All About Kinesiology

May 29th, 2010 Brent No comments




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Stressed muscles cause a lot of pain, and taking pain medications either leave us sleepy or don’t work for any length of time. The bottom line is that pain killers only mask the symptomatic pain; they do not relieve the injuries that cause the pain in the first place.

Kinesiology practitioners use techniques in which they test the muscles in order to determine the imbalances in the body. They then used a number of various techniques to restore balance. Kinesiology not only works on the body-there has been recorded success with using this practice to restore order to the mind and spirit of the afflicted as well, which makes sense in that when we are in pain we not only feel it in our bodies, we also can become depressed and moody.

The muscle testing techniques used in kinesiology are non-invasive. The limbs of the body are placed in various positions and then light pressure is applied. Very often there is no pain, only discomfort involved. If the muscle does not respond properly then it is an indication of the patient needing further therapies. The condition is then treated on all levels-pain relief, chiropractic to realign something out of place which caused the problem to first develop, strength training for a stronger muscle. Kinesiology’s practitioners believe that each muscle is linked to a variety of mental and emotional imbalances as well as the more obvious physical problems.

The practice of kinesiology is thought to eliminate the guesswork in diagnosing a condition by the use of the body’s natural feedback system. They believe that by using this technique that the practitioner can not only determine the treatment(s) but the order in which they should be received in order to holistically and completely alleviate the pain and control or cure the problem. The permanent cure is rooted in treating the original condition.

As an example, say the patient presents as itching, sinus problems, headache, and irritability. These are the symptoms which need to be alleviated, the cause is an allergy. If the patient went to a conventional physician, he might be prescribed some allergy medication that reduces the physical symptoms, but unless the allergy itself is treated, the patient would have to continue taking the medication indefinitely, which could affect them emotionally or mentally with the side effects.

Kinesiology has been thought to improve various conditions such as allergies and depression, arthritis, digestive problems (which have had the greatest recovery rate), learning problems, all kinds of muscle pain (the original complaint most seekers of kinesiology treatment present with), post operative pain and acne.

The treatments are specific to each individual, but usually include reflex massage. Other types of treatment are sometimes preformed such as what is referred to as a mechanical adjustment wherein massage or gentle chiropractic is used to bring the original skeletal structure into alignment. Because there are 206 bones in the human body and they are attached to muscles by ligaments, realigning the skeletal structure eases the pressure of the tension on the muscles, causing everything from blood flow to nerve impulses to correct.
Nutrition and ones diet play an important role in kinesiology therapy as well. The patient’s current mineral and vitamin intake are charted and adjustments made to the diet in order to ensure the proper food is getting to the muscles. This chart is also used to determine possible food allergies. Herbal remedies are used to treat various emotional imbalances like depression and anger management issues. These treatments are used as preventative measures along with treating problems presenting at the time of the initial consultation.

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All About Acupuncture

May 29th, 2010 Brent No comments




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Acupuncture is the art of inserting very thin needles just under the skin to stimulate specific points on the body in order to bring about relief of pain and wellness to the body. This is accomplished by restoring the balance of qi to the body.

Qi is the life force which is found in every thing, both human and non human, from breath to the blood that flows through us, and the movement of qi throughout the body is a sensation brought about by acupuncture that you will not want to miss. It kind of feels like blood flowing, as if you could hear it, but not really. When the acupuncturist takes the needles out of your body you can almost feel the qi moving, it feels like a thread being pulled from your leg, or foot, or wherever the needle is being drawn out from. It is a very calming experience. Simply, the flow of your qi is being restored by stimulating it using needles.

The philosophy of Dao, ying and yang, must be understood in order to understand acupuncture.

Dao is the way of life in Chinese Medicine and acupuncture. Dao advocates living in moderation, and striving for balance with nature. The Chinese believe that moderation is the key to living a long life, and use the practice of acupuncture to balance bodies and spirit to maintain health and to bring into balance ill health.

We are made up of three elements, qi (pronounced Chee) is our energy, Shen is your spirit, and Jing is the essence of ourselves. Qi establishes the interconnectedness with everything and is found in ones blood and heart, lungs and oxygen. Shen is compared to ones soul in that it provides thought and the awareness of the self. Jing helps us grow and reproduce. Once we lose jing, it can not be replaced, as the Chinese believe that we are each born with a finite amount. Because we lose jing if we live carelessly, acupuncture can reduce the loss by balancing the qi, or energy, helping to preserve jing. When our Jing is used up, we die.

Now on to ying and Yang, the other elements of life, when these two opposing forces are balanced we are at peace, we are much more likely to let things slide and take life easy, when they are out of balance we exhibit arrogance, pride, lust, gluttony, and the other excesses of living which eat away at our Jing. The emotions run amok and we become sick.

This is also why acupuncture is often used in cooperation with herbal therapy. Acupuncture works with the yang because it comes from outside the body and goes inside (the act of inserting the needle), while herbal therapies are considered to be ying therapies because they move throughout the interior of the body.

While acupuncture is widely thought to be used primarily to control pain, acupuncture can benefit a host of other illnesses, such as respitory ailments (asthma), cataracts, hiccups, ulcers, migraines, and toothache, just to name a very few.

The truth is that I have never seen an ailment that can’t be alleviated with acupuncture, including alcoholism and addiction cravings. There is a point in the ear which can help alleviate cravings of all addictive behaviors, and acute withdrawal from alcoholism can be helped with the point used for the liver. Western medicine is beginning to concede to acupuncture for its use in alleviating chronic pain, such as neck and back, which a lot of westerners suffer from. We are only now beginning to accept the fact that it can also be used to help anxiety and chronic fatigue, and more and more medical insurance is beginning to include acupuncture on claim forms.

This article is meant to be informative only, and does not go into the detail that acupuncture deserves; please see a practitioner of Chinese medicine for more information.

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Using Alternative Medicine To Treat Children

May 29th, 2010 Brent No comments




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There are many diseases and illnesses that children have which are difficult to treat. They are difficult to treat because it may be harder to administer the conventional treatments to a child or they may refuse to take their medication. This is where alternative medications and treatments come into place. Children easily accept these alternative treatments because they do not associate these treatments with medicine. These treatments are something new and exciting in their eyes.

Asthma is one disease in particular that is difficult to treat children for. The children do not enjoy using their puffers or any other type of treatment that is given. Before you begin choosing the alternative treatment for your children or child, you must remember to keep in mind that these treatments have no scientific research and are not equal to conventional medications. These treatments do work to an extent however.

Acupuncture:
This is a technique where needles are placed into key points of the body. Evidence suggests that these needles release endorphins in the brain, which help reduce pain. Children with asthma who endure this treatment may find it easier to breathe more calmly and relaxed.

Hypnosis:
This is a treatment that may give children more self-discipline to continue on with their medicine in a more regular manner.

Massage and Relaxation Techniques:
It has been suggested that stress or anxiety can constrict the airways even more for children or even adults with asthma. Massage helps reduce this stress, therefore making it easier for the child to breath. You can also learn great techniques to do on your own to help control your own breathing patterns. This gives the child confidence that they are in control of their asthma.

There are many other diseases that children have where alternative treatment can be used. Perhaps used with conventional methods as well. Children with serious diseases such as cancer or diabetes may need to take advantage of massage or meditation techniques. Children with life threatening disease are prone to bottle up their stress and this can sometimes make their disease that much worse. By using alternative treatments along side of your doctor prescribed medications can be a great combination! Children with diseases need as much help as they can get.

As a parent a great deal of research and doctor’s opinions are necessary. Depending on what your child has you must research carefully any alternative treatments you are considering. You want to ensure that the treatments will do something for your child and not harm them in any way. You may find with treatments such as acupuncture that your child will be reluctant to try it. That is why research for something that the child will want to participate in. These treatments are more about relaxation and making your child feel like they are in control and not helpless to their illness.

Children are more prone to need alternative treatments because they are more reluctant to follow through with their prescribed medicines. Children are hard to treat, but if they like the treatment, then it becomes that much easier! A great way to make your child excited for their new treatment is to describe it like it is a treat. Get them excited to go. The more excited they are to try something new the more willing they will be to make it part of their weekly or even daily routine. As a parent you know, that children need to enjoy what they are doing otherwise you will be defeated! Take the advise from this article, but always ensure that you run your ideas past your family doctor just to be safe. Alternative treatments can make all the difference in your child’s health and attitude!

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