Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
Dating back 5000 years, acupuncture is a key component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), involving inserting thin needles into the body at specific acupuncture points. It relies on the principles that illness occurs when there is imbalance of yin and yang in the body, which cause dysfunction of organs and meridians，according to the theory of TCM. And there is a life force called Qi(pronounced as Chee) flows through body along channels or meridians. Hindering the flow of qi circulation can lead to pain and illness. Acupuncture can encourage the body’s own natural healing response, producing results by re-establishing balance and ensuring the continuous flow of qi.
With the medicine development, acupuncture is accepted world-widely, and being integrated into western medicine, particularly for treatment of pain, nausea, asthma, and neurological conditions. We use neurological acupuncture which is combined traditional acupuncture with neurological orientation diagnosis, selecting the points corresponding to areas of the brain that control function in the area of the body. The practitioner apply the manipulation of needles to reinforce the stimulation to penetrate the bone, working on the corresponding cortex of cerebrum. It is extremely effective in treatment of paralysis and autonomic nervous system dysfunction due to brain or spinal cord injury including paraplegia, hemiplegia and quadriplegia, as well as other neurological disorders and stress management.
Here is a list of medical problems that acupuncture can treat.
Acupuncture is generally safe when done by an appropriately trained practitioner using clean technique and single-use needles. When properly delivered, it has a low rate of mostly minor adverse effects, which are mild and transient, including tiredness, drowsiness, exacerbation of primary symptoms, and itching in the area of acunpuncture.
Reflexology
Reflexology is an alternative medicine involving application of pressure to the feet, hands and ears with specific thumb, finger, and hand techniques. It is based on a system of zones and reflex areas that purportedly reflect an image of the body on the feet, hands, and ears with the premise that the pressure may send signals that balance the nervous system or release chemicals such as endorphins that reduce pain and stress, so it can effect a physical change to the body. It is believed that areas on the foot correspond to organs of the body, and that by manipulating these one can improve health through energetic pathways.
Reflexologists use variety manipulation with thumb, fingers and hand as they apply pressure to specific areas. Sometimes they use items, such as rubber balls, rubber bands and sticks of wood, to assist in their work.
It is claimed that reflexology can treat a wide variety of medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, blood pressure, cancer and pain symptoms due to back, shoulder, hips, knees and feet, as well as psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression. It is generally considered safe, although sometimes pressure may cause discomfort for some people. Occasionally, people feel nauseous, anxious, or tearful, but this is only temporary and is considered to be part of the healing process. Most people feel calm and relaxed after a treatment. They may even feel sleepy. A cup of water and good rest after treatment are necessary.
Chinese Tuina & acupressure
Tuina is an ancient form of traditional Chinese manipulative therapy which has been practiced in China for over 4000 years, often used in conjunction with acupuncture, moxibustion, fire cupping, Chinese herbalism, t'ai chi, and qigong. It is a hands-on body treatment based on the principles of Chinese Taoist and eight principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine in order to bring re-balance of the body, get the energy moving in the meridians and the muscles, and activate the blood stagnation. The name has two meanings of the actions: tui means “to push”, and na means “to lift and squeeze” or “grasp”. There are other manipulations involved in the procedure, including press, kneading, shaking, rolling, tapping, rubbing, circular-rubbing, traction, and thumb-pushing, etc.. These techniques are claimed to aid in the treatments of both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, as well as many internal conditions, which in modern medicine require a physical therapy, chiropractic therapy, or osteopathy. It is well accepted by most adults and infants.
Tuina, though as a treatment of “external therapy”, not only works on the muscles and joints, but also at a deeper level, affecting the flow of Qi and blood in the body. It applies pressure to the meridians and specific points to produce the physical stimulation to muscles, tendons, nerves, vessels and lymphs, and by the regulation of nerves and body fluid, there will be a series of pathophysiology changes which can improve the healing and prevention of diseases. In some procedure, ointment with different herbs are applied according the conditions or symptoms patients have. After tuina treatment, the patients will mostly often feel relaxed, energized, happy and free, moreover, it can also release blocked emotional energy. It is regarded as a very safe and well spreaded therapy, however, there are times when tuina is not suitable for patients.
Traditional Chinese herbal therapy
Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture are the most important components of TCM. In China, doctors of TCM treat wide variety of diseases and conditions based on an individual’s problems for thousands of years. It has unique theory system and application methods. The fundamental idea of living in harmony with nature and the environment forms the basis for the use of Chinese herbs as well as the traditional Chinese approach to health. Knowledge of the healing power of Chinese herbs and herbal remedies has been passed down from generation to generation, and today represents one of China’s greatest gifts to mankind, and being welcomed by progressive western health-conscious consumers who are seeking natural, healthy and balanced alternative remedies.
Chinese’s herbal medicine uses thousands of material derived from plant (roots, bark, flower seeds, fruits, leaves, etc.), animal, and mineral sources. According to different situation and prescription, suppliers usually process the herbs with variety methods in order to clean, dry, store, safety usage or for better effects. There are several dosage forms to apply in practice, including decoction, pills, powder, plasters, tincture, etc.. Doctors can choose the best form for patients based on the disease nature, length of the course, and patients’ compliance.
Chinese herbs sold in the US mostly in the forms of ready-made patent formulas as nutrition supplements. You can also get them in small pieces ready for decoction in Chinese medicine herbs store. Please consult your physician, licensed acupuncturist or herbalist knowledgeable in Chinese herbs to decide if these products may be useful and appropriate for you.
Alternative health treatment
Cupping
Cupping is an ancient form of alternative medicine in Traditional Chinese medicine system. The cups create suction when placed at the acupuncture points or target region on the skin, resulting in local blood congestion or stasis. It is believed that it can mobilize blood and qi flow, increase circulation and dispel stagnation. Cupping is usually used on back, neck, shoulder and other musculoskeletal conditions to treat acute pain or chronic diseases, and always combined with acupuncture.
The cups can be various shapes including balls or bells, and may range in size from 1 to 3 inches (25 to 76 mm) across the opening. Plastic, bamboo and glass are the most common materials used today, replacing the horn, pottery, and bronze cups used in earlier times. Rubber cups are also available that squeeze the air out and adapt to uneven or bony surfaces. Bamboo cups are usually used in herbs cupping, which have to be soaked in the hot herbs before applying.
There are two types of cupping that are commonly used. One is dry cupping including fire cupping, moving cupping, and flash cupping. The other is wet cupping or bleeding cupping, which involved needles inside the cup, or controlled bleeding in the cups.
Fire Cupping. A ball of cotton is clamped by a pair of forceps, soaked in 95% alcohol and lit on fire. The flaming cotton ball is then placed inside a glass jar for 1-3circles, quickly removed, and the cup is placed on the skin firmly. The cup stays in place for five to fifteen minutes. The skin under the cup will turn purple or you will notice some moisture on the inner wall of the cup. After removing the cups, there will be purple round marks left on the skin and resolved in several days. If fire cupping is available by practitioners, suction cups is another option, using a pump device that pulls air out of the cup so the suction occurs
There is also moving cupping, or sliding cupping. Massage oil or petroleum jelly may be applied to create a better seal as well as allow the cups to glide smoothly over muscle groups (e.g. trapezius, erectors, latissimus dorsi, etc.) back and forth for several times until the skin turn redness.
If applying cupping on face, it is recommended to use quick cupping or flash cupping. The practitioner will choose smaller cup, and remove the cup quickly just after putting on the skin, and then repeat cupping for several times until the skin turn redness.
As for the wet cupping, practitioners will apply acupuncture first or prick the skin to let small amount blood out, and put the cup over the needle or bleeding. It is always used to treat some acute conditions or beginning stage of cold, such as facial paralysis or fever in influenza.
One of the side effects of cupping is that it tends to bruise. It can leave purple marks on the cupping area that will resolve in a few days. It can look like an octopus attacked you. Usually treatments are not painful. Hydration before and after the therapy and general massage can also help reduce the bruising from cupping.
Cupping has functions of clearing and activating the channels, promoting the flow of qi and to activate blood, relieving swelling and pain, and expelling pathogenic wind and removing cold. It is claimed to treat a broad range of medical conditions such as rheumatic diseases (arthritic joint and muscular conditions), neural paralysis, some acute or chronic pain (abdominal pain, lower back pain, painful menstruation, headache, etc.), and fertility and gynecological disorders. Moreover, it can be used to relieve the symptoms of cold, cough, asthma, indigestion, stomachache, and dizziness as well as skin problems (eczema, acne). However, Cupping is not advised over skin ulcers or to the abdominal or sacral regions of pregnant women.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy using moxa made from dried mugwort (Artemisia argyi). It plays an important role in the traditional medical systems of China. Suppliers usually age the mugwort and grind it up to a fluff; practitioners burn the fluff on the skin in the shape of small cone, or column, or process it further into a cigar-shaped stick. They can use it indirectly, with acupuncture needles, or burn it directly or indirectly on the patient's skin. There are several methods of moxibustion. The typical three of them are direct scarring, direct non-scarring, and indirect moxibustion. The direct scarring moxibustion places a small cone of moxa on the skin at an acupuncture point and burns it until the skin blisters, after it heals, there will be a scar. It is always used to treat chronic diseases, but no longer used very often. Direct non-scarring moxibustion needs to remove the burning moxa before the skin burns enough to scar. Indirect moxibustion requires the practitioner or a device to hold a cigar made of moxa near the acupuncture point to heat the skin, or put it on the handle of an acupuncture needle inserted in the skin to heat the needle. There is also stick-on moxa. In some cases, practitioners may set the burning moxa cone over a layer of ginger, garlic, or salt placed on the patient's skin according to the situation of patients.
In traditional Chinese medicine, stimulating the flow of Qi is considered essential to achieving health and wellness. Practitioners use moxa to warm regions and meridian points with the intention of stimulating circulation through the points and breaking the blockage along the meridian in order to induce a smoother flow of blood and qi. Some believe it can treat conditions associated with the "cold" or "yang deficiencies" in Chinese Medicine. It is claimed that moxibustion can fight against cold and dampness in the body, and can serve to turn breech babies. Usually, it is especially effective in the treatment of chronic problems, "deficient conditions" (weakness), and gerontology, moreover, it can add new energy to the body and can treat both excess and deficient conditions.
Alternative medicine proponents claim that moxibustion can help treat the following health problems:
•arthritis
•back pain
•headaches
•migraines
•muscle stiffness
•menstrual cramps
•digestive problems
•ulcers
•cancer
•infertility
•tendonitis
•breech birth
Please pay attention that moxibustion is considered unsafe for people with diabetes. What's more, oils from mugwort and wormwood may cause toxic reactions when taken internally.
If you're considering the use of moxibustion for any type of health condition, make sure to consult your doctor before undergoing treatment.
Gua sha
Gua sha (Chinese: 刮痧; pinyin: guā shā), meaning "scraping sha-bruises", is a traditional Chinese medical treatment in which the skin is scraped to produce light bruising by a special tool. Practitioners believe gua sha releases unhealthy elements from injured areas and stimulates blood flow and healing. It can help with chronic pain, poor circulation, fatigue, infections and emotional stress.
Gua Sha procedure consists of two steps. Firstly, practitioner will apply oil which has healing herbs that will help the removal of toxins, on the skin of face, arm, thigh, neck or back, and then he will use a special tool to scrape in specific patterns. As the practitioner moves along the surface of your skin, small red, purple or green dots will begin to appear. The scraping doesn’t hurt, but it will produce a bruising or redness over the treatment area. In some cases, the treatment may produce small colorless bumps that are similar to goose bumps; these will disappear in a few days.
Healthcare education
Tai-chi
Taichi is a mind-body practice that originated in China as a martial art, and now it is intangible culture heritage of China. The philosophy of taichi comes from the conception of taiji in Confucianism and Taoism, and dialectical thought of yin and yang. It combines meditation with slow, gentle, graceful movements, as well as breathing exercises and relaxation, to improve the vital energy( or Qi) throughout the body. It is believed that focusing the mind soled on the movements of the taichi form helps to bring about a state of mental calm and clarity. Moreover, the gentle and continuous movements emphasize the mind instead of focusing on the force, therefore, the practitioners can avoid the injuries from muscles, joints, and tendons. They can also change the improper habits of using their strength and instinct. Medical studies show that taichi and its companion practice qigong improve health, strength, balance, concentration, and mental well-being. When practicing taichi, it is advocated loose, comfortable clothing and flat-soled shoes. For the beginners, 30 minutes everyday practice is necessary including a warm-up and self-massage.
What is Acupuncture?
Dating back 5000 years, acupuncture is a key component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), involving inserting thin needles into the body at specific acupuncture points. It relies on the principles that illness occurs when there is imbalance of yin and yang in the body, which cause dysfunction of organs and meridians，according to the theory of TCM. And there is a life force called Qi(pronounced as Chee) flows through body along channels or meridians. Hindering the flow of qi circulation can lead to pain and illness. Acupuncture can encourage the body’s own natural healing response, producing results by re-establishing balance and ensuring the continuous flow of qi.
With the medicine development, acupuncture is accepted world-widely, and being integrated into western medicine, particularly for treatment of pain, nausea, asthma, and neurological conditions. We use neurological acupuncture which is combined traditional acupuncture with neurological orientation diagnosis, selecting the points corresponding to areas of the brain that control function in the area of the body. The practitioner apply the manipulation of needles to reinforce the stimulation to penetrate the bone, working on the corresponding cortex of cerebrum. It is extremely effective in treatment of paralysis and autonomic nervous system dysfunction due to brain or spinal cord injury including paraplegia, hemiplegia and quadriplegia, as well as other neurological disorders and stress management.
Here is a list of medical problems that acupuncture can treat.
- Anxiety/stress
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Frozen shoulder
- Tennis elbow
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Neck, lower back, knees pain
- Sciatica
- Acute sprain and strain of any part of the body
- Neuropathy
- Parkinson disease
- Essential tremor
- Stroke
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Restless leg syndrome
- Bell’s palsy
- Raynaud’s disease
- Arthritis
- Gout
- Shingles
Acupuncture is generally safe when done by an appropriately trained practitioner using clean technique and single-use needles. When properly delivered, it has a low rate of mostly minor adverse effects, which are mild and transient, including tiredness, drowsiness, exacerbation of primary symptoms, and itching in the area of acunpuncture.
Reflexology
Reflexology is an alternative medicine involving application of pressure to the feet, hands and ears with specific thumb, finger, and hand techniques. It is based on a system of zones and reflex areas that purportedly reflect an image of the body on the feet, hands, and ears with the premise that the pressure may send signals that balance the nervous system or release chemicals such as endorphins that reduce pain and stress, so it can effect a physical change to the body. It is believed that areas on the foot correspond to organs of the body, and that by manipulating these one can improve health through energetic pathways.
Reflexologists use variety manipulation with thumb, fingers and hand as they apply pressure to specific areas. Sometimes they use items, such as rubber balls, rubber bands and sticks of wood, to assist in their work.
It is claimed that reflexology can treat a wide variety of medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, blood pressure, cancer and pain symptoms due to back, shoulder, hips, knees and feet, as well as psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression. It is generally considered safe, although sometimes pressure may cause discomfort for some people. Occasionally, people feel nauseous, anxious, or tearful, but this is only temporary and is considered to be part of the healing process. Most people feel calm and relaxed after a treatment. They may even feel sleepy. A cup of water and good rest after treatment are necessary.
Chinese Tuina & acupressure
Tuina is an ancient form of traditional Chinese manipulative therapy which has been practiced in China for over 4000 years, often used in conjunction with acupuncture, moxibustion, fire cupping, Chinese herbalism, t'ai chi, and qigong. It is a hands-on body treatment based on the principles of Chinese Taoist and eight principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine in order to bring re-balance of the body, get the energy moving in the meridians and the muscles, and activate the blood stagnation. The name has two meanings of the actions: tui means “to push”, and na means “to lift and squeeze” or “grasp”. There are other manipulations involved in the procedure, including press, kneading, shaking, rolling, tapping, rubbing, circular-rubbing, traction, and thumb-pushing, etc.. These techniques are claimed to aid in the treatments of both acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, as well as many internal conditions, which in modern medicine require a physical therapy, chiropractic therapy, or osteopathy. It is well accepted by most adults and infants.
Tuina, though as a treatment of “external therapy”, not only works on the muscles and joints, but also at a deeper level, affecting the flow of Qi and blood in the body. It applies pressure to the meridians and specific points to produce the physical stimulation to muscles, tendons, nerves, vessels and lymphs, and by the regulation of nerves and body fluid, there will be a series of pathophysiology changes which can improve the healing and prevention of diseases. In some procedure, ointment with different herbs are applied according the conditions or symptoms patients have. After tuina treatment, the patients will mostly often feel relaxed, energized, happy and free, moreover, it can also release blocked emotional energy. It is regarded as a very safe and well spreaded therapy, however, there are times when tuina is not suitable for patients.
- People with osteoporosis
- People with serious heart disease, liver or kidney failure, and cancer
- People with artificial joints
- Inflamed or broken skin
- Lower back or abdomen during pregnancy
- People with blood disease
Traditional Chinese herbal therapy
Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture are the most important components of TCM. In China, doctors of TCM treat wide variety of diseases and conditions based on an individual’s problems for thousands of years. It has unique theory system and application methods. The fundamental idea of living in harmony with nature and the environment forms the basis for the use of Chinese herbs as well as the traditional Chinese approach to health. Knowledge of the healing power of Chinese herbs and herbal remedies has been passed down from generation to generation, and today represents one of China’s greatest gifts to mankind, and being welcomed by progressive western health-conscious consumers who are seeking natural, healthy and balanced alternative remedies.
Chinese’s herbal medicine uses thousands of material derived from plant (roots, bark, flower seeds, fruits, leaves, etc.), animal, and mineral sources. According to different situation and prescription, suppliers usually process the herbs with variety methods in order to clean, dry, store, safety usage or for better effects. There are several dosage forms to apply in practice, including decoction, pills, powder, plasters, tincture, etc.. Doctors can choose the best form for patients based on the disease nature, length of the course, and patients’ compliance.
Chinese herbs sold in the US mostly in the forms of ready-made patent formulas as nutrition supplements. You can also get them in small pieces ready for decoction in Chinese medicine herbs store. Please consult your physician, licensed acupuncturist or herbalist knowledgeable in Chinese herbs to decide if these products may be useful and appropriate for you.
Alternative health treatment
Cupping
Cupping is an ancient form of alternative medicine in Traditional Chinese medicine system. The cups create suction when placed at the acupuncture points or target region on the skin, resulting in local blood congestion or stasis. It is believed that it can mobilize blood and qi flow, increase circulation and dispel stagnation. Cupping is usually used on back, neck, shoulder and other musculoskeletal conditions to treat acute pain or chronic diseases, and always combined with acupuncture.
The cups can be various shapes including balls or bells, and may range in size from 1 to 3 inches (25 to 76 mm) across the opening. Plastic, bamboo and glass are the most common materials used today, replacing the horn, pottery, and bronze cups used in earlier times. Rubber cups are also available that squeeze the air out and adapt to uneven or bony surfaces. Bamboo cups are usually used in herbs cupping, which have to be soaked in the hot herbs before applying.
There are two types of cupping that are commonly used. One is dry cupping including fire cupping, moving cupping, and flash cupping. The other is wet cupping or bleeding cupping, which involved needles inside the cup, or controlled bleeding in the cups.
Fire Cupping. A ball of cotton is clamped by a pair of forceps, soaked in 95% alcohol and lit on fire. The flaming cotton ball is then placed inside a glass jar for 1-3circles, quickly removed, and the cup is placed on the skin firmly. The cup stays in place for five to fifteen minutes. The skin under the cup will turn purple or you will notice some moisture on the inner wall of the cup. After removing the cups, there will be purple round marks left on the skin and resolved in several days. If fire cupping is available by practitioners, suction cups is another option, using a pump device that pulls air out of the cup so the suction occurs
There is also moving cupping, or sliding cupping. Massage oil or petroleum jelly may be applied to create a better seal as well as allow the cups to glide smoothly over muscle groups (e.g. trapezius, erectors, latissimus dorsi, etc.) back and forth for several times until the skin turn redness.
If applying cupping on face, it is recommended to use quick cupping or flash cupping. The practitioner will choose smaller cup, and remove the cup quickly just after putting on the skin, and then repeat cupping for several times until the skin turn redness.
As for the wet cupping, practitioners will apply acupuncture first or prick the skin to let small amount blood out, and put the cup over the needle or bleeding. It is always used to treat some acute conditions or beginning stage of cold, such as facial paralysis or fever in influenza.
One of the side effects of cupping is that it tends to bruise. It can leave purple marks on the cupping area that will resolve in a few days. It can look like an octopus attacked you. Usually treatments are not painful. Hydration before and after the therapy and general massage can also help reduce the bruising from cupping.
Cupping has functions of clearing and activating the channels, promoting the flow of qi and to activate blood, relieving swelling and pain, and expelling pathogenic wind and removing cold. It is claimed to treat a broad range of medical conditions such as rheumatic diseases (arthritic joint and muscular conditions), neural paralysis, some acute or chronic pain (abdominal pain, lower back pain, painful menstruation, headache, etc.), and fertility and gynecological disorders. Moreover, it can be used to relieve the symptoms of cold, cough, asthma, indigestion, stomachache, and dizziness as well as skin problems (eczema, acne). However, Cupping is not advised over skin ulcers or to the abdominal or sacral regions of pregnant women.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy using moxa made from dried mugwort (Artemisia argyi). It plays an important role in the traditional medical systems of China. Suppliers usually age the mugwort and grind it up to a fluff; practitioners burn the fluff on the skin in the shape of small cone, or column, or process it further into a cigar-shaped stick. They can use it indirectly, with acupuncture needles, or burn it directly or indirectly on the patient's skin. There are several methods of moxibustion. The typical three of them are direct scarring, direct non-scarring, and indirect moxibustion. The direct scarring moxibustion places a small cone of moxa on the skin at an acupuncture point and burns it until the skin blisters, after it heals, there will be a scar. It is always used to treat chronic diseases, but no longer used very often. Direct non-scarring moxibustion needs to remove the burning moxa before the skin burns enough to scar. Indirect moxibustion requires the practitioner or a device to hold a cigar made of moxa near the acupuncture point to heat the skin, or put it on the handle of an acupuncture needle inserted in the skin to heat the needle. There is also stick-on moxa. In some cases, practitioners may set the burning moxa cone over a layer of ginger, garlic, or salt placed on the patient's skin according to the situation of patients.
In traditional Chinese medicine, stimulating the flow of Qi is considered essential to achieving health and wellness. Practitioners use moxa to warm regions and meridian points with the intention of stimulating circulation through the points and breaking the blockage along the meridian in order to induce a smoother flow of blood and qi. Some believe it can treat conditions associated with the "cold" or "yang deficiencies" in Chinese Medicine. It is claimed that moxibustion can fight against cold and dampness in the body, and can serve to turn breech babies. Usually, it is especially effective in the treatment of chronic problems, "deficient conditions" (weakness), and gerontology, moreover, it can add new energy to the body and can treat both excess and deficient conditions.
Alternative medicine proponents claim that moxibustion can help treat the following health problems:
•arthritis
•back pain
•headaches
•migraines
•muscle stiffness
•menstrual cramps
•digestive problems
•ulcers
•cancer
•infertility
•tendonitis
•breech birth
Please pay attention that moxibustion is considered unsafe for people with diabetes. What's more, oils from mugwort and wormwood may cause toxic reactions when taken internally.
If you're considering the use of moxibustion for any type of health condition, make sure to consult your doctor before undergoing treatment.
Gua sha
Gua sha (Chinese: 刮痧; pinyin: guā shā), meaning "scraping sha-bruises", is a traditional Chinese medical treatment in which the skin is scraped to produce light bruising by a special tool. Practitioners believe gua sha releases unhealthy elements from injured areas and stimulates blood flow and healing. It can help with chronic pain, poor circulation, fatigue, infections and emotional stress.
Gua Sha procedure consists of two steps. Firstly, practitioner will apply oil which has healing herbs that will help the removal of toxins, on the skin of face, arm, thigh, neck or back, and then he will use a special tool to scrape in specific patterns. As the practitioner moves along the surface of your skin, small red, purple or green dots will begin to appear. The scraping doesn’t hurt, but it will produce a bruising or redness over the treatment area. In some cases, the treatment may produce small colorless bumps that are similar to goose bumps; these will disappear in a few days.
Healthcare education
Tai-chi
Taichi is a mind-body practice that originated in China as a martial art, and now it is intangible culture heritage of China. The philosophy of taichi comes from the conception of taiji in Confucianism and Taoism, and dialectical thought of yin and yang. It combines meditation with slow, gentle, graceful movements, as well as breathing exercises and relaxation, to improve the vital energy( or Qi) throughout the body. It is believed that focusing the mind soled on the movements of the taichi form helps to bring about a state of mental calm and clarity. Moreover, the gentle and continuous movements emphasize the mind instead of focusing on the force, therefore, the practitioners can avoid the injuries from muscles, joints, and tendons. They can also change the improper habits of using their strength and instinct. Medical studies show that taichi and its companion practice qigong improve health, strength, balance, concentration, and mental well-being. When practicing taichi, it is advocated loose, comfortable clothing and flat-soled shoes. For the beginners, 30 minutes everyday practice is necessary including a warm-up and self-massage.