How auricular therapy works?

Auriculotherapy, or ear acupressure is probably, the most effective and accessible alternative treatment for reducing pain, lowering blood pressure, shedding unwanted pounds, alleviating insomnia, and correcting alcohol and drug addiction etc.

How auricular therapy works?

Auricular therapy is not simply ear reflexology, which uses acupressure to unblock the energy meridians of the body. Rather, ear acupressure stimulates the nerve connections between the ear and the central nervous system.

Applying pressure to the correct points on the external ear triggers nerve impulses from the ear to the brain, thereby communicating powerful healing messages to the organ or system in which the health problem manifests. Upon receiving the ear’s recommendations, the brain releases pain-relieving protein molecules called endorphins into the blood stream, soothing chronic pain and discomfort quickly and with no side effects.                                      

Since the outer ear is a microsystem that connects to every part of the human body, auriculotherapy relieves a wide variety of health problems. Virtually all health conditions can be improved to some degree by stimulating the ear points.

Auricular acupressure points are the same as acupuncture points. Difference between acupressure and acupuncture, is that in acupuncture needles are used to apply pressure on specific points but in acupressure pressure therapy is applied through pressure of fingers or tools.

Auricular Acupuncture:

Auricular Acupuncture is widely used throughout the United Kingdom to treat people with a variety of conditions. It forms the basis of a number of protocols used in the treatment of Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia and Pain Management. It is also commonly known for the treatment of smoking cessation, weight loss, substance misuse, and alcohol cessation, and has been growing steadily since the 1970’s.

One of the significant advantages of Auricular Acupuncture treatment is that it is complementary to conventional acupuncture treatments. Auricular Acupuncture whilst originally based upon the ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture, has its origins in Modern Europe. It was developed by Dr. Paul Nogier, a neurologist from Lyons in France in 1957.He noticed the correspondence of specific parts of the body to the ear based upon the concept of an inverted foetus. Dr. Nogier believed that pain and other symptoms in the body could be alleviated by needling, massaging or electronically stimulating the corresponding region of the ear.

There are over 200 acupuncture points on the ear, each point named after an area of our anatomy. The outer ear acts like a switchboard to the brain. Each acupuncture point being treated, triggers electrical impulses from the ear via the brain, to the specific part of the body being treated. Clinical Reports demonstrate that acupuncture

• Stimulates the production of pain modulators
• Regulates blood pressure
• Regulates seratonin
• Regulates the sympathetic nervous system
• Enhances the immune system
• Reduces the allergic response 

Useful links:

* Ear Acupressure: The Most Accessible Alternative for Self-Healing 

* Self-healing-ear-acupressure-auriculotherapy

*  A NEW AURICULAR ACUPRESSURE TREATMENT FOR SMOKING AND OVERWEIGHT PROBLEMS BY DR. JUNZO KOKUBO, D.AC (Research paper by Dr.Kokubo on clinical testing of PressPoint Ear Acupressure System, which was contributed to a Japanese acupuncture medicine journal in 1991.)
* Auricular acupressure as a treatment for anxiety in prehospital transport settings.
 Brain-Modulated Effects of Auricular Acupressure on the Regulation of Autonomic Function in Healthy Volunteers

Auricular therapy and its benefits

The art of healing with finger pressure over the specific points on the ear is known as Ear Acupressure or Auricular Therapy. In 1957, Dr. Paul Nogier, a well known French Neuro-surgeon, made a careful study of the ear and its relationship to the rest of the body and developed this “Auricular Therapy”.

The ear contains more than 120 acupoints that correspond to various parts of the body. Traditional Chinese medicine teaches that all major meridians, or energy pathways in the body, pass through the ear, making auricular acupressure effective in treating a variety of ailments throughout the body. It is perhaps the most effective and accessible alternative treatment for reducing pain, lowering blood pressure, shedding unwanted pounds, alleviating insomnia, and correcting alcohol and drug addiction, to name just a few of the ailments this age-old technique relieves.

Ear acupressure was first advanced by Chinese acupuncturists in 500 BC and documented in the Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine. But it was French doctor, Paul Nogier, who pioneered modern Auriculotherapy as a complete healing system in the 1950s. Dr. Nogier sought to explain the connection between ear acupoints and their effects on
the body with his apt scientific metaphor of the ear as the micro-imitation of the human bodily system, comparing the shape of the ear to an inverted fetus.


Benefits:
Auriculotherapy is not simply ear reflexology, which uses acupressure to unblock the energy meridians of the body. Rather, ear acupressure stimulates the nerve connections between the ear and the central nervous system. Applying pressure to the correct points on the external ear triggers nerve impulses from the ear to the brain, thereby communicating powerful healing messages to the organ or system in which the health problem manifests. Upon receiving the ear’s recommendations, the brain releases pain-relieving protein molecules called endorphins into the blood stream, soothing chronic pain and discomfort quickly and with no side effects.

 A 2003 study by the University of Vienna in Austria found that patients who received ear acupressure during ambulance transport reported decreased pain and anxiety. A study conducted by the New Mexico State University in 2006 used auricular acupressure in addition to regular substance abuse treatment. Patients who received ear acupressure showed a significant reduction in cravings and emotional stress. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, auricular acupressure may help improve sleep quality and alleviate insomnia. Pressure points in the ear that relate to the stomach may help control the appetite and help with weight-loss efforts.

 How to locate the ear acupressure point?

Imagine a fully grown-up foetus inside the mother’s womb.The whole body is represented by the ear in much the same be activated by pulsating the corresponding points on the ear way as the foetus fits (Fig. 17b). Different parts of the body can be activated by pulsating the corresponding points on the ear.The ear acupressure chart provides a ready-reference for this Purpose.

 An ear massage is very detoxifying and stimulating to the system. Auricular acupressure improves the circulation, strengthens the immunity and relaxes the body and the mind. Briskly rub the palms of your hands together and then cup them over the ears for twenty seconds or more. Then massage the ears for a minute or more. Auricular acupressure massages may also be performed by kneading, rubbing, pulling and pinching the ear.
YouTube video:

  Useful links: 

* Stimulation of auricular acupuncture points in weight loss

The Miracle Food Honey and its benefits

Honey is miracle food which has healing properties for many ailments. The amazing benefits found in honey have less to do with nutritional value and more to do with antioxidant and microbial properties that are unique to this natural sweetness.

Honey is composed of simple sugars, such as sugar-like glucose and fructose that are used quickly by the body. It was man's first and most reliable source of sweetener and an excellent substitute for sugar.

Honey is a remarkable viscous liquid, prepared by the bees from the nectars of various plants. It has occupied a prominent place in traditional medicines throughout world history. The ancient Egyptians, Assyrians, Chinese, Greeks and Romans employed honey for wounds and diseases of the gut. When the Children of Israel were in Egypt or journeying through the desert, their promised goal was a 'land flowing with milk and honey'.

The Quran describes the process of its formation by bees and the medical values of it and of the other bees' products.
Honey is mentioned in the Bible 61 times and two times in the Quran.

The four main products from the bees are:- Royal Jelly, Bee Pollen, Propolis and Honey.

They have been used for last few centuries by civilizations around the world to treat a wide variety of ailments and medical conditions.

They are multipurpose substances that in some forms can be applied externally to the skin and in other forms ingested as a food or supplement.

Bee Products are Mother Nature's most incredible gift to our planet, packed with vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids, bee products may provide us with essential nutrition to help with our fast-paced lifestyles.

It follows that the Quran tells us about the healing effects and the medical values of the Bees products that include the Honey.

On the other hand, the Bible says nothing about the Bees products and about their healing effects.

Healing effects of miracle food honey:

Antibacterial and antifungal properties: These properties of honey are well established. Undiluted honey inhibits the growth of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, certain gut pathogens and fungi such as Candida albicans. At a concentration of 30-50%, honey has been shown to be superior to certain conventional antibiotics in treating urinary tract infections. The exact mechanism of the anti-microbial effect of honey remains obscure. Low pH, osmotic disruption of pathogens and the presence of bactericidal substances, collectively called inhibine may all play a part.

Anti-diarrhoeal properties: At a concentration of 40%, honey has a bactericidal effect on various gut bacteria known to cause diarrhoea and dysentery such as Salmonella, Shigella, enteropathogenic E. coli and Vibrio cholera. In one study, honey given with oral rehydration fluid was shown to reduce the duration of bacterial diarrhoea in infants and children.

Wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties: Honey is of value in treating burns, infected surgical wounds and decubitus ulcers. Honey is very viscous, enabling it to absorb water from surrounding inflamed tissue. For example, a study in West Africa showed that skin grafting, surgical debridement and even amputation were avoided when local application of honey to wound promoted healing, whereas conventional treatment failed.

In another study, wound healing was accelerated by application of honey in women who had undergone radical vulvectomy for vulval cancer. Also, it has been suggested that honey may be useful in the treatment of chronic, foul smelling ulcers seen in leprosy.

Anti-tussive and expectorant properties: These anti-cough properties of honey are related to its capacity to dilute bronchial secretions and improve the function of the bronchial epithelium.
Nutritional properties

Uncontaminated honey is a healthy, easily digestible, natural and energy rich food. It contains carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, enzymes and vitamins. One tablespoon of honey provides 60 calories and contains 11g of carbohydrates, 1mg of calcium, 0.2mg of iron, 0.lmg of vitamin B and 1mg of vitamin C.

Honey is widely available in most communities but its medical potential remains grossly underutilised. Its mode of action remains incompletely understood and the healing properties of honey in other clinical and laboratory situations requires further evaluation. The miraculous beneficial properties of honey, so beautifully ex-pressed in the holy Qur'an and Sunnah 14 centuries ago expose the reluctance of modern science to accept and exploit this 'traditional remedy'.

Sources: The Honey in Bible and Quran
- Bees and the Hidden Miracles of Honey

More studies:

* The healing power of honey: From burns to weak bones, raw honey can help

* 'Honey Nutrition Facts'

Healing and cure from asthma with the help of acupressure therapy

Being in a country with the a humid atmosphere and increasing pollution, 9 out of 10 kids around the capital city show some kind of asthma symptoms. My son has asthma from the age of 3 which is much improved as I believe and try to use alternative therapies for the prevention and treatment of asthma. This post is a help for people having asthma or related symptoms to get prevention and healing using the acupressure therapy.

I have mentioned and given links which are suggested by various acupressure practitioners, but don't be confused as there are many pressure points around the human body which can be used for the healing and cure of asthma. You may chose the points according to your ease and keep pressing these points.

Note: Never discontinue any prescribed asthma medication without the approval of your doctor.

A patient of asthma shows symptoms of wheezing, coughing and tightness in the chest which is due to inflammation of the bronchioles (the tubes that carry air within the lungs). During an asthma attack, this swelling worsens, and the bronchial tubes narrow. Asthma can also make mucus glands work overtime, producing a thick, sticky fluid that congests the airways.

Asthma attacks are often triggered by allergies. Strong emotions such as fear and anxiety can also kick off an attack. See a doctor if you think you have asthma.

Natural remedies in conjunction with medical care and used with your doctor's approval may provide relief, according to some health professionals.

Michael Reed Gach, Ph.D., director of the Acupressure Institute in Berkeley, California, and author of Acupressure's Potent Points. He suggests pressing the Lu 1 points to breathe easier. To find these points, also named Letting Go, make fists in front of your chest with your thumbs pointing up. Place your thumbs on the outer portion of your chest, pressing on the muscles that run horizontally below your collarbone. You?ll find a sensitive, knotted spot on each side of your chest. Underneath each spot is Lu 1. Let your head hang forward, then breathe slowly and deeply as you press the points with your thumbs for two minutes.

Pressing the Lu 1 points is helpful for prevention as well as relief of asthma attacks.

You can also press the B 13 points, called the Lung Associated points. Each point is situated one finger-width below the upper tip of the shoulder blade, between the spine and the shoulder blade. Try using tennis balls to press these hard-to-reach points. Lie on your back with your knees bent, placing a pillow under your head for comfort, if you wish. Raise your shoulders slightly while you reach behind your back with your hands to position the tennis balls. Now cross your arms over your body and breathe deeply, letting your weight sink into the floor. Let the tennis balls press into your shoulder muscles for a few minutes or for as long as it feels comfortable.

Source: 'Mother nature'

Useful links and resources:

* 'YouTube' videos for acupressure points.

* Video of 'Acupressure points for asthma' at eHow.

* 'Instructions for acupressure points' with pictures showing the exact location of pressure points.

* 'Asthma Acupressure'

Suggested diet tips for asthma patients

Alternative therapy, along with your health practitioner's suggested medication and following diet or food tips can help you prevent and heal from next asthma attack. These diet suggestions would trigger the healing process so check the routine diet and make changes accordingly.

Diet tips for asthma patients:

• Eat a healthy whole-foods diet based on lean protein foods, such as fish; fresh vegetables and fruits; and whole grains. Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, and tuna, which are high in omega-3 essential fatty acid, have natural anti-inflammatory properties. Eating fish three or four times a week can be very beneficial.
• Include onions in your diet. Onions contain diphenyl-thiosulfinate, an anti-inflammatory compound with anti-asthmatic effects. Moreover, some researchers believe that asthma has its roots in infection by an organism known as Chlamydia pneumonia, and onions have natural infection-fighting properties as well.
• Avoid saturated fats, hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils, and simple carbohydrates, such as refined sugar.
• If you have sensitivity to dairy foods, avoid them. Remember that dairy foods tend to increase the production of mucus.
• Beware of foods such as nuts, citrus fruits, whole-wheat products (especially yeasted breads), seafood, and foods containing additives like preservatives or food dyes, as well as contact with animals. Any of these things can cause or exacerbate an allergy-induced asthma attack.
• Certain food additives, especially metabisufite, can be dangerous for individuals with asthma. Sulfites are commonly found in commercially prepared foods such as dried fruits. They are also used by many restaurants to keep fruits and vegetables at salad bars looking fresh and attractive. If you have asthma, it's best to avoid salad bars and to buy only unsulfured dried fruits. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) can also cause problems for some people with asthma, so avoid food products prepared with this additive. You should also be aware of "hidden" sources of MSG. these often show up on food labels as "hydrolyzed protein," "autolyzed yeast," "sodium caseinate," and "calcium caseinate."
• Following an asthma attack, drink plenty of fluids once your condition is stable enough for you to do so. It is important to thin secretions so that they are easily coughed out.
• If you suffer fatigue, hair loss, dry skin, constipation, and have difficulty losing weight, ask your physician to check your thyroid function. Asthma is often exacerbated by low thyroid function.

Source: 'Asthma diet'

More studies:

* Nutritional supplements for asthma are intended to prevent or support recovery from an asthma attack, rather than to treat. Read more at: Asthma Nutritions & Supplements

Learn the Self help method of healing 'Emotional Freedom Techniques -EFT

We know it that our emotions, our thoughts play an important role in keeping our bodies/mind healthy and fresh. On the other hand stress, depression and negative thinking can lead to unhappiness, sickness of mind plus body, stretching towards chronic diseases etc. 'Emotional Freedom Techniques(EFT)' is a new way of healing.

What is EFT?

Emotional Freedom Techniques or EFT is a potent technique that helps you take control of your body and your thoughts. This technique was developed by Gary Craig in 1990 and has originated from acupuncture, kinesiology, and psychology. This wonderful technique has shown amazing results in developing attitude and behavior, resolving personal problems, decreasing stress, and restoring life balance.

EFT is a powerful method based on the discovery that emotional trauma contributes greatly to disease. Scientific studies have shown that EFT is able to rapidly reduce the emotional impact of memories and incidents that trigger emotional distress. Once the distress is reduced or removed, the body can often rebalance itself, and accellerate healing.

'EFT Universe' is an online resource where you can learn basics of EFT for free. It includes EFTs Basic Recipe that gives you the theory and all the tapping points. 

'sign up page for newsletter' for tips, how-to's and other articles.

As a "thank you" for subscribing, you'll get a brand new report, called Seven Top EFT Tips. If you share EFT with your friends, you'll also get a bonus Health Report from prominent EFT supporters such as Dawson Church, PhD, Bruce Lipton, PhD, Candace Pert, PhD, and others.
link: 'EFT Universe'
 
Useful links and online resources:

* 'Tapping.com' offers 13 free videos to teach and demonstrate how to use Emotional Freedom Technique.

* 'EFT Benefits' says: Your body is more powerful than you can imagine…

filled with life, energy, and a compelling ability for self-healing. With EFT, you can take control of that power. You get the free e-book 'How ETF Works' by submitting your email and other details at home page.


* Download free e-book "The Magic of Personal Choice in EFT"


- 'Download page'

* 'EFT for transformation'

* '123 eft'

* Basic Steps to Your Emotional Freedom

How to get self healing from acupressure

I have completed a short acupressure course from a local expert of this therapy and after some practice I can diagnose myself or use the self healing process for the purpose. Acupressure points of your palm become tender or painful relating to the part of body which is an indication that there is some pain or abnormality at that body system or part.

After diagnose, self healing is a very easy process. You just need to put pressure with the help of your finger tips, thumb or with wooden tool(specially made to apply pressure).

How to Start?

Look for sore areas. If a point is sore, it needs work. You should feel sour or numb, but not knife-cut like pain when pressing. The acupoints are usually between or beside the bones and tendons orligaments, on in a depression, never on the bones or blood vessels. If a point is not sore, leave it alone. Fingerpressure will work but most people get a better Healing Response using acupressure tools. They allow morepressure to be applied with less work, stress and potential damage to the massager.

If a point is very sore,press only as hard as you can tolerate do not overdo it this is not a contest. You must be the judge on this.Light pressure for a longer period will give you the same results. Some people who are larger or less sensitivethan others, may need more pressure to activate the healing response.Treatments have a cumulative effect. Sometimes lasting results are immediate, but most often it takes a while.

Each time you activate the healing response it brings the system closer to normal. If you do not get aresponse quickly you can increase the frequency of treatment. Increasing frequency is more effective thenincreasing the duration of treatment. Three or four times a day or even once an hour is OK. It does not mean that the treatments are not working if the pain comes back. This is normal. Eventually you will reach a point where the pain does not retur

* How to apply acupressure

How long you should apply pressure on effected points?

Firm pressure is the most fundamental technique. Use thumbs, fingers, palms, the side of the hand, orknuckles to apply stead; stationary pressure. To relax an area or relieve pain, apply pressure gradually andhold without any movement for several minutes at a time.

One minute of steady pressure (when appliedgradually) calms and relaxes the nervous system, promoting greater healing. To stimulate the area, applypressure for only four or five seconds. Slow motion kneading uses the thumbs and fingers along with theheels of the hands to squeeze large muscle groups firmly. The motion is similar to that of kneading a large mass of dough. Simply lean the weight of your upper bodyinto the muscle as you press to make it soft and pliable. This relieves general stiffness, shoulder and necktension, constipation, and spasms in the calf muscles.

Brisk rubbing uses friction to stimulate the blood andlymph. Rub the skin lightly to relieve chilling, swelling, and numbness by increasing circulation, as well as tobenefit the nerves and tone of the skin. Quick tapping with fingertips stimulates muscles on unprotected,tender areas of the body such as the face. For larger areas of the body, such as the back or buttocks, use aloose fist. This can improve the functioning of nerves and sluggish muscles in the area. Obviously this type ofmassage would be difficult to apply to yourself. But with the proper tools you can treat most of your body'slocations effectively.

* Use acupressure charts

Tips:
- Pressing too hard and too quickly can damage tissues and create more problems.
- Pressing too soft will do little to relieve the problem.
- Use gentle steady pressure and gradually increase it until the body responds back with a significant pain response.
- The point with pain is telling you something is wrong but not to the point where your body tenses more from the pain.

More at: The right amount of pressure

Free and easy diagnosis through acupressure

Shiatsu, or 'acupressure' which means "finger pressure" has been used for centuries to diagnose and treat illness. Acupressure enables us to diagnose and cure diseases like Common Cold, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Migraine, Heart Attack, Paralysis and even Cancer. I was first introduced an amazing book 'Health in Your Hands' written by "Devendra Vora, M.D." and told to read it carefully. I found this whole system very useful and effective for diagnosis and healing purposes. I have tried it myself and would like to share my experiences with blog readers.

How it can be used for diagnose purposes?

Acupressure is based on the theory that the body has fourteen meridians travel through it. Each of these meridians is attached to a specific body organ. When a meridian develops a blockage the body is adversely affected and diagnosing and removing the blockage through acupressure is the best way to cure the patient.

The points on the palms and feet reflect the condition of their related organs. This makes acupressure a good diagnostic tool. By feeling the palms and feet with gentle pressure it is possible to get a fair idea about the diseased parts. If pain is observed on any point, the body part related to that point needs immediate attention. I have applied these techniques for self diagnose and found it very effective. Usually you feel pain in specific points of your hands whenever there is an abnormality around your body (in other words it is a symptom of some body or system disorder/pain or disease)

The healing process is next step after diagnosis as you have to apply pressure for continues intervals at the effected or related painful points of your both hands.

Application of pressure on palms and feet has the effect of charging various body parts. When specific points are pressed the nerves leading to the related parts are actuated which in turn stimulates those parts. As a result flow of blood and other body fluids improve providing nourishment to those parts and cleaning away the waste material more efficiently. Any undesirable deposits start dissolving. Functions of the glands improve. There is overall rejuvenation in the body.

To use this free and no cost diagnosis technique just browse through online resources or buy the books with pressure points picture. The self diagnosis system can be learned very easily at home.

Useful links:

* 'Shiatsu'

* 'What is Acupressure Shiatsu'

*Another story about the revolutionary book 'Health in your hands'

* Acupressure Pressure Points

Prayers can help us heal

We often forget the power of prayers, that prayers can help miracle happen. Prayers are the whispering of our souls to God, and when we pray for others our prayers are more valuable to the Him.

Few quotes about prayers:

* Trouble and perplexity drive me to prayer and prayer drives away perplexity and trouble. ~Philip Melanchthen

* I believe in prayer. It's the best way we have to draw strength from heaven. ~Josephine Baker
* Prayer is the soul's sincere desire,
Uttered or unexpressed;
The motion of a hidden fire
That trembles in the breast.
~James Montgomery, What is Prayer?

Several scientific studies done by the medical school in Washington prove conclusively that prayer helps people heal. These studies have been replicated at hospitals all over the world. Every study shows prayer helps people heal.

Whatever the reason, prayer helps and if you want to heal yourself, why not learn to pray so the Divine hears your prayer?

there are many different forms of prayer of which 'Contemplative Prayer' and 'Meditation' appear to be the most effective.

Contemplative Prayer is a process of first becoming very relaxed and comfortable in a sitting or reclining position. We can use a form of progressive relaxation, autosuggestion, self-hypnosis, music or any other means of relaxation we choose.

Prayer is when you talk to God; meditation is when you listen to God. Meditation relaxes our body and mind, slows down our respiration rate and our heart rate, improves the flow of blood throughout our body, increases cell oxygenation, reduces the effects of stress on our organs and bodily systems, improves our digestion and elimination, and enhances our immune system. It's one of the healthiest things we can do for our bodies, minds and spirits.

By reducing the effects of stress caused by illness and disease, we're able to improve the function of our immune system and thus improve our health. By improving our circulatory, digestive and elimination systems, we improve our ability to eliminate toxic wastes and thus improve our health. By increasing oxygenation in our cells, we're better equipped to recover from injury and disease. We improve the quality of our health.

The power of prayer is one of the oldest and strongest way to achieve healing for oneself and others. Healing with prayers can work, but will it be long or short term. One must ultimately get to the emotional base of the person and the reason for the illness or accident, or it will recur again. Everything goes to our emotions as we llie in a bipolar emotionally based reality created by electromagnetic grids of experrience.

Group prayers can be more powerful than individual ones as they create a stronger frequency. Ask for prayers from people around you, and pray for them. If it can heal our bodies then prayers can heal our soul diseases as well. Isn't it?