Most people who receive acupuncture say the treatments aren’t painful. An acupuncture needle is not the same as the hypo a doctor uses; it’s only about the diameter of a strand of hair, which is 1/15th of the size of a hypodermic needle. Because of its size, the acupuncture needle can slip into place painlessly. However, phobias aren’t usually won over by logic. If you’re still afraid of needles, that’s okay. There are ways to get the benefits of acupuncture without using any needles at all. Needle-Free Alternatives You can realign your energy and treat nearly any physical, emotional, or mental health condition using the principles of acupuncture – but not the needles. The benefits of Acupuncture are many; Acupressure: Acupressure is the needle-less, little brother to acupuncture. Acupressure involves pinpointing the same points used in acupuncture, but using pressure instead of puncture—as the name implies. Pressure can be applied with fingertips, knuckles, and in some cases, smooth, hard objects like well worn stone. The stimulation of these acupoints by any means is thought to improve the flow of Qi, or life energy, throughout the body, just as acupuncture does. Laser-puncture: Some New Age health clinics are using lasers to activate acupoints. Laser-puncture is thought to be highly effective for auricular (ear) acupuncture. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the ear is considered a tiny representation of the whole body; ailments of other parts of the body can be treated by treating their corresponding ear acupoints. While high-powered lasers should only be used by professionals, cold lasers—the kind speakers use to point at presentation boards and cat owners use to entertain their pets–can be purchased at almost any department store and are safe to use on the ear. (Caution: NEVER aim a laser at your eye.) Press pellets: Following the same principles as acupressure, some people can find health benefits of acupuncture from press pellets. These hard, tiny balls can be taped over a pressure point to supply light but constant pressure. Press pellets can be used for significantly blocked Qi, to keep an energy passageway open. You can purchase circular bandages that have press pellets built into them for easy application. Magnets: Some believe that the force field around a typical magnet can also stimulate an acupuncture point without exposing you to the harsh sharpness of a needle. This is referred to as magnet therapy. Arthritis sufferers have been using magnets therapeutically for years, but they have also been used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, excessive appetite, and sleeping disorders. It’s easy now to find ankle braces with built-in magnets, and you can also buy magnetic bracelets and jewelry. Wear these magnets over or near acupuncture points to allow the magnets to stimulate your body. Is it Safe? While acupuncture is best left to the professionals, these forms of needle-free acupoint therapy are relatively safe for self-use. Acupressure and press pellets can be uncomfortable—blocked acupoints are often tender—but if you’re an aichmophobe, just knowing you won’t have to see any needles may enable you to enjoy the health benefits of free-flowing qi energy. from alternativez
Posted on: Tue, 23 Jul 2013 13:02:35 +0000
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