person, don’t eat foods like onions, pepper, cheese and chips to avoid PMS symptoms. According to Ayurvedic Diet, avoid pungent, sour or salty foods since these tastes make your PMS symptoms worse.

Pitta Diet for PMS – Include: heavy, cool, uncooked, sweet, bitter astringent foods

A Pita person should eat heavy foods and they should be cool and uncooked. Eat foods with sweet, bitter and astringent tastes, see examples below:

• Sweet foods: peaches, plums, grapes, melons, oranges, sweet potatoes, carrots, milk, butter, rice, wheat bread, basil, peppermint, fennel
• Bitter foods: greens (lettuce, spinach), chard fresh turmeric root, fenugreek, gentian root, rhubarb
• Astringent foods: unripe banana, cranberries, pomegranate, myrrh, goldenseal, turmeric, okra, beans, mace, parsley, lentils, broccoli, cabbage, saffron, basil

Original article and pictures take www.foodpyramid.com site