Sometimes neck pain is the temporary result of a recent injury or medical condition, but many people experience pain in this area on an ongoing basis. Common causes of this chronic pain are muscle tension and arthritis. While medication can help...
Your nervous system includes your brain, spinal cord and nerves. The autonomic, or involuntary, aspect of your nervous system has a sympathetic division responsible for "fight or flight" and a parasympathetic division that helps your body rest and...
Karada Detox Foot Pads are one of the "as seen on TV" products that claim to make you healthier while you sleep. Detoxification foot pads do this by pulling poisons out of your system through the soles of your feet, Daily Om reports. The effective...
When you are suffering from a headache, it might seem the easiest route to relief is through over-the-counter analgesics. But drugs such as ibuprofen, aspirin and acetaminophen all have disadvantages and side effects including stomach upset and...
Back pain is a common health issue. According to MedlinePlus, 8 out of 10 people will experience back pain at some point in their lives. The severity of back pain ranges from sharp pain to a constant dull pain. Back pain that lasts longer than...
Alternative medical treatments are becoming more and more popular. These treatments are thought to be helpful in treating various medical conditions. In the case of acupuncture and acupressure, there are studies that show that they can be...
Cancer of the lung occurs when cells proliferate in an abnormal manner and form a tumor. Lung cancer is strongly associated with smoking, and is more likely to affect men than women. Lung cancer may be treated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy or...
Popular oriental massage modalities include Tui-na (Chinese), Shiatsu (Japanese) and Thai massage. According to the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals, these Eastern massage methods seek to control the flow of energy throughout the...
The National Cancer Institute or NCI, categorizes acupressure as a complementary and alternative medicine, defining it as "the application of pressure or localized massage to specific sites on the body to control symptoms such as pain or nausea."...
In the 1960s, therapists John Diamond and George Goodheart developed therapeutic methods that involved tapping along the meridian--essentially certain parts of the body considered pathways that regulate the body's flow of energy. Two decades...
Knots in a muscle are the result of an injury that causes muscle spasms. If the spasm is not treated, it goes on to form knots in the muscle. As you move around during the day, muscles cycle on and off with different movements. An untreated spasm...
Bicycling is an activity that places significant postural demands on our bodies. A study of non-traumatic injuries in long distance bicyclists published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine states that neck and shoulder pain occurred in 20.4...
Auricular therapy targets points in the ears, or auricles, to interrupt messages to the brain. Unlike acupuncture, no needles are used to reduce cravings for nicotine. Instead, the points identified in the ear that correspond to addictions are...
When you are getting a massage, you may be asked when booking the appointment what type of massage you would prefer. For those who are uncertain, a basic type of massage using ancient principles is an acupressure massage. It helps to know in...
According to "Psychology Today," acupressure may help improve insomnia, because trouble sleeping may result from an underlying medical condition that corresponds with a particular acupressure point. "The Journal Standard" reports that...
Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a nervous system disorder that interferes with the proper function of your nerve cells. MS slows or completely obstructs messages between your brain and body, which can result in muscle weakness, numbness,...
Acupressure bead manufacturers claim that by attaching the tiny plastic or metal balls to your ear and pressing on them throughout the day, you can ease food cravings. As of 2010, clinical trials offer some evidence supporting claims that...
Almost 7 percent of the U.S. population is depressed in any given year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Symptoms of depression persist over a period of weeks or more, yet many of these people never seek help. A number of...
The mesothelium is a thin layer of tissue that surrounds all the organs in the body. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that occurs in this layer of tissue. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 2,000 to 3,000 thousand people...
The Chinese practice of acupuncture is one of the world's oldest medical treatments. Its goal, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, is to heal chronic pain or illnesses by penetrating the skin's surface with...
Fibromyalgia refers to a chronic and crippling disease where you feel fatigued and experience pain at certain tender points on your body. The Mayo Clinic states that most people suffering from fibromyalgia experience trouble sleeping and have...
Back pain is a common health complaint and can be debilitating, causing chronic pain and loss of function. Pain medications are commonly prescribed for back pain. Acupuncture is an alternative treatment for ailments including back pain and may...
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, there are about 100 different kinds of massage therapy. Most of them offer specialized treatment for the soft tissues of the body and enhance the body's internal workings. This can help a...
Massage and acupuncture can provide relief from back and body pain. Routine treatment can reduce your muscle pain, inflammation and joint stiffness. However, many people encounter a surprisingly stubborn phenomenon during the course of a massage...
Shiatsu and Swedish massage differ in theory, practice and purpose. You'll know you're getting a shiatsu massage if the therapist uses fingers, elbows and feet on acupuncture points on your body. Swedish massage uses friction and it mainly focuses...
Feelings of anxiety pop up for many people from time to time. Anxiety may result from potentially stressful life events, from taking an exam to meeting with the boss. These personal troubles can sometimes become stress and strain that spill into...
Menopausal symptoms like hot flashes drive many women to seek natural remedies and medications for relief. Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine may offer support for hot flash sufferers. When used in conjunction with usual care methods,...
The hamstring muscles run along the backs of the upper legs, between the buttocks and the knees. During long periods of sitting or standing with locked knees, the hamstrings become tightened and underdeveloped, leaving them susceptible to strain...
You are at work, when suddenly, you start seeing zigzags in your line of vision and begin to feel a throbbing, dull, constant pain in one of your temples. You ask your boss if you can leave early because you are feeling very nauseous. Once at...
It's important to know what you need to look for when finding the right acupuncturist for you. Learn some tips for selecting an acupuncturist from our medical expert in this free video.