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Alternative Therapies
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Acupuncture
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Yoga therapy
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Naturopathy
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Nature Therapies
Al Shifa Ayurvedic &
Natural Treatment Spa blends various alternative medical
systems with Ayurveda so as to maximize the benefit from
the treatments and therapies provided to our esteemed
guests. Here are the details of alternative therapies
prescribed by our Doctors in this regard.
Acupuncture
Today in most western
cultures Acupuncture is considered a "new alternative"
medicine. In reality Acupuncture (and its related Moxibustion)
are practiced medical treatments that are over 5,000
years old. Very basically, Acupuncture is the insertion
of very fine needles, (sometimes in conjunction with
electrical stimulus), on the body's surface, in order
to influence physiological functioning of the body.
Acupuncture can also be
used in conjunction with heat produced by burning
specific herbs, this is called Moxibustion. In addition,
a non-invasive method of massage therapy, called
Acupressure, can also be effective.
The first record of
Acupuncture is found in the 4,700 year old Huang Di Nei
Jing (Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine).
This is said to be the oldest medical textbook in the
world. It is said to have been written down from even
earlier theories by Shen Nung, the father of Chinese
Medicine. Shen Nung documented theories about
circulation, pulse, and the heart over 4,000 years
before European medicine had any concept about them
As the basis of
Acupuncture, Shen Nung theorized that the body had an
energy force running throughout it. This energy force is
known as Qi (roughly pronounced Chee). The Qi consists
of all essential life activities which include the
spiritual, emotional, mental and the physical aspects
of life. A person's health is influenced by the flow of
Qi in the body, in combination with the universal forces
of Yin and Yang . (I will discuss Yin and Yang a little
later). If the flow of Qi is insufficient, unbalanced
or interrupted, Yin and Yang become unbalanced, and
illness may occur. Qi travels throughout the body along
"Meridians" or special pathways. The Meridians, (or
Channels), are the same on both sides of the body
(paired). There are fourteen main meridians running
vertically up and down the surface of the body. Out of
these, there are twelve organ Meridians in each half of
the body (remember they are in pairs). There are also
two unpaired midline Meridians. The acupuncture points
are specific locations where the Meridians come to the
surface of the skin, and are easily accessible by
"needling," Moxibustion, and Acupressure. The
connections between them ensure that there is an even
circulation of Qi, a balance between Yin and Yang.
Energy constantly flows up
and down these pathways. When pathways become
obstructed, deficient, excessive, or just unbalanced,
Yin and Yang are said to be thrown out of balance. This
causes illness. Acupuncture is said to restore the
balance.
Yin and Yang is an
important theory in the discussion of Acupuncture
treatment, in relation to the Chinese theory of body
systems. As stated earlier Qi is an energy force that
runs throughout the body. In addition, Qi is also
prevalent throughout nature as well. Qi is comprised of
two parts, Yin and Yang. Yin and Yang are opposite
forces, that when balanced, work together. Any upset in
the balance will result in natural calamities, in
nature; and disease in humans. Yin is signified by
female attributes, passive, dark, cold, moist, that
which moves medially, and deficient of Yang. Yang is
signified by male attributes, light, active, warm, dry,
that which moves laterally, and deficient of Yin.
Nothing is completely Yin or Yang. The most striking
example of this is man himself. A man is the
combination of his mother (Yin) and and his father
(Yang). He contains qualities of both: This is the
universal symbol describing the constant flow of yin
and yang forces. You'll notice that within yin, there
is Yang, and within Yang, there is the genesis of Yin.
Whether or not you believe in Taoist philosophy, (which
all this is based on), one thing is indisputable:
Acupuncture works.
Acupuncturists can use as
many as nine types of Acupuncture needles, though only
six are commonly used today. These needles vary in
length, width of shaft, and shape of head. Today, most
needles are disposable. They are used once and
discarded in accordance with medical biohazard
regulations and guidelines. There are a few different
precise methods by which Acupuncturists insert needles.
Points can be needled anywhere in the range of 15
degrees to 90 degrees relative to the skin surface,
depending on the treatment called for. In most cases, a
sensation, felt by the patient, is desired. This
sensation, which is not pain, is called deqi
(pronounced dah-chee). The following techniques are
some which may be used by an Acupuncturist immediately
following insertion: Raising and Thrusting, Twirling or
Rotation, Combination of Raising/Thrusting and
Rotation, Plucking, Scraping (vibrations sent through
the needle), and Trembling (another vibration
technique). Once again, techniques are carefully chosen
based on the ailment. There are a few related procedures
that fall into the range of Acupuncture treatments. The
first is Electro-Acupuncture. This is the using of very
small electrical impulses through the Acupuncture
needles. This method is generally used for analgesia
(pain relief or prevention). The amount of power used
is only a few micro amperes, but the frequency of the
current can vary from 5 to 2,000 Hz. The higher
frequencies are generally used for surgery (usually
abdominal), and the lower frequencies for general pain
relief. The first reported successful use of
Electro-Acupuncture was in 1958 in China for a
tonsillectomy. Today, it is a common method of surgical
analgesia used in China. Other methods for stimulating
Acupuncture points have used Lasers and sound waves
(Son puncture). A very commonly used treatment in the
United States is Auriculotherapy or Ear Acupuncture.
The theory is that since the ear has a rich nerve and
blood supply, it would have connections all over the
body. For this reason, the ear has many Acupuncture
points which correspond to many parts and organs of the
body. Auricular Acupuncture has been successful in
treating problems ranging from obesity to alcoholism,
to drug addiction. There are numerous studies either
completed, or currently going on which affirms
Auricular Acupuncture's effectiveness. (These will be
mentioned in detail later on in the paper.)
Another popular treatment
method is Moxibustion, which is the treatment of
diseases by applying heat to Acupuncture points.
Acupuncture and Moxibustion are considered
complimentary forms of treatment, and are commonly used
together. Moxibustion is used for ailments such as
bronchial asthma, bronchitis, certain types of
paralysis, and arthritic disorders.
Cupping is another type of
treatment. This is a method of stimulating Acupuncture
points by applying suction through a metal, wood or
glass jar, in which a partial vacuum has been created.
This technique produces blood congestion at the site,
and therefore stimulates it. Cupping is used for low
backache, sprains, soft tissue injuries, and helping
relieve fluid from the lungs in chronic bronchitis.
One of the most popular
alternatives to Acupuncture is Acupressure. This is
simply Acupuncture without needles. Stimulation of the
Acupuncture points is performed with the fingers or an
instrument with a hard ball shaped head. Another
variation of Acupressure is Reflexology (also called
Zone Therapy). This is where the soles of the feet and
the posterio-inferior regions of the ankle joints are
stimulated. Many diseases of the internal organs can be
treated in this manner.
The question arises, how
does Acupuncture work? Scientists have no real answer
to this; as you know many of the workings of the body
are still a mystery. There are a few prevailing
theories. By some unknown process, Acupuncture raises
levels of triglycerides, specific hormones,
prostaglandins, white blood counts, gamma globulins,
opsonins, and overall anti-body levels. This is called
the "Augmentation of Immunity" Theory. The
"Endorphin" Theory states that Acupuncture stimulates
the secretions of endorphins in the body
(specifically Enkaphalins). The "Neurotransmitter"
Theory states that certain neurotransmitter levels
(such as Seratonin and Noradrenaline) are affected by
Acupuncture.
"Circulatory" Theory: this
states that Acupuncture has the effect of
constricting or dilating blood vessels. This may be
caused by the body's release of Vasodilaters (such as
Histamine), in response to Acupuncture.
One of the most popular
theories is the "Gate Control" Theory. According to
this theory, the perception of pain is controlled by
a part of the nervous system which regulates the
impulse, which will later be interpreted as pain.
This part of the nervous system is called the "Gate."
If the gate is hit with too many impulses, it becomes
overwhelmed, and it closes. This prevents some of the
impulses from getting through. The first gates to
close would be the ones that are the smallest. The
nerve fibers that carry the impulses of pain are
rather small nerve fibers called "C" fibers. These
are the gates that close during Acupuncture.
In the related "Motor
Gate" Theory, some forms of paralysis can be overcome
by Acupuncture. This is done by reopening a "stuck"
gate, which is connected to an Anterior Horn cell.
The gate, when closed by a disease, stops motor
impulses from reaching muscles. This theory was first
stated by Professor Jayasuriya in 1977. In it he goes
on to say: "...one of the factors contributing to
motor recovery is almost certainly the activation of
spindle cells. They are stimulated by Gamma motor
neurons. If Acupuncture stimulates the Gamma motor
neurons, the discharge causes the contraction of
Intrafusal Muscle fibers. This activates the Spindle
cells, in the same way as muscle stretching. This
will bring about muscle contraction."
There are many diseases
that can be treated successfully by Acupuncture or its
related treatments. The most common ailments currently
being treated are: lower backache, Cervical Spondylosis,
Condylitis, Arthritic Conditions, Headaches of all
kinds (including migraine), Allergic Reactions, general
and specific use for Analgesia (including surgery) and
relief of muscles spasms. There have also been clinical
trials in the use of Acupuncture in treating anxiety
disorders and depression. Likewise, very high success
rates have been found in treating addictions to
alcohol, tobacco (nicotine) and "hard' drugs.
Yoga therapy
The word Yoga comes from
Indian philosophy, it literally means union, and in this
context refers to the union of the individual's soul
with the universal. Yoga is an ancient philosophy of
life as well as a system of exercises that encourages
the union of mind, body, and spirit. In the words of
Patanjali, author of the Yoga Sutras, "yoga is the
ability to focus the mind on a single point without
distraction." Yoga is a physical discipline; it uses the
body and breathing to develop self-awareness and mental
clarity. Yoga therapy in its present form is a new
discipline, created by the marriage of traditional yoga
with modern medicine. By tailoring yoga practices to
individual needs, whilst taking medical considerations
into account, yoga therapy is more effective than
general yoga practice as a safe means of treating
medical conditions.
Yoga therapy is applicable
to a great variety of conditions, including anxiety,
low back pain, arthritis, hypertension, heart
conditions, hyperventilation, asthma, irritable bowel
syndrome, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue
syndrome and fibromyalgia.
Yoga therapy can also
promote positive health for pregnancy and childbirth,
mothers and babies, children, reproductive health in
women and men, and the elderly.
Yoga Therapy cultivates
body/mind integration and a sense of harmony with life.
It promotes the innate healing resources of the body,
helping restore the proper functioning of the various
bodily systems.
Medical research provides
increasing evidence that yoga therapy is effective
Yoga Therapy can be
practised in conjunction with any medical treatments
you are already receiving, and also in tandem with
other complementary therapies. No prior experience of
yoga is necessary before starting.
Naturopathy
Naturecure is a term that
covers all methods of treating diseases, which aim at
cooperating with the natural forces and the body's
defense mechanisms. It is a distinct system of healing
based upon its own philosophy of life, health and
illness. Nature cure may be defined as an art, a
science, a philosophy or practice which follows definite
physical, chemical, biological, mental and spiritual
laws for the restoration and maintenance of health and
the correction of bodily disorders without the use of
poisonous drugs.
Nature Therapies
Naturopathy is a system of
medicine that diagnoses and prescribes through the use
of water, air, diet, light, heat and all other kinds of
natural methods and modalities. Nature therapies exist
for most diseases, pains, injuries, deformities and
psychological conditions. Nature therapy includes
mechano-therapy, auricular manipulation, corrective and
orthopedic gymnastics, neurotherapy, psychotherapy,
hydrotherapy, mineral baths, electrotherapy,
thalmotherapy, artificial dilation and other means of
stimulation of the nervous system through the body's
orifices and diet.
In general, naturopathy
investigates scientifically all the methods and
procedures which are related to the correction of ills
and the maintenance of sound health. Naturopathy
prohibits the use of poisonous drugs, serums, invasive
surgery, x-ray and radiation for therapeutic purposes.
The science of naturopathy
has existed from time immemorial. Its origin dates back
to the emergence of Homo sapiens on this planet when
early man cured himself of all ailments by eating herbs
and regulating his diets. Through the ages, man has
harnessed the forces of nature not only for the
development of civilisation but also for keeping his
body and mind healthy. This worked wonderfully well as
long as they were used in their pure, unadulterated
states like fresh herbs, free flowing hot water springs
and natural magnets. But unfortunately with the
emergence of artificially produced drugs of modern
medicine, several of the infallible techniques of
nature cure were thrown into the drains of history, only
to be lost in mists of time.
Fortunately, over the last
few years the wheel of medicine has turned a full
circle, and once again interest in the natural methods
of healing has been revived all over the globe. This is
because modern medicine is sometimes found to do more
harm and is often unsuccessful in curing chronic
ailments and skin diseases.
It is true but a little
known fact that naturopathy can cure virtually every
disease and ailment that afflict mankind. Even the
so-called terminal illnesses can be cured by
naturopathy. Of all the terminal illnesses that afflict
mankind, cancer is one of the most fatal ones. Cancer
can be both prevented and completely eradicated from the
body by the genre healing process of nature cure.
Nature cure involves
educating people in self-control and inculcating the
right habits of living, thereby preventing disease by
following the laws of nature. It improves
constitutional health by using the life force within us
to effect cures and create internal defenses against
ill-health and disease. It is a way of life in tune
with the internal vital life-giving forces or elements,
which comprise the human entity on the physical, mental
and spiritual planes of well being.
There are three aspects of
nature cure. First, as a natural process, which uses
the natural forces of air, water, sunlight and food.
Secondly, as a philosophy of natural living which
incorporates healing and the joy of life. Thirdly, as a
practical science of restoring health with the aid of a
qualified naturopathic practitioner.
Nature cure means healing
within. It is nature that heals and cures - the
naturopathic physician merely lends intelligent
assistance and interprets nature's laws for the
patient. The body is a remarkable and unique mechanism.
It can withstand danger within because of its power to
correct itself and restore its own balance. No machine
made by the hand of man can achieve this. No machine
can repair its own broken parts, but the body does this
through the air it breathes, the water it drinks and the
food it eats.
Nature cures all kinds of
diseases except where surgical intervention becomes
essential or the body is damaged beyond repair. It is
rightly said that there is no such thing as incurable
disease, but there may be incurable patients. Usually
patients who are medical rejects try naturopathy and
expect miracles.
Nature cure treatment
ensures that requisite amount of our own vital forces
are generated, for it is only proper stimulation of the
vital force within us that can cure us. Any form of
treatment can only help the curative powers of the
human system to operate more intensely than they have
hitherto been doing.
Solutions The first
expression of the power of life is found in nature.
Amidst hostile conditions and varied zones of
topography, the crosscurrents of life came out
victoriously, and this has been the scenario since time
immemorial. The world is going back to nature because
the artificial barriers created by man cannot withstand
one's own pressure. Mother Nature alone offers all the
answers to us. The need is for true seekers of
solutions. Let us begin to believe in its power, the
fruits will come on their own. |
