Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
Cam Therapies
Lesson 1: Acupressure
Summary: In this weeks lesson, we will be looking at what Complementary and Alternative
Medicine Therapies are and how they are beneficial. The CAM therapy that will be the focus for
this week will be Acupressure. We will discover its origins, benefits and uses.
Lesson Content:
What is Acupressure?
Acupressure is a therapy that was developed around 5,000 years ago. Seeing that it is still in use
today should be able to tell you how beneficial it is. It uses precise finger placement and
pressure over specific points along the body. These points follow specific channels, known as
meridians the same channels used in acupuncture (Weil, 2017).
Most modern doctors and scientist do not recognize the existence of Chi or the meridians that
are said to be activated when conducting this treatment. According to this skeptical view, any
healing effect from acupuncture or acupressure sessions is not due to the alteration of subtle
energy flows along invisible channels, but rather to the same gross physical effects that happen
during any kind of massage therapy, including muscular relaxation and improved regional blood
flow (Weil, 2017).
Feng Chi- This point is recommended for headache, migraine, eye blurriness or fatigue,
low energy, and cold/flu symptoms. It is located by feeling the mastoid (ear) bone and
following the groove back to where the neck muscles attach to the skull (IM, 2017).
Jian Jing- This point is located by pinching the shoulder muscle with your thumb and
middle finger and is commonly used for stress, facial pain, headaches, toothaches and
neck pain. Use with caution in pregnant women (IM, 2017).
He Gu- This point is good for stress, headaches, toothaches, facial pain and neck pain.
However, as a word of precaution, it can induce labor and must never be used during
pregnancy (IM, 2017).
Tai Chong- You need to take off your shoe to find this point. This is an excellent area to
stimulate for stress, low back pain, high blood pressure, limb pain, insomnia and
emotional upset (IM, 2017).
2
Nei Guan- This point can help provide relief for nausea, anxiety, carpal tunnel
syndrome, upset stomach, motion sickness and headaches and is even used for
regulation of heart palpitations (IM, 2017).
Zhong Zu- This point is in the groove formed by the tendons of the 4th and 5th finger,
behind the knuckles and is commonly used in the clinic for temporal headaches,
shoulder and neck tension, and upper back pain (IM, 2017).
San Yin Jiao- This point can be very helpful for many urological and pelvic disorders as
well as fatigue and insomnia. Avoid during pregnancy (IM, 2017).
Zu San Li- You can find this point useful for fatigue and depression as well as knee pain
and gastrointestinal discomfort. Asians frequently stimulate this point for health
promotion and longevity (IM, 2017).
References:
Acupressure - Dr. Weil's Wellness Therapies. (2017, October 24). Retrieved from
https://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/balanced-living/wellness-
therapies/acupressure/
UCLA Center for East-West Medicine. (2017). Acupressure for Beginners - Explore Integrative
Medicine. Retrieved from https://exploreim.ucla.edu/self-care/acupressure-and-
common-acupressure-points/
3
CAM Therapies
Lesson 2: Acupuncture
Summary: This week we will be exploring the basics of Acupuncture. We will discover what
acupuncture is, possible side effects of this type of therapy, and the standards/restrictions that
are set for the needles that are used by professionals.
Lesson Content:
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is similar to Acupressure. Needles are placed over specific points along the body.
These points follow specific channels, known as meridians just like Acupressure does.
Acupuncture can be used to treat the same aliments as Acupressure can. Really the difference
between these two therapies is more of a personal preference. Some individuals just do not
enjoy needles in their bodies.
The general theory of acupuncture is based on the premise that there are patterns of energy
flow (Chi) through the body that are essential for health. Disruptions of this flow are believed to
be responsible for disease. Acupuncture may, it has been theorized, correct imbalances of flow
at identifiable points close to the skin (MedicineNet, 2016).
The vast majority of acupuncture needles are one-time-use, avoiding the problems of
improper sterilization. Medical equipment, moreover, is subject to a variety of norms and
standards across Canada and America, all of which must be met in order for acupuncture
needles to make it to the market, and to continue being sold (Zhang, 2016).
Surprisingly enough, the FDA has the say in how the needles needed for this treatment shall be
handled and sold within the United States. FDA regulations stipulate that acupuncture needles
should be one use only, properly and consistently sterilized, and that their materials should be
appropriate for use in contact with the body (Zhang, 2016).
effects include bacterial infections locally at the site of needle insertion in the skin and
elsewhere in the body. Generally, side effects seem to relate to poor hygiene and training of
the acupuncturist (MedicineNet, 2016).
Before referring clients or patients to an acupuncturist, it is important that you make sure that
they are qualified and work within the guidelines/standards that have been set for Acupuncture
within the United States. This would prevent your clients from suffering any serious harm from
this CAM therapy.
References:
How Does Acupuncture Work? Points, Benefits & Needles. (2016). Retrieved from
https://www.medicinenet.com/acupuncture/article.htm#what_are_the_possible_side_
effects_of_acupuncture
Zhang, M. Y. (2017, May 16). Demystifying acupuncture needle norms and standards. Retrieved
from http://www.discoverhealth.ca/acupuncture-needles-norms-and-standards/
5
Cam Therapies
Lesson Three: Ayurveda
Summary: In the final lesson of this course, we will be discovering the CAM therapy Ayurveda.
Just like the previous lessons, will be learning what Ayurvedic Medicine is, what it has to do with
your life energy, what it should be used to treat, and what Dosha is.
Lesson Content:
What is Dosha?
It is believed that there are three Doshas or life energies. How much we have of each is what
makes us all unique and our own person. These Doshas are:
Pitta- Controls metabolism, digestion and hormones linked to appetite (Yogapedia,
2017).
Vata- The most powerful of the Doshas, controls basic bodily functions as well as the
mind (Yogapedia, 2017).
Kapha- Controls strength and stability, muscle growth, weight and the immune system
(Yogapedia, 2017).
Once an individual is evaluated to see how much of each life energy that they possess, a
treatment plan will be made for the individual. The plan will also take into account what the
exact issue the individual is seeking help for, previous medical history, allergies and physically
capabilities of the individual. This type of therapy can consist of yoga, herbal treatments,
natural oils applied to the body, meditation, breathing exercises, and many other things.
Therapies will defer depending on your own personal beliefs and the beliefs and
understandings of the Ayurveda professional.
6
Some of the reasons that individuals turn to this type of therapy are to treat: Stress and
Anxiety, Blood Pressure and Cholesterol, Recovery from Injuries and Illnesses, Diet, Weight Loss
or Weight Maintenance, Inflammation, and Hormonal Balance (Axe, 2017).
References:
Axe, J. (2017, June 21). 7 Benefits of Ayurvedic Medicine: Lower Stress, Blood Pressure & More -
Dr. Axe. Retrieved from https://draxe.com/ayurvedic-medicine/