Acupuncture:

For over 3,000 years, acupuncture has been practiced in China and today it is still relied upon as a valuable healing tool. In Chinese medicine, no symptom or complaint is viewed in isolation. Rather, the body, mind and soul are evaluated together. The goal of acupuncture is to create harmony within the body by restoring the flow of Qi'(pronounced "chee"), the life force involved in all body functions — breathing, heartbeat, metabolism and even emotions. Qi collects in the organs and travels through energy channels in the body called meridians. The Chinese believe that diseases occur when the circulation of Qi is halted, whether by injuries, heat, cold or other influences. By redirecting the flow of Qi, they say, acupuncture can help cure disease, prevent illness and restore harmony.

What Science says

According to the World Health Organization, acupuncture may help more than 40 disorders, including allergies; acute conditions, such as fainting or migraines; skin and respiratory diseases; gynecological disturbances; and urinary tract complaints. How acupuncture works is the subject of many studies and several theories exist. One suggestion is that the needle insertion may stimulate the production of endorphins — natural protein substances with a pain-killing effect manufactured by the brain. Another theory proposes that the stimulation of the acupuncture points prevents pain impulses from reaching the brain.


When you can expect:

Acupuncture needles are inserted at various points along the meridians, depending on the health problem. During treatment, the patient lies down or takes a relaxed sitting or standing position. The insertion of the needles is rapid and virtually painless. Depending on the desire effect- stimulating or tranquilizing - the needles are inserted either perpendicularly or obliquely, and may then be twirled or moved in a back and forth motion. Sometimes electrical stimulation is used. Most people need one to three sessions per week, but chronic complains may require 10-30 session in total. Each treatment lasts 10-30 minutes.

Nettle Tea:

Nettle - Urtica dioica - gives a sting thatbrush against its dark green leaves irritating toxin produced by the nettle plant is believed to be responsible for its so-called healing properties.

Therapeutic Effect: Herbalists prescribe nettle for people suffering from arthritis, gout or other rheumatic ailments to relieve pain.

By rubbing stinging springs of nettle directly on aching joints, the treated areas become with blood, which acts to relieve the pain, they say. In addition the leaves and roots of the herb are brewed as tea, and used to bring relief in prostatis. Nettles are a good source of iron and silica, which are important for blood formation.