Recently, many controversies have arisen around various treatment methods. Acupuncture and reflexology are no exception. To avoid misunderstandings, I have tried to present information about the unique therapeutic methodology of ACUPUNCTURE and reflexology as clearly and accessibly as possible.
REFLEXOLOGY AND ACUPUNCTURE
- CLASSICAL ACUPUNCTURE (needle therapy)
- ACUPUNCTURE of the auricle (AURICULOTHERAPY)
- PHARMACOPUNCTURE
REFLEXOLOGY – a method for the treatment and prevention of human diseases, which is based on the stimulation of acupuncture points (APs) and reflexogenic zones (RZs) of the human body.
REFLEXOLOGY combines:
- corporeal acupuncture (APs of the human body)
- auricular acupuncture or auriculotherapy (APs of the auricle)
- zhen-jiu therapy (warming of APs with wormwood cigars or moxas)
- pharmacopuncture (injection of medicines into APs — acupuncture points)
Acupuncture
A method of prevention, rehabilitation, and treatment of diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system, cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, and immune systems, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as other organs and systems by influencing the human body through acupuncture points (APs) and reflexogenic zones (RZs). It is performed using the classical Zhen-Jiu method — with warming of the acupuncture point by a wormwood cigar or moxa. Treatment using ACUPUNCTURE and reflexology methods is conducted by a reflexologist who holds a Specialist Certificate in REFLEXOLOGY and the corresponding qualification category.
Mechanism of Reflex Analgesia
It is generally recognized and proven that acupuncture and reflexology stimulate the production of endogenous opioids during a session: endorphins, enkephalins, as well as biologically active substances in the human body, the increased concentration of which induces a state of reflex analgesia! Locally, at the neuronal level, enkephalins and endorphins affect the K-Na pump by decreasing the penetration of sodium ions into the cell. Central neuronal mechanisms of reflex analgesia operate through the posterior horns of the spinal cord and spinal cord ganglia, where the "blocking" of pain impulses from the problem organ occurs.
Acupuncture prescriptions, the selection of points and reflexogenic zones for reflexology, and the number of sessions are determined by the attending neurologist and reflexologist, who is knowledgeable in the innervation scheme and vegetative control of internal organs.
Following a consultation with the reflexologist, additional laboratory and instrumental diagnostic examinations, and the establishment of an acupuncture diagnosis, an individual treatment plan is drawn up for each patient. This plan is based on a competent understanding of the acupuncture method according to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine and expert mastery of the techniques for influencing acupuncture points according to the rules.
Effectiveness and Mechanism of Action
Accumulated long-term experience in practice proves the unquestionable effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of diseases of the peripheral and central nervous system, cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, and immune systems, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as other organs and systems. In practice, the particular effectiveness of reflexology methods has been proven in the treatment of AUTONOMIC DISORDERS (VSD), POLYNEUROPATHY, TENSION HEADACHE, LUMBAGO, NEUROPATHIC PAIN…
The mechanism of action of acupuncture is realized through the method's impact on the biophysical homeostasis of the human body via acupuncture points, segments of the spinal cord, the reticular formation of the brainstem and midbrain, autonomic ganglia, and the limbic system. The inclusion of analgesic points, sedative points, and back-shu (associated) points in acupuncture prescriptions allows for the harmonization of digestive organ functions: the stomach, gallbladder, pancreas, balancing kidney dysfunction, the respiratory, and endocrine systems, improving metabolism, and balancing body weight!!! This makes it possible to adjust autonomic disorders, as well as temperature and electrical imbalances at the cellular and tissue levels, thereby inhibiting the progression of the disease.
Indications for Treatment by Reflexology and Acupuncture Methods:
- neuritis (facial nerve, nerves of the upper and lower extremities)
- trigeminal neuralgia
- polyneuropathy (diabetic, dyshormonal)
- autonomic disorders (VSD), Raynaud's syndrome, hyperhidrosis of hands and feet
- tension headache, migraine
- chronic neuropathic pain, myofascial pain syndrome
- osteochondrosis, herniated spinal discs
- lumbago, sciatica, vertebrogenic pain syndromes
- carpal, tarsal tunnel syndrome
- vasomotor (allergic rhinitis), tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- psychosomatic disorders (hypertension, gastric ulcer, and duodenal ulcer)
- astheno-neurotic and anxiety disorders, parasomnias (sleep disorders).
Main Therapeutic Methods of Reflexology:
Zhen-Jiu Therapy (Acupuncture / Classical Needle Therapy)
Warming or moxibustion of reflexogenic zones (RZs) and acupuncture points (APs) with wormwood cigars or moxas enhances the therapeutic effect of acupuncture, exerts a harmonizing effect on the autonomic nervous system, and has a relaxing impact on the psycho-emotional sphere. For many conditions in neurology (neuritis, neuropathies) and in acute pain syndromes (lumbago), it serves as a baseline treatment.
Auriculotherapy (Needle Therapy of the Auricle APs)
Due to the anatomical and physiological characteristics of its structure and innervation, the auricle contains projection zones in which acupuncture points (APs) affecting the organs and systems of the human body are grouped. Knowledge of the topography of the points, the representation of internal organs and systems on the auricle, as well as the correct choice of the method of influence on the auricle acupuncture point by the doctor, allows for rapid relief of pain in any part of the body and internal organs, and helps regulate blood pressure drops during collaptoid states and sympathoadrenal crises.
Pharmacopuncture (Injection of Pharmacological Agents into APs)
It is especially appropriate in cases of dysfunction in internal organs, particularly in the organs of the digestive, endocrine, urinary, and respiratory systems. The method allows influencing the functioning of internal organs through corresponding points, relieving stomach spasms, eliminating biliary dyskinesia, and improving enzyme secretion. In addition, it enables fast and quality local anesthesia and muscle relaxation, reducing pain and edema in muscular-tonic and neurodystrophic manifestations of osteochondrosis, periarticular, and myofascial pain syndromes.
Nonspecific Therapeutic Effects
The results obtained after using acupuncture and reflexology in the treatment scheme for various diseases highlight the fact that, in addition to relieving the symptoms of the underlying disease, reflexology methods induce a series of non-specific effects, manifested as:
- harmonization of the central nervous system activity and emotional background
- stabilization of the peripheral nervous system
- normalization of the autonomic nervous system
- activation of working capacity
- enhancement of adaptation processes
- normalization of the endocrine and immune systems
- stimulation of regenerative and trophic tissue mechanisms and cellular defense
- absence of side effects, negative impacts, withdrawal syndrome, or addiction.
The experience in treating autonomic disorders and polyneuropathy on the background of Type II Diabetes Mellitus is published in the Collection of Works of the Scientific and Practical Conference with International Participation dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Shupyk NMAPO "Medical Rehabilitation and Reflexology in Neurology and Family Medicine" in the articles: «Treatment and Prevention of Autonomic Crises in the Paroxysmal Course of Vegetovascular Dystonia» and «Expediency and Effectiveness of Using Reflexology Methods in the Treatment of Stage I-II Polyneuropathy of Diabetic Genesis».
A well-balanced approach and a practical combination of all treatment methods necessary for the patient allow for achieving the desired result, shortening the treatment period, and accelerating the recovery of functions and overall healing.
Below is the list of conditions that a REFLEXOLOGIST can treat in the reflexology room:
If you have any questions regarding the treatment of your condition using acupuncture and reflexology methods — please contact us. In our Medpraktika Zdorovya clinic, treatment using the reflexology method is conducted by a Certified Specialist:
REFLEXOLOGIST OF THE HIGHEST CATEGORY, NEUROLOGIST OF THE HIGHEST CATEGORY — Halyna Dmytrivna Tsyts
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