Acupressure

Origins : 
The ancient Chinese developed a system to cure specific ailments. This resulted in a form of rejuvenation through self-massage. Eventually, the Chinese evolved a system of diagnosis and treatment for a more complete medical approach. Combining centuries of observation and experimentation, with energy theory and points, this developed into theories involving acupressure, acupuncure, omoxibustion (using heat on acupunture points), and herbology.

The meeting of Chinese medicine with Japanese medicine resulted in certain techniques from which Shiatsu emerged. Shiatsu, a rhythmic series of finger pressure over the entire body along the energetic meridians, also includes stretching and tapping. From the early 1900’s these techniques developed further. From Jin shin Jyutsu to Jitsu. Then Jin Shin Do, they were incorporated and used in the West more and more. Today these have blossomed into several individualised forms, some of which have been trademarked.

How Does it Work?
The purpose of Acupressure is to stimulate the body’s own recuperative powers by stimulating the various points on the body or musculature. The stimulation removes energy blockages by diffusing the toxic build up that accumulates in the muscle tissue. This accumulation causes stiffness throughout the body. Stiffness in the muscles puts abnormal pressure on nerves, and blood and lymph vessels that in turn affect both skeletal systems and internal organ functioning. By holding and working sore points, muscle flexibility can be restored.

According to the Chinese system of medicine, there are specific pathways of energy that circulate through the body. These pathways, called meridians are like the body’s energy highway system. Most people are considered healthy when these pathways are open and energy flows unhindered. In the case of these pathways being blocked, proper application of finger pressure can loosen muscular tension, send the blood circulating, and stimulate or balance the flow of energy.

Osteopathic Massage

Healthy bodies depend on the smooth and effective operation of a finely tuned, complex system of bones and joints controlled by muscles and co-ordinated by nerves. Changes in the subtle balance of this neuro-musculo-skeletal system can result in altered flexibility and mobility, disturbance of blood supply and drainage and dysfunction of the nervous system. Such changes are most commonly the effects of the physical strain or injury, but may be caused by aspects of lifestyle or psychological stress.

Osteopathy is concerned with maintaining and restoring the equilibrium of this system. Detail and thorough patient examination, diagnosis and treatment involving the use of highly developed palpatory skills allows osteopaths to deal with a wide variety of conditions that respond to the manual osteopathic technique. The range of such conditions is wider than commonly supposed. For example some kinds of headache, asthma and other conditions not apparently connected with the musculo-skeletal system can benefit considerably from osteopathic treatment. Some of the discomfort experienced by women during and after pregnancy can be treated with great success.

In a typical treatment, the osteopath will use a carefully selected combination of specific techniques including relaxation of relevant muscles and gentle work on joints to improve range of movement. Each treatment is individually devised according to the practitioner’s findings and patient’s needs. As the osteopath takes an interest in the patient’s way of life, work and other activities, advice may be given on how to modify lifestyle to prevent further problems. In addition, exercises for the patients to follow at home may be suggested to involve the patient in the healing process. The majority of the patients will receive maximum benefit from five to seven treatments. Others will need to continuing attention to maintain a satisfactory level of mobility and relief of pain. Occasionally a patient will only need to attend once.

Chiropractic

A primary health care profession specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions involving the neuro-musculo-skeletal system. Chiropractic comes from ‘cheiro’ and ‘practos’ meaning… hand, and to move, literally ‘done by hand’. Treatment is usually, but not solely , by means of manipulation. Although chiropractors usually treat biomechanical problems, they can also have an effect on visceral disorders.

When did it start?

United States 1890’s DD Palmer ” rediscovered a form of manipulation and christened it chiropractic, founding the first college in Iowa. It has grown since then with 55,000 chiropractors in the USA, about 450 in the UK and probably 90 – 100, 000 world wide. The philosophy of chiropractic.

That the body has the capability of healing itself, and it is what we do to ourselves that interferes with this innate ability. Chiropractors use their skills and techniques to help restore that function.

How does it work:

There are several theories currently being researched , the general view is that the chiropractic adjustment works on two levels , firstly to mobilize specific joints to increase their range of motion , and secondly , to use the joint proprioceptors to put energy into the nervous system affecting the function of the autonomic nervous system which in turn will change autonomic reflexes , in other words, changing the way the body is looking after itself.

What kind of problems can chiropractic treat

Generally, most of our work is with bio-mechanical disorders, such as joint pains, low back or neck pain. If you like, we are the engineers of the body. However, because We affect the automatic reflexes with our treatment, we can some organic problems, ranging from migraine to asthma and colic in new born babies to giving pain relief in terminally ill patients . The most important point to remember is that we are trained to recognize that sometimes chiropractic treatment is not appropriate or even contraindicated and we then will refer you to the relevant specialist for further investigation.

Reflexology

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is the physical act of applying pressure to the feet and hand with specific thumb, finger and hand techniques without the use of oil or lotion. it is based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands with a premise that such work effects a physical change to the body.

In a reflexology chart the body is reflected on the feet or hands. It serves a s a map for technique application to target health goals. Left foot or hand reflects the left side of the body and the right foot or hand the right side. The spine reflex area runs down the insides of the feet and hands with reflex areas for the arm and shoulder reflected toward the outside of the foot or hand. The toes and fingers mirror the head and neck as well as the parts of the body they encase. The ball of the foot mirrors the chest and upper back in addition the heart and lungs.

Halfway down the foot at the base of the long bones of the foot is represented the waistline of the body. the parts of the body above the waistline are mirrored above this line and those below sare represented below it. Internal organs lying above the body’s waistline are reflected by reflex areas above this line while those below the waistline are mirrored below this line.

Benefits of Reflexology

In general terms the benefits of reflexology have to do with the reduction of stress. Because the feet and hands help set the tension level for the rest of the body they are an easy way to interrupt the stress signal and reset homeostasis, the body’s equilibrium. Whether reflexology can benefit certain conditions and diseases in still under investigation. Further scientific study need to be done in order to come to some definite benefits of reflexology in regard to illness and disease. Reflexology is a complement to standard medical care. It should not be construed as medical advice. It should not be a replacement to medical help. Please use it wisely. We care about your safety.

The benefits of reflexology include:

• Relaxation
• Pain reduction
• Amelioration of symptoms for health concerns
• Rejuvenation of tired feet
• Improvement in blood flow
• Easier birthing / delivery / post-partum recovery

• Impact on physiological measures (e. g. blood pressure and cholesterol; measurements by ECG, EEG, and fMRI)
• Beneficial for post-operative recovery and pain reduction
• Enhancement of medical care (e. g. cancer, phantom limb pain, and hemodialysis patients)
• Adjunct to mental health care (e. g. depression, anxiety, Post traumatic stress disorder)
• Complement to cancer care (pain, nausea, vomiting, anxiety)

How do I get result with Reflexology

For best results techniques are applied consistently. We have been impressed with the results of reflexology work from China. Think of morning, noon and night application for a long term health concern. Applying reflexology daily is suggested for best results. This requires self help and family help as well as the guidance of practitioners. The reflexologist can provide you with a relaxing experience and quality work as well as educate you in how to do it yourself. You and your family can provide the quantity of reflexology work to frequently break up the stress patterns in your feet and hands. Build reflexology into your life. It is easy to do reflexology while doing other activities. Put a foot roller under your desk or work your hands while waiting for the kids at school. Be creative but be consistent. Five minutes a day is worth more than an hour once in awhile.

Deep Tissue Massage

What is Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue.

It is especially helpful for chronically tense and contracted areas such as stiff necks, low back tightness, and sore shoulders.

Some of the same strokes are used as classic massage therapy, but the movement is slower and the pressure is deeper and concentrated on areas of tension and pain.

How does deep tissue massage work?

When there is chronic muscle tension or injury, there are usually adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) in muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Adhesions can block circulation and cause pain, limited movement, and inflammation.

Deep tissue massage works by physically breaking down these adhesions to relieve pain and restore normal movement. To do this, the massage therapist often uses direct deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles.

Will deep tissue massage hurt?

At certain points during the massage, most people find there is usually some discomfort and pain.

It is important to tell the massage therapist when things hurt and if any soreness or pain you ecperience is outside your comfort range. There is usually some stiffness or pain after a deep tissue massage, but it should subside within a day or so. The massage therapist may recommend applying ice to the area after the massage.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy means “treatment using scents”. It is a holistic treatment of caring for the body with pleasant smelling botanical oils such as rose, lemon, lavender and peppermint. The essential oils are added to the bath or massaged into the skin, inhaled directly or diffused to scent an entire room. Aromatherapy is used for the relief of pain, care for the skin, alleviate tension and fatigue and invigorate the entire body. Essential oils can affect the mood, alleviate fatigue, reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. When inhaled, they work on the brain and nervous system through stimulation of the olfactory nerves.

Essential oils stimulates the powerful sense of smell. It is known that odors we smell have a significant impact on how we feel.

In dealing with patients who have lost the sense of smell, doctors have found that a life without fragrance can lead to high incidence of psychiatric problems such as anxiety and depression. We have the capability to distinguish 10,000 different smells. It is believed that smells enter through cilia (the fine hairs lining the nose) to the limbic system, the part of the brain that controls our moods, emotions, memory and learning.

Studies with brain wave frequency has shown that smelling lavender increases alpha waves in the back of the head, which are associated with relaxation. Fragrance of Jasmine increases beta waves in the front of the head, which are associated with a more alert state. Scientific studies have also shown that essential oils contain chemical components that can exert specific effects on the mind and body. Their chemistry is complex, but generally includes alcohols, esters, ketones, aldehydes, and terpenes. The effect of these chemical components are summarized in the accompanying table.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu massage is a treatment for the whole body. It helps patients to achieve a healthier, integrated relationship with their physical selves in the broadest sense. Shiatsu is a healing art from Japan that incorporates traditional Chinese medicine; it works with the body’s own meridian network, relaxing the nervous system and balancing all physical functions of the body.
Shiatsu massage uses the hands and thumbs and sometimes the knees or forearms. The pressure applied corresponds to the patients own needs and wishes. Treatment is based on diagnosis and individual requirements and addresses the emotional, structural and functional causes of ailments. Nutritional guidance and specialized therapeutic exercises are available to complement and enhance the effects of treatment.

Shiatsu treats illness at the source

• Back problems
• Digestive complaints
• Insomnia
• Menstrual problems
• Migraine
• Weight control
• Stress and fatigue

Backache

This is by far the commonest form of backache and it can be acute, when due to a sudden movement there is a slight ‘snap’ followed by an excruciating pain. This is often referred to as ‘slipped disc’. Due to the weakening of the muscles and ligaments that bind the vertebrae of the spine together, the vertebrae can easily shift or become misaligned. As a result of this slight shift, they become more vulnerable to a greater displacement under strain or sudden movement . Once displaced the joints that connect vertebrae are dislocated and the disc is unevenly compressed. This pressure on the disc causes it to bulge at its weakest point and this protrusion impinges on the of nerve roots. That is the origin of the excruciating pain.
When the spine is in a healthy condition an acute prolapse of a disc is only possible if there is a fall or trauma such as an accident . Sudden movement alone will not cause it .You don’t see Pete Sampras slip a disc, for all his bending and picking up tennis balls. When a slipped disc occurs after lifting or bending. It is usually because the disc is already compressed or weakened by many factors. Moreover, the muscles and ligaments that bind these are weakened or strained long before the episode takes place. The sudden movement is just something that triggers the bulge or aggravates it.
Chronic wear and tear of an inadequately supported disc can cause gradual degeneration. In this case the blood supply to the disc is cutoff due to compression and the soft material withers away slowly, being replaced by bone tissue. Excess body weight and lack of exercise can promote and accelerate the degeneration. Such a disc degeneration or prolapse can happen anywhere in the spine but the most frequent location is in the lumber and the lower part of the neck, where the wear and tear is greater. Thus tingling or numbness down the arm into the fingers and sciatica in the leg, caused by pressure on the nerves, are more common than such disorders in other areas of the body.

Backache treatment at IMC

• Massage therapy
• Posture
• Diet
• Manipulation
• Prognosis
• Exercise
• Acupuncture
• Ayurvedic oil massage

Diabetes

Knowing a problem is the first step to its solution. Most of the suffering due to sickness could be avoided if we knew the basics of health, exercise and nutrition. This book tries to understand the problem of diabetes in a very clear-cut terms and suggest a programme for effectively managing it, thus preventing serious complications, and disabilities (like amputation, blindness, kidney failure and heart disease) that come in the wake of poorly managed diabetes.

Although I have tried to understand, explain and show how to manage diabetes in purely scientific terms of modern medicine, the management strategies are those developed at the Integrated Medical Centre, New Delhi run by me. I have developed these strategies after studying dozens of old systems of traditional medicine (now known as alternative medicine).

This is a holistic program involving dietary and lifestyle changes, including yoga and acupressure. Interestingly, this is part of the larger medical regime of building health and managing disease that stabilises blood sugar and improves general health parameters dramatically. It is not in isolation with modern diagnostic and therapeutic practices, but a part of the package.
The Integrated Medicine approach brings quick and durable results because it is not quackery or mystical mumbo jumbo. It works because it takes advantage of the vast body of ever growing research on carbohydrate metabolism, the latest in nutrition and exercise physiology, the most advanced pharmacology, plus the old wisdom of different cultures. Read this book, and by the time you finish it, you would be half way to recovery and stabilization. That means a healthy, active life would be just the next step. Best of luck. Enjoy a long, healthy life.

Diabetes book available at IMC, written by Mohd. Mohsin Ali (Director of IMC)

Stress Management

This is perhaps one of the few medical conditions that requires management rather than treatment. We need a certain amount of stress to survive but we do not want it to have permanent or severe effects on our health. In other words, stress has to be policed so that it does not go out of control and cause disruption. One of the root causes of human stress and misery if suppressing the legitimate right and privileges of people in general. It starts with the level of individuals in the family (example husband Vs, wife, parents Vs children etc.) and at a macro level it involves various communities and tribes and nation. Human life and life in general is so interdependent, interconnected and interactive that what is deprived of its legitimate role and rights naturally starts rebounding on the sources of its suppression and denial. In this way man gets embroiled in the welter of tension and stress. He can come out of this vicious cycle by recognizing and respecting the inviolable and immutable privileges of all living beings.
The meeting of Chinese medicine with Japanese medicine resulted in certain techniques from which Shiatsu emerged. Shiatsu, a rhythmic series of finger pressure over the entire body along the energetic meridians, also includes stretching and tapping. From the early 1900’s these techniques developed further. From Jin shin Jyutsu to Jitsu. Then Jin Shin Do, they were incorporated and used in the West more and more. Today these have blossomed into several individualised forms, some of which have been trademarked.

What causes stress?

Conflict is at the root of most stress. A lot of stress is caused by dilemmas, having to decide between two conflicting aims: it’s the most stressful thing a human being can face, like the hungry donkey between two haystacks. The other human menace is deadlines. The nervous system follows a certain rhythm and pattern. When you hurry it up you become stressed because the mind has it own cyclical pattern. You may be able to complete the work in a certain period but the moment you create a deadline you create stress. Deadlines and dilemmas are the two major causes of stress. They are an outside influence on the brain. Another serious form of stress comes from human relationships. Conflicts, clashes, quarrels, overcrowding, antisocial behaviour, people who tell you, you are wrong (even when you are) and, especially, moving home and bereavement, all increase stress. Furthermore, nearly all stress derived from these situations is unavoidable. On top of these are the avoidable sources of stress: builders hammering upstairs, noisy neighbours, people who turn up the volume on music you don’t like, discomfort from driving over rough ground, flashing lights, having to take pills in a complicated programme. All these invasions of our senses can be highly stressful, although they are theoretically avoidable by shutting ourselves up in a dark, silent room.

In order to manage stress two golden rules have to be followed:

• Improve the threshold of tolerance of stress
• Carry out damage control of the effects of stress

Both these goals can comfortably be achieved by carrying out Regimen Therapy fairly strictly. A nice clean body maintained to meet the energy demands put upon it can nurture a healthy mind. ‘Mind over matter is matter undermined’ and by looking after the physical self you can keep the mind clear and stress-free. Some American workaholics use the principle ‘Work hard and work out hard’, meaning that by taking regular exercise you can work very hard and deal with a lot of stress.

Diet
Avoid coffee, excess salt, yeast products, alcohol caned products, cheese, mushrooms, excess citrus juices, MSG as in Chinese food, fried food and very spicy food.
Drink more carrot and apple juice, camomile tea and ginger tea. You should also drink plenty of water, as stress dehydrates the body.

Massage

This is an excellent way to release physical and emotional stress. The deep-tissue massage with more emphasis on the neck and shoulders can help to alleviate physical and emotional signs of stress. Sometimes a good therapeutic massage can release spasms in muscles, improve circulation of blood to the brain and therefore invigorate it, remove aches and pains in the muscles and the back, and induce relaxation. If you are in a stressful situation, you should have a deep-tissue massage therapy once or twice a month

Stroke Awareness

A stroke (also called a cerebrovascular accident) occurs when blood vessels carrying oxygen and nutrients to a specific part of the brain suddenly burst or become blocked. When blood fails to get through to the affected parts of the brain, the oxygen supply is cut off, and brain cells began to die. The blood supply to the brain is very important. Brain cells must have a continuous supply of oxygen and other nutrients from blood in order to function. To meet this demand, blood is pumped continuously from the heart to the brain via several artery groups. Within the brain, these arteries (known as cerebral arteries) branched into tiny vessels called capillaries. These thin walled vessels supply the nutrients to millions of nerve cells within the brain. When this continuous blood supply is disrupted , a stroke results.

What causes stroke?

High blood pressure develops for a variety of reasons. Lifestyle factors such as being overweight, drinking too much alcohol, getting little exercise and eating an unhealthy diet all contribute to high blood pressure. It is also more common in the middle aged and elderly; it is estimated that about 25 per cent of middle-aged people and half of those aged 75 and older have high blood pressure.

The Warning Sign of stroke

You may identify certain signs that indicate you are at risk of stroke. Or your body may warn you by the appearance of one or more of the symptoms listed below. Familiarize yourself with the following important warnings.

• Sudden weakness, numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg (especially on one side of the body)
• Loss of speech or trouble talking or understanding language.
• Sudden loss of vision, particularly in only one eye.
• Sudden severe head ache with no apparent cause.
• Unexplained dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.

Treatment for Stroke

• Acupressure
• Acupuncture
• Osteopathic Massages
• Deep Tissue Massage
• Shiatsu
• Reflexology
• Therapeutic Massage
• Diet

Meditation

Think for a moment
If I am not able to express myself or convince you about something, it verily doesn’t mean I am wrong or if someone for some reason is unable to unfold a few things in their minds, once again, it does not imply that the subject is useless or variably baseless. Believe me, The Almighty has annihilated an inexplicable form of darkness from my wisdom, so many a things that I wish to say or write is strongly backed by and aura of immaculate truth. Here, I mention a few lines from that bound faith and supreme sayings with an electrified depth. I would be highly grateful if you could spend some time reading it.
A deer remains ignorant about the precious musk present in its navel, fish are unaware of the pearls hidden in their stomach, similarly humans restrict their knowledge about the precious gift hiding in our heart that is wisdom. When a man roots to animalistic tendencies, his ears, eyes do not increase in size on the contrary when he acquires angelistic forms his organs remain the same, then what is it that gets constructed or destructed within us? It is the Wisdom (Qalb) which is important. Unfortunately, our Wisdom is covered with a veneer of darkness, ignorance, deceptions and laziness, because we neglected the gift. People have started working towards the materialistic world so that they appear outwardly beautiful, but if we look at the elemental form of the humans, I would not hesitate to say that they are falling at a rapid rate, all for their tremendous negligence and lack of Prophetic or pious guidance. Remember, the human mind, the eyes, tongue and all the activities would not change its course until the wisdom of the heart is not transformed or dealt with, which is exactly why the Prophets were sent i.e. transforming people from the roots. Worldly success is not the real success rather it’s the plastic or artificial form of self centred happiness; the real success radiates from inside. It is the mind’s scientific aspect that has developed a lot, now we must work to develop the spiritual aspect of it.

To read more, please visit
www.wisdomoflife.org