Archive for March, 2009

Is Acupuncture Safe?

March 27th, 2009 admin

Acupuncture has been around for centuries and has been practiced all over the world. It is relatively safe. Just like any other invasive procedure, there will always be some risks. It should be done in a sanitary environment and by a licensed practitioner.

Side-effects may come in the form of hematoma or slight bruising in the places surrounding the points where the needles were inserted. The bruises will eventually fade in a few days.

There might be some minor bleeding when the needles are taken out, but this can be stopped immediately by applying pressure with the use of cotton or gauze on the area.
Checkout this introduction acupuncture video :
0 Is Acupuncture Safe?

The sight of the needles may cause some people to feel faint and become dizzy. This may be due to the conscious or unconscious fear of needles and can be dealt with by having the person to be treated lie down.

In rare instances, complications such as nerve injury might happen due to the nerves being unintentionally punctured. Deep needling usually has the higher number of possible complications because it might hit an organ like the kidney or the lung.

Unsanitary practice of acupuncture may result in the contraction of infectious diseases like hepatitis B or C and HIV. Though it helps ease morning sickness, there is a very slim possibility that it can terminate pregnancy because a point may be stimulated causing the production of oxytocin and ACTH.

Posted in Acupuncture No Comments »

Balneotherapy

March 13th, 2009 admin

Balneotherapy refers to the therapeutic use of baths. This may involve the use of hot or cold water enriched with minerals, milk bath, massage with the use of water pressure, beer bath and even mud bath. It has been used also as a wide-ranging term for anything related to spa treatment.

There are many benefits which can be gained from balneotherapy. Certain medical conditions can be healed through balneotherapy treatment such as arthritis, rheumatism and fibromyalgia. This may be attributed to the healing properties of minerals and the other ingredients incorporated in the bath which is then readily absorbed by the body through the skin.

Nowadays people do not only undergo balneotherapy for its medicinal gains but also for relaxation. It enhances blood circulation and is believed to have some slimming effects. It is also advantageous for athletes because it relieves muscle pains.

balneotherapy2 BalneotherapyThe Czech Republic is one country where balneotherapy enthusiasts can really savor the experience. Springs located underground and the various wells are a virtual treasure trove of waters which are truly rich in terms of curative properties. These rich natural resources have been developed to advance the health and well-being of the local people and those from other places who would like to experience its invigorating effects.

The West Bohemian area of the Czech Republic is the premiere site of balneotherapy. It is also in this area where one can find the first beer spa. This innovative idea was conceived by the owner of a local brewery. Equal amounts of beer and mineral water are mixed and infused with aromatic herbs in which the guests can immerse themselves. This beer bath can invigorate a person according to its developers.

Water massage in balneotherapy is possible through the use of jets which cause the water to move and create pressure on the various parts of the body. This relaxes the body and relieves minor pains and aches.:cool:

Posted in Misc Therapics No Comments »

Deep Tissue Massage

March 8th, 2009 admin

deep%20tissue%201 Deep Tissue MassageDeep tissue massage targets the deeper muscle tissues and is very similar to the Swedish massage. There is more pressure though and the strokes are either more intense or much slower. More attention is given to those areas which are full of tension and are more painful.

The pressure created by the fingers can sometimes be uncomfortable especially if it runs across the rigid muscles formed by adhesions. Muscles and ligaments plus tendons sometimes form tight bands due to some repetitive movements, tensions or injuries. This can become very painful and inflamed. The individual’s movements may also become restricted.

With the deep tissue massage, the banded tissues are unknotted which will enable the individual to move normally. There might be some discomfort after the massage because of the deep pressure, but after a day or so this will also vanish. An ice compress can also be applied to the painful areas.

Deep tissue massage is oftentimes used to address specific problems such as chronic pain and osteoarthritis. Poor posture can also benefit from this type of massage therapy as well as those who are afflicted with fibromyalgia. Deep tissue massage is also recommended to those who are recovering from injuries which caused limited movements like having whiplash.

Posted in Massage No Comments »