Moxibustion: The Chinese Ancient Fire Acupuncture Therapy

Care to know the hottest alternative medicine technique? Literally speaking, Moxibustion happens to be the hottest healing tradition in East Asia. Perhaps you are curious why it’s regarded as the hottest therapeutic procedure in the region. Now let me share some interesting facts that can shed light on your curiosity. Here some must-know particulars about this hot oriental therapy.

What is Moxibustion? Based on its etymology, the word literally means “burning of mugwort.” The mugwort itself is stuffed with healthy compounds such as coumarin, flavonoids, and terpene that are useful in fighting degenerative diseases. In Oriental Asian tradition, it is believed that burning the herb at the right acupuncture spot can promote physical healing. Generated heat, along with the essential elements of the plant, stimulates normal blood flow thereby stabilizing the circulatory system. 

Where did it originate? Although Moxibustion has been practiced in East Asia for years, Traditional Chinese Medicine deserves the credit for the introduction and development of the alternative medicine. This technique originated in the Northern part of China. Most likely, it has been used by the locals to treat certain illnesses and diseases brought about by extremely cold climate in the region. That explains the need to introduce essential healing elements using heat. Later on, the method has been employed in neighbouring countries such as Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Tibet, and Vietnam

How is it done? The process entails burning of mugwort herb on relevant acupuncture spots to promote thorough blood circulation. Since the procedure is risky, it should only be administered by trained professionals.  Otherwise, you might need another treatment for serious skin burn. There are various techniques utilized to perform Moxibustion that may fall under direct or indirect skin heating procedure. Either way, rest assured that your body can get a share of the herb’s special healing properties.

Direct Moxibustion is done by burning the cone-shaped moxa directly onto the skin. The procedure is obviously painful especially the scarring technique that does not make use of topical pastes to mitigate the pain. As a result, the subject ends up suffering from blisters, scars, and skin burns. Some practitioners prefer the use of skin shields, though. Popularly known as the non-scarring method, this alternative is definitely less painful. To mitigate the pain, it utilizes skin shielding medium like ginger slice or topical paste. Just make sure you can bear the consequential pain in deciding whether you should go for scarring or non-scarring treatment.

Indirect Moxibustion promotes skin wellness apart from the healing effects of moxa. Therapists introduced Indirect Moxibustion to prevent any sort of skin damage. The process makes use of lighted moxa stick placed an inch or two away from the skin. Another indirect heating method is the needle moxa technique in which lighted moxa is placed on the free end of an acupuncture needle pierced into skin.  If you are up for controlled indirect heating, the moxa stick commonly used in China shall do the tricks. Otherwise, you’ll be better off using the popular moxa needles in Japan.

Of course the therapeutic effect of moxa is available for everyone’s relief! However, it is not advisable for people suffering from diabetes, respiratory problems, pain intolerance, and the like. You have to consult health professionals before going through Moxibustion treatment.

Kohl: An Ancient Eye Cosmetic

Kohl is an ancient eye cosmetic used to darken the eyelids, and as a mascara for the eyelashes. Used mostly by women in South Asia, Middle East and in a number of African countries, it was worn traditionally by Egyptian queens during the Bronze Age, from 3500 BC, and originally as protection against eye diseases. It was also based on some beliefs that darkening around the eyes would protect the user from the harsh sun rays and, when applied to an infant’s eyes, would strengthen the child’s eyes and protect him from the evil eye. Also known as surma, kuhl and kajal, it is a black substance used as eyeliner by women mostly of the Arabian Peninsula and India, where the common ingredients for making it were lamp-black and lead.

Despite a classification by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States that Kohl, kajal or surma are a source of lead poisoning and are therefore illegal, products pertaining to beauty and body care related to Kohl continue to be available to the buying public in many parts of the world. Most of these Kohl products are made for women such as skin and eye care solutions, firming and eye cream, moisturizer, lotion, eye-brightening cream, eyeliner, eyebrow liner, lipstick and nail polish. A number of skin care products help protect the skin from being damaged by the sun, improve radiance and moisture, lines and under eye dark circles. An aging skin can be helped with the use of firming and eye creams in the same way as an eye brightening cream brightens the eye area and increases hydration at the same time.

The Kohl pencil and eyebrow liner are among the top beauty care products. The Kohl pencil is excellent for a smoky eye look because it highlights the shape of the eyes to make them look younger. To add depth and a dramatic touch, light dots are made along the lower lashes with a colored Kohl pencil. The eyebrow liner is also an eyeliner pencil that fills the lids naturally with black and correct eyebrows to suit one’s face. To use a Kohl eyeliner, one must use a waterproof eyeliner to make the liner stay as-is on the eyes. A slightly wet eye line brush is needed to sweep across an eye shadow, which must be applied only after the eyeliner is done. The Kohl liner can be made with a tail outside the edges of the eye to add drama to it.

The color-tinted moisturizer gives moisture and sun protection to leave one’s face in a lightweight feeling, with the color tint blending well with one’s natural complexion. Another beauty care product—a lipstick—consists of three shades, namely Gardenia, Hibiscus and Heather. Gardenia is for lovers of dark-shaded lipstick that minimizes the tone. Hibiscus is for lovers of pink, which is a bold, bright and attractive color that highlights the lips. Heather is a flattening shade that has a natural look. This shade fits those with dark eyes and helps them downplay with their lips. They are part of a Kohl make up kit that includes a nail polish.

Some of the body care products include shower gel, body lotion, perfumed spray, and a vanilla sugar body mist that can pair with the body lotion. After use, they will leave you smelling delightful and with a feeling of freshness.

Kinesiology: An Alternative Medicine Technique

Yes, your muscles can speak! The body is a network of muscle groups that not only relay motions but also responses. The muscles are likely to react whenever something is wrong in your system. Experts believe that organ dysfunction relates to muscle resistance. It is this link between organs and muscles that forms the groundwork of Applied Kinesiology. 

Applied Kinesiology is an alternative medicine. Although it has not been officially recognized by science, it is still employed by many health practitioners in the likes of doctors, dentists, nutritionists, and many more. In 1964, this practice was introduced by George Goodheart based on the concepts laid down by Kendall and Kendall in their scientific piece, “Muscle: Testing and Functions”. Since then, the procedure has been widely popular especially in 2003 when it became the tenth most frequently used technique by US chiropractic professionals. 

Viscerosomatic relationship takes the lead. Studies revealed that stress resistance among muscle groups is closely associated with physical, chemical, nutritional, or emotional imbalance in your system. The imbalance likely corresponds to an organ dysfunction. Consequently, the body has its own way to bring back natural harmony in your system. That is made possible by restoring the body’s natural flow of energy through muscle stimulation. These are the guiding concepts of Applied Kinesiology that seeks to identify and resolve any sort of system imbalance.

Muscle Monitors in diagnostic procedures. Alternative medicine is not exclusive to the treatment of certain disorders. In fact, Kinesiology covers diagnostic techniques to detect certain problems like injury, stress, and the like. Typical sessions involve muscle resistance testing where the therapist exerts light pressure on key spots. For instance, the therapist may hit the client’s arm using light force while the latter is seated with the subject arm positioned in a right angle. If the muscle remains relaxed after receiving such pressure, then there is no imbalance to talk about. Otherwise, the therapist would need to assess such imbalance by asking some more questions on the client’s condition.  

Treatment comes right after the break. Upon diagnosis, Applied Kinesiology shall not leave you hanging around. Rest assured that your therapist shall perform the right treatment immediately. Besides, there are many prospect remedies that may include acupuncture, homeopathy, reflexology, sound and colour therapies, etc. These remarkable techniques are supposed to bring back the natural harmony into your body after the disrupted energy flow. Restoring internal equilibrium is not limited to physiological aspect alone. Instead, it implies holistic recovery of physical, mental, emotional, and psychological facets of your life.

There is more in store for your health and wellness. Feel free to explore on the various health benefits relating to Applied Kinesiology. Among others, it focuses on your muscular health to address common problems like cramps, strain, or any sort of tension. Modern techniques launched by Dr. Paul Dennison revealed that Kinesiology can help improve neurosensory coordination to boost brain function along the learning process. In case you haven’t heard yet, it promotes stress release methods for your emotional health, too.

Applied Kinesiology is indeed a great alternative medicine technique that offers an array of health remedies!

Gemotherapy: Key to Natural Health and Wellness

Did you know that gems are not exclusive to luxury? Gems can naturally provide health and wellness, too. These precious stones work wonders in relieving typical body tensions. Thanks to their therapeutic properties and structures that make it all possible. No wonder, these natural treasures are recognized by alternative medicine in the discipline called Gemotherapy. Here are some interesting facts about this popular healing practice.

Magic of science. Yes, science can do magic with these fascinating gems. Nature honed these crystals in majestic colours and forms, not to mention brightness, sharpness, and many other essential features. These qualities are reflective of their respective chemical composition as well as their implication in ancient and magical healing. For instance, the amethyst, given its intense indigo hue, yields natural purifying powers. The strong colour generates high vibration thereby bringing out clear and bright energy lines. That explains the healing effect of water after dipping the gem for a good while.

Chances in diversity. Here is the catch! You can expect an array of healing effects from the many different gems. The variety of quartz alone brings out various therapeutic aftermaths such as white quartz for relaxation and pink quartz for emotional stability. Apart from quartz, you’ll find many other useful gems. These may include Amazonite for nervous system relief, Emerald for eye health, and Pearl for immune system strength. Consequently, there is so much more in store for you considering the generous collection of natural gems including Abalone, Beryl, Coral, Jade, Onyx, Zircon, etc.

Wonders at work. Perhaps you’re curious on how the healing process goes. All it takes is for you to hold the gem on your hands for a good while. Feel free to make the most of your healing session by holding onto the gems as long as you want. Nonetheless, you can always let go once you feel that you’ve already absorbed the vital force you’ll need from the stone. Just make sure to clear out your mind along the experience to facilitate smooth flow of energy. After using these gems, you are supposed to wash them under the running water to revive the healing power.

Cure on its way. Gems provide more than physical healing. Instead, it provides holistic treatment that encompasses physical, mental, spiritual, and psychological aspects of health and wellness. These are brought about by the ability of stones to conduct and transmit energy. Most likely, overall harmony is achieved along the process of energy conduction and transmission between the gem and the human subject.

Windows of opportunity. Of course you might have heard of hot stone therapy. Gem therapists are likely to incorporate the healing properties of gems into many other alternative medicine techniques. In particular, you can observe the fusion of reflexology and Gemotherapy in the method called, “Hot Stone Massage Technique.” The therapist makes use of hot or cooled stones to stimulate energy flow in and out of the body. This way, you get to optimize favourable results of massage therapy such as detoxification, relaxation, and thorough blood circulation.

Sure, the next time your partner gives you a Serpentine bracelet, I bet you’ll appreciate it even more...way beyond the glitter and glamour.

Burdock & its Benefits!

Burdock is a biennial plant in the Arctum class of the the Asteraceae family, that has dark green, heart-shaped leaves and generally hollow leaf stalks. It usually blooms from July to October, with its purple flowers surrounded by hooked bristles. Its name is derived from “dock” for its large leaves, and “bur,” which is a contraction of “burra,” a lock of wool. It is native to the Old World but its species are now known worldwide, being capable of being cultivated in gardens with fresh, worked soil rich in decomposing plants and animal matter called humus, and exposed to full sunlight. It can also be found growing along roadsides, in fields, and edges of woody areas.

A Burdock plant offers many uses. The taproot, when it still young, can be harvested and eaten as vegetable, together with its flower stalks that taste like artichoke to which it is related. Containing starch, its root has sweetish and sticky taste, while its leaves are a bit bitter. Its seeds are brownish-grey, and wrinkled when ripe. As food, Burdock is low in calories but contains dietary fiber, potassium and amino acids. Combined with dandelion herb, it is a soft drink in the United Kingdom. Traditionally, it is used as a remedy for measles, tonsillitis, arthritis, colds and other viruses, throat pain, and as a diuretic, or to increase the flow of urine. In modern times, it is used in oncology, which is a study of tumors, and to treat many serious health problems. For other medicinal uses, it is a blood purifying agent and a cure for many cases of eczema and other skin diseases and disorders. A decoction of its leaves relieves some forms of indigestion, and treats tumors, gouty swellings, bruises and inflamed surfaces when used as a poultice. A decoction of its seeds can also treat kidney problems.

Burdock’s active ingredients include arcigen, iron, calcium, essential oil, chlorogenic acid, flavonoids, insulin, mucilage, potassium, resin, taraxosterol, tannin and polyacetylene, which is an active anti-fungal and anti-bacterial ingredient. The latter can provide topical cure for other skin problems like eczema and acne. A chemical found in the plant called arctigenin has been found to slow tumor growth and reduce blood sugar in the treatment of diabetes. This find has been bolstered by laboratory studies that show Burdock root reducing blood sugar levels and improved tolerance of carbohydrates. Burdock leaves when used as tea are helpful with indigestion and urinary problems, relief of pain in the bladder and inflammation, arthritis and hepatitis, and even liver issues. A Burdock root, if combined with dandelion root, can also help drive away fever, clear up eczema and asthma, and treat some types of cancer. The most important function of Burdock is that it restores vigor and momentum in humans.

Don’t gather your own Burdock which is seen growing in many places as you might mistake it for belladonna, a fatally toxic plant.