India Acupressure

What is Acupressure?
The term Acupressure means the process of pressing with a needle; it is an art of assessing and then liberating the obstructed energy centers and making way for a symmetric flow of energy. Thus pressure is applied on an acupuncture point with the help of a needle without actually piercing it. This method of treatment goes back to a long time and is still prominently used in India and China. According to the Asian traditions and customs, these energy centers or points are considered to be junctures of special pathways that are responsible for carrying the human energy.

The effect of Acupressure has proved to be very helpful in treating the present age health related problems, the common amongst them being diseases related to the stress and strain of our everyday lives. It is now one of the most widely used methods of therapy not only in Asia but in the Western countries as well.

How is the treatment done?
The treatment procedure consists of the following steps:
• In the first session, a brief examination is performed by the physician.
• Based on the observations of the above mentioned assessment, the correct acu-points are determined and the patient is advised about the few do’s and don’ts along with the oftenness and tenure of the whole treatment.
• Every acupressure session lasts approximately between 5 to 10 minutes.

How does acupressure work?
When pressure is applied on the acupressure points, endorphins are released which are the neurotransmitters that relieve pain. Thus the pain is blocked and the flow of blood and oxygen to the affected area is augmented. This in turn causes the muscles to relax and helps in healing.
Besides reducing the pain, Acupressure helps the body by dissolving tensions and stresses that prevents it from functioning properly. When the blood and bio-electrical energies circulate properly, we have a greater sense of harmony, health, and well-being.

What are the advantages of Acupressure?
My discussion above has surely made you fairly interested about this alternative medical science. Let me help you in realizing all the benefits that you will achieve by practicing this ancient yet powerful therapy:
• Acupressure can be practiced without the help of any specialized equipments. Even simple stuff like a ball point pen can be used to treat a condition if required.
• It is a safe therapy that does not need any strong medications and drugs.
• An Acupressure therapist can even cure simple situations like nausea in a matter of few minutes.

Are there any disadvantages?
Nothing is perfect! In spite of all the good and positive sides, Acupressure also has its own set of drawbacks.
• An Acupressure treatment can be done at one point at any given point of time. This is a big disadvantage as the patient might need attention in multiple acupuncture points, especially those who are suffering from long standing problems.
• An Acupressure treatment needs some time; the therapist is also obliged to stay with the patient throughout the term (unlike in an Acupuncture therapy where the physician can leave the patient for some time whilst the needles take effect).
• Acupressure is not suitable for soft areas like the abdomen; it is best when treated on a hard surface like a bone.

Basis of Ayurveda

The origin of Ayurveda: The history of Ayurveda goes back to a long time - the age of the Holy books, Vedas. Ayurveda is considered to be the oldest and most holistic medical system available on the present world. According to the ancient mythology, the knowledge and teachings of Ayurveda was taught by Lord Brahma, the Creator of this Universe. There are four types of Vedas – Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharva Veda. These Vedas were written almost 5000 years ago. Amongst all these four, the Atharva Veda consists of the medical knowledge that is based on the principle of Ayurveda.

Before the introduction of writing, this form of ancient wisdom of healing was considered to be a part of the spiritual tradition, ‘Sanatana Dharma’ or Universal Religion or Vedic Religion. After the birth of writing, the famous sage VedaVyasa, the shaktavesha avatar or incarnation of Lord Vishnu, recorded the complete knowledge of Ayurveda, along with the more directly spiritual insights of self realization into a body of scriptural literature called the Vedas and the Vedic literatures.

Ayurveda or the science of life, as the name suggests, can be applied to each and every living being. Remember, Vedic science attributed life to more things than we usually do today- the things like air, wind, fire, the earth, planets and stars were all believed to possess conscience like living beings. So, the fundamental principle of Ayurveda is that the whole universe belonged to/is a part of one singular absolute.

According to the Ayurvedic school of thought, the five elements of nature combine in pairs to give rise to three dynamic forces called the “Doshas”. The word ‘dosha’ means something that undergoes change and comes from ‘dus’, the English equivalent to ‘dys’ like dysfunction and dystrophy. In this context, the term ‘dosha’ can mean a fault, flaw or mistake – a disobedience of the cosmic rhythm. These doshas are moving continuously in an energetic and vibrant balance, one with the others is essential for the life to go on naturally. Hence, in Ayurveda, dosha is considered to be the governing principle as all living things in nature are characterized by the dosha.

The three doshas that I spoke about earlier are
• Vata (formed by the combination of the elements – Air and Ether)
• Pitta (formed by the combination of the elements – Water and Fire)
• Kapha (formed by the combination of the elements – Water and Earth)

Vata – As discussed, the dosha vata is a combination of the elements, Air and Ether or space. How active or strong this dosha is, depends on the proportions of ether and air. The amount of space influences the ability of air to gain momentum. If there is a huge amount of space available, air can gain momentum and become extremely powerful. Vata can be described as “wind, to move, flow, direct the processes of, or command.” It is vata that facilitates the other two doshas, pitta and kalpa, to be expressive. The actions related to vata are – drying, cooling, light, agitating and moving.

The responsibility of vata is to regulate the natural processes like breathing, blinking, moving of the muscles and tissues of the body, monitoring the heart beats, the movement of cytoplasm and cell membranes and all the expansion and contractions of the body. It also monitors feelings and sensations like fear, anxiety, pain, nervousness, freshness and tremors. The primary point of location of this dosha is supposed to be the colon; however, it is also believed to dwell in the skin, bones, large intestine, ears, hips, thighs and pelvic cavity.

Pitta – Pitta is formed by the combination of water and fire. Since both of these elements are extremely powerful, they cannot change each other; rather, they regulate each other and play a very important role in the process of life.

The responsibility of Pitta is to monitor the natural practices like digestion, absorption, nutrition, metabolic rate, body temperature, and coloring of the skin, the gleam of the eyes, intelligence and intellect. It is supposed to stimulate feelings like hate, anger and jealousy; it is believed to dwell in the small intestine, stomach, blood, sweat glands and eyes.

Kapha – The last of the three, Kapha is the conceptual equilibrium of water and earth. It is the force of structure and lubrication and can be defined as the most inspiring dosha of our body. This dosha is responsible for providing the material for physical structure and lubricates the joints. Moreover, it heals injuries, gives moisture to the skin, offers strength, vitality and stability; supports and enhances memory, gives immunity and supplies lots of energy to the heart and lungs. Kapha is believed to stimulate feelings and emotions like greed and envy and is also expressed in tendencies toward calmness, forgiveness, and love. It resides primarily in the chest.

Yoga and Health

Yoga is believed to be born in India more than 26, 000 years ago during the Golden Period, more commonly known as the ‘Sat Yug” and means “union” in Sanskrit. Sat Yug was well known for a time of eternal peace and abundant blessings amongst the people who could afford all the time to seek the truth and search within. Nonetheless, historians have argued that Yoga is only 5000 years old – the Indus Valley Civilization is responsible in opening up the various channels of the knowledge and origin of Yoga. The term can be more precisely termed as ‘asana’ (again in Sanskrit) that denotes the practice of physical postures. However, asana forms only one of the parts of the whole yoga that focuses on the physical aspect; the others concentrate more on the mental and spiritual well being of an individual. Nevertheless, in the present world the terms asana and yoga can be used synonymously.

Yoga can be practiced by anyone and everyone. Unlike the aerobics or the other forms of physical activities that are aimed at the young and flexible, this form is meant for older ages like 70 to 80 years. Besides, according to the needs it can be customized, so that you can avail the best benefits.

Yoga has the remarkable ability to cure almost all types of ailments and shows huge amount of health improvements. In fact, medical science is validating all that was known and done by the yogis for thousands of years. So, various yoga therapies are now being incorporated in the field of medicine. There are definitely a lot of practical reasons for encouraging such steps. Even medical insurance companies are honoring yoga as legitimate and authentic healing practices. You will also be surprised to know that this ‘wonder form’ is also much less expensive and more effective method of treatment.

The Benefits of Yoga
In a nutshell these are the benefits of practicing Yoga:
• Well toned body and strong muscles.
• Corrected body posture and alignment.
• Much improved energy and vitality.
• Increased flexibility and all the joint functions.
• Reduced level of stress and strain.
• Improved breathing and circulation.

Doctors and scientists doing research on yoga are trying to analyze its ability to prevent, cure and improve health conditions like heart related diseases, arthritis, diabetes, carpal tunnel syndrome, high blood pressure and asthma.

Let me tell you briefly how these professionals have used yoga to notice significant results for these challenging medical conditions

Asthma – The Northern Colorado Allergy Asthma Clinic in Fort Collins has conducted yoga therapies amongst patients from the age group of 20 to 50 years. The result shows that this treatment if combined with the regular medications can show very positive consequences. Taking the help of some particular asanas, pranayama, and meditation, the patients displayed significant degree of relaxation, optimistic attitude and most importantly tendency towards lesser usage of the beta adrenergic inhalers.

Arthritis – According to a research conducted by the Pennsylvania School of Medicine, yoga therapy proved to be pretty effective for the patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the hands. However, further studies are required to compare this method with the other treatments and examine the long term effects.

Heart Diseases – The Hanover Medical University in Germany found that patients using yoga and meditation have shown remarkable reduction in risk factors for heart disease, including blood pressure and cholesterol.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Some specific yoga techniques conducted in Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia has shown considerable improvement in the grip strength and reduction in pain.