Natural therapies:

* Homeopathy
* Iridoscopy
* Aromatherapy
* Foot reflexology
* Ayurveda
* Kinesiology
* Bio resonance
* Orthomolecular medicine
* Mesologie

Chinese therapies:

 * Acupuncture
* Herbal remedies
* Shiatsu
* TuiNa

Manual therapies:

Chiropractic

The pioneer of chiropractics is the American D. D. Palmer (1844-1913). His theory is based on that of Hippocrates, namely that the cause of sickness can be found in the spinal column. If there is a disturbance in the function of the spinal column (also known as blockages), there are also disturbances in the flowing of the nerve impulses of the spinal cord and the nerves. Because the organs and tissues in the body need an undisturbed nerve supply to function correctly, various different complaints can be caused by a blockage. (see the picture beneath). By a specific investigation and treatment the chiropractor locates and corrects these blockages. Hereby the flow of the nerves is repaired whereby the body cures itself.

 

Effects of disturbed nerves

	C1	Blood supply to the head, pituitary gland, scalp, bones of the face, brain inner and middle ear, sympathetic nervous system.	Headache, nervousness, insomnia, cold head, high blood pressure, migraine, chronic tiredness, dizziness.
	C2	Eyes, optic nerves, auditory nerves, sinuses, mastoid bones, tongue, forehead.	Forehead problems, allergies, optical problems, ear problems, fainting, sometimes confusion.
	C3	Cheeks, outer ear, face, bones, teeth, trifacial nerve.	Nerve pain in the face, inflamed nerves, acne or similar spots, eczema.
	C4	Nose, lips, mouth, Eustachian tube of Eustachius.	Hay fever, cold in the nose, hearing loss.
	C5	Vocal cords, neck glands, throat.	Laryngitis, hoarseness, sore throat.
	C6	Neck muscles, shoulders, tonsils.	Stiff neck, pain in upper arm, tonsillitis, whooping-cough, croup.
	C7	Thyroid gland, bursa in the shoulders, elbows.	Bursitis, colds, thyroid problems.
	T1	Lower arms, hands, wrists and fingers, esophagus and trachea.	Asthma, coughs, difficulty breathing, breathlessness, pain in the lower arms and hands.
	T2	Heart, including valves and covering coronary arteries; lungs bronchial tubes.	Heart complaints and problems with the chest organs.
	T3	Lungs, bronchial tubes, pleura, chest, breast.	Bronchitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, flu.
	T4	Gallbladder, common duct.	Gallbladder problems, jaundice, shingles.
	T5	Liver, solar plexus, blood.	Liver problems, fever, low blood pressure, anemia, impaired blood circulation, joint problems.
	T6	Stomach.	Stomach complaints, nervous stomach disorders, indigestion, stomach acid, loss of appetite.
	T7	Pancreas, adrenal cortex, spleen.	Ulcers.
	T8	Spleen.	Lowered resistance.
	T9	Adrenal gland.	Allergies, lumps in the gall bladder.
	T10	kidneys.	Kidney problems, hardening of the arteries, chronic tiredness, kidney failure, pyelitis.
	T11	Kidneys, uterus.	Skin problems such as acne, spots, eczema and boils.
	T12	Small intestine, lymph circulation.	Rheumatism, intestinal gas, some forms of sterility.
	L1	Large intestine, groin.	Constipation, inflammation of large intestine, dysentery, diarrhea, some forms of intestinal hernias.
	L2	Appendix, abdomen, thighs.	Stomach cramps, obstructed breathing, varicose veins.
	L3	Sexual organs, womb, bladder, knees.	Bladder problems, menstruation problems such as painful or irregular menstruation, miscarriage, bed wetting, impotence, menopause problems.
	L4	Prostate gland, muscles of the lower back, sciatic nerve.	Sciatica, lower back pain, painful or too frequent urination.
	L5	Lower legs, ankles, feet.	Bad circulation in the legs, swollen ankles, weak ankles and arches, cold feet, weak legs, leg cramps.

	Sacrum	Haunches, buttocks.	Disorders in the hip bones, buttocks, rectum, spinal curvature.
	Coccyx	Rectum, anus.	Piles, itchy anus, pain when sitting.

 

Picture source: Chiropractie natuurlijk

 

There are various techniques that a chiropractor can use to treat someone. The similarity between these various techniques is that the chiropractor uses his hands and herewith makes a correction (manipulation). In a correction the area of the spinal column is treated where a defect is established. Hereby pressure is applied by the hands on the joint which causes a separation between the compressed joints and removes the pressure on the nerves. During this correction you can hear a “cracking” noise. The crack is the result of an air bubble in the joint, which through the pressure brought on it, is released and causes the sound. By some techniques the chiropractor uses, there is no cracking noise to be heard. In the treatment of babies and elderly the chiropractor uses appropriate handling treatments. You can all be given exercises to do at home.

Picture source: Buzzle.com

As you have read every vertebra has a connection with our organ system. The internal organs are tied to the spinal column via connective tissues. Therefore you can imagine that a chiropractor can also reduce stomach, intestinal and bladder complaints or even remedy them by removing a blockage and thereby bringing the body back into balance.

Return to top

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy also known as kinetic therapy is a form of paramedical care that concerns itself with the movement apparatus of the person, such as the skeleton, the muscles and joints. Physiotherapy has been in use for centuries. The physiotherapy that we know is our country originates from the first half of the nineteen century. In the past one and a half century physiotherapy has made itself a place in health care. Annually around 1.5 million people, young and old, go to the physiotherapist. The physiotherapist carries out his occupation in a clinic, at people’s homes or in a care institute, such as a hospital, rehabilitation center, old person’s home or hospice.

The reasons for a visit are very diverse. It can be about injuries to muscles, tendons, joints, symptoms due to work or sport, a “wrong” movement, repair of a broken bone or serious operation or for example if you have to learn to walk again with an artificial hip. Also as a result of functional disturbances to the nervous system, blood vessels, longs, heart and skin could be treated. Such as amongst others the effects of MS, a stroke, COPD, a heart attack and adhesions. You can visit a physiotherapist for the treatment of complaints, but also to prevent (more serious) complaints.

Picture source: Gezonsheidscentrumplato.nl

Physiotherapy is practiced in The Netherlands by a professional group of approximately 19,000 fully qualified physiotherapists. There are various forms of physiotherapy which handle complaints such as massage therapy, physicist’s therapy, occupational therapy, geriatric therapy, pediatric therapy, oedema therapy, psychological therapy, sports physiotherapy, animal physiotherapy and pelvic physiotherapy. During the treatment muscles and joints are gently massaged. An important part of the treatment is often exercise therapy, also known as carrying out exercises. This is meant to increase the movement possibilities of joints and muscle strength. Also to learn a better posture, to achieve a better balance and sometimes to learn a better breathing technique or to relax.

 Return to top

What is the difference between chiropractics and physiotherapy?

The chiropractor deals more with the spinal column and the nervous system, which can often be the cause of back and neck complaints. The physiotherapist is aimed more at the muscle system. Furthermore a chiropractor is trained to assess x-rays and scans, a physiotherapist isn’t. There is also a difference in education: HBO (Higher Vocation Training) (physiotherapy) versus University (chiropractor). Above all one can only study chiropractics abroad. Due to this there are only 200 chiropractors in The Netherlands whilst there are around 19,000 physiotherapists. Further there are fewer treatments necessary for chiropractics. The most important difference is really that a chiropractor is trained to perform a diagnosis. Due to the different areas of interest, chiropractics and physiotherapy complement each other well.

Hint: For neither chiropractics nor physiotherapy is a change of GP necessary.

Source: Gezondheidscentrumplato.nl

Return to top

Osteotherapy

The name osteopathy is a joining of the Greek words ‘osteon’ (tissue) and ‘pathos’ (touch, feeling). Also known as the feeling of the (mobility of the) tissues. Osteopathy is a manual investigation and handling method of movement restrictions in the body. It makes use of an extensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology.

Picture source: Fysiomaatwerk.nl

The founder of osteopathy was the American doctor Andre Taylor Still (1828-1917). He combined his medical knowledge with his own, new insights. That was how he had the insight that all bodily tissues control in a certain measure the movement and that loss of these movement possibilities has a negative effect on health. He developed a manner using his hands (manual) to trace the tissues in the body with reduced movement. With special handling he restored the mobility, in order to practice such a medical effect. On 22 June 1874 he gave the method the name osteopathy. He set up in 1892 the American School of Osteopathy and laid therewith the foundation of the modern manual medicine. In the USA Osteopathy has been legally recognized since 1966 and integrated into the regular medical education. Also in England osteopathy has a long tradition. The since deceased Princess Diana was a patron of the osteopaths. Within the last ten years osteopathy has become more recognized in The Netherlands as well.

Picture source: College-Sutherland.nl

Osteopathy believes the human body is a unit. They do not treat a disorder but the whole person (holistic view). An osteopath searches for the cause of the complaint of (often several) disturbances in the mobility (elasticity changes) of tissues: joints, vertebrae, bones and muscles (the parity system), organs and the connecting tissue around the organs (the visceral system) and the brain and the skull in relation with the sacrum (the crania-sacral system). Every body needs to be able to move. Not just the known movements such as walking and lifting, but also unknown movements. For example the kidneys move 600 meters a day due to the movement of the midriff. All these movements influence one another and if something cannot move well, and then it can cause problems at another point.

Osteopathy can often be a solution for people with intestinal problems which the medical world has no explanation or solution for. Through treatment the ultimate subtlety is created, steering (nerves) and creating streaming of the intestines. The place where the cause is, is not always the place where the pain is. In this way the large intestine, for example, can be the cause of back problems. The intestines are linked to membranes, which in turn are linked to the vertebrae of the spine. If the membranes are too tight, thus pulling the intestine too tightly to the back, it can cause back problems. If there is too little movement somewhere in the body, there exists a disturbance in the balance. The sometimes causes acute, sometimes also long term problems, pain and loss of function. The body is no longer in balance and cannot repair itself. An osteopath is trained to manipulate the joints and organs one by one, so that the body can once again function without pain and come into balance.

Return to top

Massage

The name ‘classic homeopathy’ declares that it will be worked following the guidelines of Hahnemann. That means that by the search for a matching remedy one does not look solely at the complaint or illness that someone presents but also at the deeper causes, that is bodily and spiritual. The remedy must fit by the complete person. In ‘clinical homeopathy’ primarily remedies are prescribed purely on the basis of the symptoms. This form of homeopathy is applied by GP’s and doctors or therapists who do homeopathy ‘alongside’.

Picture source: Zienderogenbeter.nl

Three quarters of Dutch are positive about homeopathy. It is a mild and effective manner of treating people for all sorts of illness and complaints. The aim of homeopathy is the restoration of a natural balance, in a physical as well as spiritual. If this balance becomes disturbed, complaints and illnesses can develop. With the help of homeopathic remedies (there are around 3000 different ones) the doctor attempts to restore the balance. They can be given in drop, grain or tablet form. If a complaint has existed for a long time, then it also takes longer to get the body back in balance. Of course, not all illnesses can be cured homeopathically, but in practicality about 70% of sufferers experience a visible improvement of the symptoms. In the whole homeopathic medicines can be used very well alongside normal medicines. However, only after discussion with the doctor who has prescribed the medicines.

Return to top

Iridoscopy

In an iris scan (also called iris diagnosis), scanning shows iris, the colored ring around the pupil of the eye, defects in the body. Iriscopisten assume that each organ in the body is linked to a specific spot in the iris. The iris mirrors the condition of the organs whereby it is visible if the organ functions well or not. Reflexology and Chinese face knowledge are 2 other known methods which both stem from a reflex pattern whereby the hands and feet or facial points are indicated to have a relationship with all other organs of the body. Beneath you see an iris chart of the left eye, the topography of the iris:

Picture source: Bernard Jensen

The iris is viewed with an iriscope. This is a large magnifying glass which magnifies the eye. After the “reading” of the eye and a complete interview (analysis) advice can be given, for example of life and/or eating patterns. Iridology is not part of the basic insurance, but can sometimes be recompensed in top up insurance. Predominately there is a condition that the iridologist is part of a professional organization.

It is not a treatment, but an alternative handling method for diagnosing. Iriscopie is known internationally as iridology. It is not know where and when diagnosis using the iris first appeared. Possibly it was in Egypt, because there are 2 ceramic eyeballs to be seen in the Cairo museum, complete with markings on the iris and the sclera (white of the eyes). The story goes that the modern iridology was developed by the founder, the Hungarian doctor Ignatz von Peczely (1826-1911), who discovered an owl with a broken foot, which had a fleck on its iris. When the foot healed, the fleck disappeared as well. This is how he discovered the link between iris structure and the health condition.

Return to top

Aromatherapy

The word aromatherapy has only been in use this century, however the use of ethereal oils stems, according to archeologists and scientists, for thousands of years before Christ. Plants were already in use then in ceremonies and rituals. The earliest knowledge of aromatherapy is found amongst the Chinese. The best known users from olden times are perhaps the Egyptians. They were experts in the area of cosmetics and famous for their herbal preparations and creams. Cleopatra herself is supposed to have used rose oil to tempt Mark Anthony. There were also a number of scent bottles found in the tomb of Pharos Tutankhamen. The Greeks and Romans developed their bathing culture with the Egyptian acquired knowledge of essential oils. However even though the oldest civilizations made use of fragranced substances in health care, aromatherapy as we know it is not that old. Aromatherapy was forgotten for a long time. Nowadays you see it more often, primarily as the working of ethereal oils is scientifically proven. In general the Frenchman Rene Maurice Gattefosse is considered the founder. He wrote the first book in this area in 1937 entitled “aromatherapy”.

Picture source: Praktijk voor aromatherapie

Aromatherapy falls under the alternative therapies. It is based on the use of ethereal oils and means ‘handling with smells’. Aromatherapy uses the healing properties of herbs, flowers, plants, resins, roots and trees which deeply penetrate the body and soul. It is a holistic therapy, which is aimed at the prevention of illness and the symptomatic treatment of simple disorders, the body is ‘irritated’ to cure itself. However beside inconvenient discomforts and pain, aromatherapy is also used to support using the ambiance in the house or in the workplace (for example using an aroma burner), as a care products (masks, packs, steam baths) and to relax using massage and the sauna. Ethereal oils can be sprayed, vaporized, used in a steam bath, for candles, massage, in the bad or orally. The oils can be taken up by the body via inhaling the airborne oils, the skin (mixed with a skin care product) or the gullet (well diluted) and leave it through the skin, the urine or stools. Not all oils can be used during pregnancy, or by babies and children. Also some people can have an allergic reaction to some oils. For this reason always consult a qualified aroma therapist.

Return to top

Foot reflexology

Also known as foot reflex zone therapy. Reflexology generally has its origins in China around 5000 years ago. Nowadays many people go weekly or monthly to the foot reflexologist in order to remain in balance. The Hindu’s in India use these techniques. The Egyptians, Africans, Russians and the Indians also practice their own reflexology methods. Reflexology has been used in Europe since the 16th century. The American doctor Dr. Fitzgerald (born 1872) who rediscovered the zone therapy at the beginning of the 20th century and refined it, is seen as the founder. In the 30’s of the 20th century, the physiotherapist Eunice D. Ingham ultimately developed the Foot reflexology that we know today.

Picture source: Voetreflex.be

It is as if each foot has a map of your body. The nerve endings (around 30,000 per foot) on and under our feet (reflex zones, elsewhere also in the hands and ears) consist of a fine network of energy zones joined to specific organs and bodily functions. For this reason the feet are called the mirrors of the body. If the energy between the reflex points and the corresponding organs does not flow correctly, your body can have problems. Through exercising pressure there (for example by massaging with the thumb), the energy flows better through the body and certain blockages are removed. With treatment you start the process of self repair. Foot reflexology is base don the holistic vision that there is a connection between body and soul, the whole person (‘holos’ means whole). Foot reflexology can be a useful addition to a normal treatment, because it can speed the recovery, and reduces pain and increases relaxation.

The right foot is for physical parts, the left foot for emotions. The condition of your feet is seen as a mirror of your health. For example a dry skin can show that you drink too little, white feet show little energy and calluses show a vulnerable period.

Return to top

Ayurveda

Ayurveda is a combination of science and philosophy, a traditional remedy system which has been practiced in India and Sri Lanka for more than 3000 years. This thousands of year’s old system was already in use before the birth of Buddha and the wisdom of the Ayurveda theory is seen in some bible stories. The word Ayurveda stems from Sanskrit and is a joining of the word ayur (derived from ayus) which means “life” or “life’s principle”, and the word Veda which means “knowledge” or “science”. Therefore Ayurveda is about knowledge of the life in the widest sense. Ayurveda was (according to tradition) made public by the deity Brahman. Ayurveda was the result of a religious inspired vision which was about the whole health of the body and soul. Components of the Ayurveda consist for example of a balanced diet, a good day and seasons routine, aroma and music therapy, cleansing cures (pancha karma), pulse diagnosis, light body and breathing exercises as well as awareness techniques.

From the Ayurvedic perspective there are three natural basic principles (dosha’s) in progress, which can also be found in our body and soul. These are indicated as: Vata (the movement principle, consists of the elements ether and air), Pitta (the metabolism principle, consisting of the elements fire and water), and Kapha (the structure principle, consisting of the elements water and earth). According to Ayurveda everyone has all 3 dosha’s united in different combinations, making every person unique. Mostly 1 or 2 dosha’s are dominant. The leading dosha determines the appearance and the inner self and is also known as prakriti. Everyone is born with a unique prakriti; this is the ideal condition, your blueprint. If all three dosha’s are in harmony with each other, then we feel healthy and we are in balance. In India Ayurveda is an extensively practiced medicine, recognized by the government with educational courses in the universities and in study centers. It is also very normal there to go to the Ayurvedal vaidya (Ayurvedal doctor).

Return to top

Kinesiology

The word kinesiology originates from the Greek words ‘kinesis’ (movement) and ‘logos’ (theory). It is an alternative therapy wherein muscle tests stand central and which are used as a bio feedback system. Kinesiology makes use of knowledge from acupuncture, chiropractics, and nutrition knowledge. Kinesiology originates from chiropractics and Traditional Chinese medicine and is a meeting between western and eastern knowledge. The inventor of kinesiology, the American chiropractor George Goodheart, developed kinesiology in the 60’s as a diagnose instrument and therapy. He mapped in total 42 muscles whereby meridians and organs could be tested for ailments and thereafter treated. In 1973 he started the ICAK (International College of Applied Kinesiology). In order to study at the ICAK it is necessary to be a physiotherapist, osteopath, chiropractor, doctor etc. It is therefore not permissible for laymen. The title Applied Kinesiologist is only permissible for those who have studied at the ICAK. John F. Thie DC, made the technique accessible for the larger public. He developed Touch for Health. The course is currently translated into 23 languages and is taught and practiced in 59 countries. There are diverse directions (methods), including the Wellness Kinesiology, Edukinesiology and N.O.T. they all work with the muscle tests. Knowledge of kinesiology can be applied in the fitness industry, in hospitals or in workplaces.

Picture source: Hoerper Energie Praxis

A kinesiologist believes that every organ is bound to a muscle or muscle group. By manipulating the muscle, the organ is also influenced. In addition the muscles are bound to the energy streams in the body, called meridians. The streams are also influenced by the muscles. Through applying a gentle pressure on a muscle and by feeling how this reacts, a picture is formed where the body is disturbed by blockages and unbalance. The digestive system and the metabolism, and also the hormonal glands system, via the delivery and drainage nerves are directly bound to the brain. A disturbance in the internal organs will announce itself to the brain, which in turn gives a disturbance impulse to the muscles. In this way using specific muscles tests, you can measure the quality of the balance of the digestive organs and the hormonal glands. With the help of muscle tests, muscle weaknesses and energy blockages can be discovered, after which they can be corrected with various techniques: Acupressure points (these points are only held, not worked with needles), Neurolymphatic reflex points (helps to activate the lymph stream where it has been blocked), Neurovascular touch points (these points ensure that the blood flow to muscles and organs is improved), Meridians (are energy routes that bind the organs together and spread their energy throughout the body), attached to and originating from the muscle (through massaging these, we activate the muscle),Stress release (old experiences can still cause tension, even if they happened years ago. In this case stress release is worked to reduce the stress of the particular occurrence).

 Return to top

Orthomolecular medicine

Orthomolecular medicine (also known as orthomolecular therapy) is an alternative treatment whereby the basics are nutrition. The science that nutrition a healing benefit can have exists from centuries ago. Hippocrates (460-377 BC) named many times the healing benefit of nutrition and Maimonides (1135-1204) stated that’ no single sickness that can be cured by diet, should be handled in any other way. Orthomolecular medicine dates from the 50’s. A few American psychiatrists tried to treat their patients with high doses of vitamin B3. The term ‘orthomolecular’ was first used in 1968, by the prominent chemist and Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling.

The term “orthos” stems from Greek and means: “correct”, “right” or “healthy”. “Molecular” stands for molecule. The term “orthomolecular” expresses thus the thought that in the orthomolecular medicine use is made of so called “optimal” concentrations of nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, glyconutrients and essential fatty acids, fabrics of nature that are also present in the body. In the orthomolecular doctrine one targets with fabrics that the body can use without damage and convert so that it attain and maintain, itself in a good condition. Nutrition counts here as a basic. Thereafter it is necessary to complement the nutrition with supplements. Orthomolecular doctors and therapists often combine this therapy with other alternative therapies, but orthomolecular medicine can usually be well combined with normal treatments. Sometimes orthomolecular means and regular medicines can affect each other. Therefore it is important that a doctor, pharmacist or therapist is aware of what you are using.

Return to top 

mesologie

Mesology: “logie” comes from logos = knowledge/know and “meso” means middle. The term Mesology stems from the word ‘mesoderm’. From the mesoderm it developed connective tissue, the blood vessels, the space between the cells and the tissues for the defense of the human body. You find the reaction of a person to stimulus in the mesoderm. This stimulus can come from outside or inside. According to Mesology the reaction to the stimulus is responsible for the balance in the human functions. When the reaction is disturbed, a (chronic) sickness can develop, which can be shown in different complaints for everyone. Mesology investigations and treatments are primarily aimed at the mesoderm.

Mesology tries to bridge the gap between Alternative and Normal Medicine and thereby takes a central place between these two treatments. The academic knowledge from normal treatments is joined to the insights from alternative therapies. The good and worthwhile aspects from both directions are used together. Mesology makes herewith use of the knowledge of: Regular treatment, Psychology and Philosophy, Phytotherapy (herbal knowledge), Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCG), Ayurveda, Orthomolecular treatment, Homeopathy and the Electrophysiology Diagnostic (EFD). With the last 80 to 100 acupuncture points on the hands and feet are measured that are in direct relationship to tissues and parts of organs. The measurements give a picture of the human functions. From the overall picture which emerges from the investigation, the means is found and controlled with the EFD. The acupuncture points react to every form of medication. In this way can one, with the help of the EFD measurements, see which means has a positive effect. If necessary there is a referral to a doctor or specialist. The mesologist primarily treats people with chronic complaints.

Picture source: Praxis Quell 

It is not necessary for a referral from a GP for an appointment. It is however advised to inform the GP or specialist of attendance. It is strived to have a good relationship with doctors, specialists, and/or other disciplines in the health care. The mesologist has followed training at the Academy for Mesology (this is a training at college level wherein both regular and alternative medicines are handled). Mesology is a protected occupation and the Mesologist regularly undergoes top up courses.

 Return to top

Chinese therapies:

Acupuncture

Acupuncture stems from the Latin words acus = needle and pungere = prick, therefore “needle prick”. It is a part of the treatment methods which stem from the traditional Chinese medicine and in the western culture it is seen as alternative medicine. Hereby needles are stuck in the so called acupuncture points in the body. The method has existed for more than 3500 years and is tightly bound to Chinese philosophy. However it is used not only in china, but also Egypt, Japan, India, Tibet, and even Eskimos have used acupuncture for a long time. Metal needles have been used since the Bronze Age times. Prior to this people used stone needles.

 

It is based on the philosophy of yin and yang; according to acupuncture healthy people have harmony between yin and yang. Disturbance of the balance can cause complaints. The Yin and Yang signs stand for two opposing forces. According to the traditional Chinese viewpoint the universe consists of a cycle of (life’s) energy, called Qi or Chi (pronounced as ‘Tsjie’). This energy has a negative, dark, shadow side (Yin) and a positive, light, sunny component (Yang). Everything around us, the objects, our thoughts and our feelings are the result of the interaction of Yin and Yang. The white dot in the black part of the Yin-Yang sign and the black dot in the white part show that nothing is totally Yin or totally Yang. There is a pressure to complement each other and to seek balance.

 

According to acupuncture just under the skin’s surface of our body, pathways along which the yin and yang energy flows: the meridians. These meridians (there are 12 main channels) correspond with different organs and body parts. In a healthy body the energy flows without stoppages, like a river finding its way to the sea and there is sufficient energy reaching the correct places. When the acupuncturist determines where in the body the blockages are, then he will carefully place on chosen points sterile stainless steel needles, in such a way the energy streams are stimulated, but then slowed down. If the needle is placed on the correct place and precisely to the correct depth, the acupuncturist awakens the Qi-feeling. This feels like a tingling feeling that is similar to an electric shock. Restoring the balance of the energy stream stimulates the self healing possibilities of the body.

 

 Return to top

 

Herbal remedies

Herbs have been used for thousands of years for their medicinal properties. These herbs were first described in China by Shen Nong in the first century BC. All current books are based on this. In China herbal medicine is the most important part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In the west acupuncture is the most well known part of the medicine. Traditional Chinese herbal remedies use substances from vegetable, mineral and animal origins. Chinese herbal remedies appear in raw form, powders, tablets and decoctions. By mixing different herbs a herbal formula (preparation) is put together, which is precisely attuned to the person. In western medicine everyone with a gastric ulcer would get the same medicine. In traditional Chinese medicine everyone gets a different medicine. The really classic herbal formulas are around 1700 years old and therefore have been widely tested. The prescribing of the correct herbal remedy requires a high expertise.

 

Return to top

 

Shiatsu

Shiatsu literally means finger pressure (shi = finger, atsu = pressure). It is a combination of acupressure and manual techniques. The therapist presses with the fingers or palm on acupressure points and meridians (energy sources, in Japanese “tsubo”) and manipulates joints and muscles. In this way blockages are removed and the life’s force (Qi) can flow again. Herewith a repair process can be set in motion. Shiatsu stems from the centuries old traditional Chinese medicine. The name shiatsu originates from Japan. The Japanese have taken over many things from the Chinese culture (for example their written language) and developed them further. At this moment Shiatsu is an officially recognized remedy in Japan. The doctor and psychologist Shizuto Masunaga is one of the people who brought Shiatsu to the West. There are many different styles within Shiatsu. There are many teachers who have developed their own specialisms and over the course of time these have gown to a specific style within Shiatsu.

 

Picture source: Shiatsu-elements

Return to top

TuiNa

TuiNa (pronounced as Twee Na) literally means push (Tui) and hold (Na) and is a Chinese manual therapy. TuiNa makes use of a large variety of massage techniques which have already been in use in China for more than 2000 years, and have meanwhile spread all over the world. TuiNa can be used for relaxation, but also for the treatment and prevention of complaints (both for the movement apparatus and more internal complaints). Therefore TuiNa is described as Chinese Medicinal Massage. TuiNa works just like the other forms of the Traditional Chinese Medicine with the energy stream Qi. TuiNa has its own theory with specific manual techniques. Nowadays virtually every Chinese hospital has its own TuiNa department. TuiNa is known by the World Health Organization as a specific direction within the Traditional Chinese Medicine. It appears to be a very good companion to acupuncture, because they complement each other.