The origin of many Asian healing methods lies partly already three millennia back. Explanations for the effect, such as the balancing of Yin and Yang or the life force Qi, originate from this time.
Although these are not sufficient from a scientific point of view, many of the methods have found their way to Europe and are successfully used for certain diseases.
Acupuncture
Ear acupuncture, on the other hand, is not a traditional healing method. It was developed in the 1950s by a French doctor. He assumed that the auricle depicts the entire body and that the regions concerned are connected with the organs and parts of the body. Thus, diseases can be influenced by needle pricks in the ear.
At the beginning of each treatment there is a detailed examination and diagnosis. The therapist looks for disturbed functions of organs and blockages in the energy flow. In addition to the conventional medical indications, the pulse, the tongue and the face are examined. Especially color, shape and coatings on the tongue should show dysfunctions in the body. Then the therapy plan is determined. The patient lies or sits relaxed; the doctor places up to 16 needles. On average, one to two acupuncture treatments are performed per week, in series of ten to fifteen treatments.
Acupuncture is offered, among other things, for back pain, joint pain, rheumatism, tennis elbow, osteoarthritis, migraine and headaches. Conventional medicine assumes that the slightly painful pinprick leads to the release of the body's own painkillers. However, this does not sufficiently explain the effect.
No scientific evidence can be found for the existence of the meridians or the connections with the ear. However, it is possible that the connected fascial network, rather than the meridians, may provide an explanation for the effect of the needle pricks. This is because studies show that acupuncture can actually work better than conventional therapies for chronic back and knee pain. Statutory health insurers now cover the costs for these two indications.
Shiatsu
Shiatsu is the Japanese counterpart to Chinese acupressure. It treats the same points on the body as acupuncture, but as a pressure point massage. The therapist works more with his body weight than with muscle pressure.
First, the state of health is assessed, usually by palpating tensions. During the treatment, which lasts about half an hour to an hour, the patient usually lies on a mat. Then the therapist presses the individual points, sometimes for a few seconds, sometimes for several minutes. He can use fingers, palms, elbows or knees. First, the patient's state of health is assessed, usually by feeling for tension. The patient usually lies on a mat during the treatment, which lasts about half an hour to an hour. Then the therapist presses the individual points, sometimes for a few seconds, sometimes for several minutes. He can use fingers, palms, elbows or knees. In addition, there are stretching exercises, joint movements and breathing therapies.
Shiatsu is used, for example, for tension pain in the head, neck and back, rheumatism and joint stiffness and muscle twitching. In contrast to acupuncture, the method is less well proven with studies. Therefore it is not paid by the public health insurance companies. Since the principle of both methods is similar, the fascial networks in the body could also play a role in the transmission of individual points to distant organs. There are patients who have successfully combated pain with the treatment. Since there is no risk of injury with needles, those affected can also try self-treatment.
Tuina
Shiatsu is used, for example, for tension pain in the head, neck and back, rheumatism and joint stiffness and muscle twitching. In contrast to acupuncture, the method is less well proven with studies. Therefore it is not paid by the public health insurance companies. Since the principle of both methods is similar, the fascial networks in the body could also play a role in the transmission of individual points to distant organs. There are patients who have successfully combated pain with the treatment. Since there is no risk of injury with needles, those affected can also try self-treatment.
Although the Qi theory cannot be scientifically proven, the effect of the treatment can be explained:
By improving blood circulation to the affected areas of the body, tissue metabolism is stimulated.
Since a deteriorated fluid exchange in the connective tissue can be a cause of tension, this is a good justification. At the same time, stimulation of the nerve endings in fascia and muscles can release pain-relieving messenger substances. Individual studies show positive effects on neck pain, among other things. However, the effect has not yet been proven in scientific studies; therefore, the statutory health insurance companies do not cover the treatment costs.
Ayurveda
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian healing method. It is based on the assumption that human beings, like all things in the universe, are composed of five basic elements (fire, water, earth, air and ether). They are influenced by three life energies composed of the elements. Imbalances of the elements lead to health disorders. Therefore, Ayurveda aims to restore harmony. Of the many methods practiced in India, only the oil applications of Panchakarma are usually practiced in Europe. This is a cleansing of the body from metabolic products and environmental toxins.
At the beginning there is an examination and questioning according to the principles of Ayurveda. Then begins the pre-treatment, which lasts about two weeks, with an easily digestible and fat-free diet. For the cure, participants drink ghee (clarified butter) with special herbs at the beginning. This is to dissolve waste products in the tissues. Then special oil massages and heat treatments follow, which are supposed to mobilize the toxins and remove them in the direction of the intestines. Later, laxatives and enemas may also be used. Between the massages there is always a day of rest, so that the body can recover from the strain of the elimination. At the end of the three- to eight-week course of treatment, there is a rebuilding phase with Ayurvedic medicines (Rasayana), which strengthen the weakened body again. The light diet during the treatment can also be used as a start to fundamentally change the diet.
The therapists recommend Panchakarma, for example, for rheumatism and joint diseases, chronic pain and after shoulder, joint and disc surgery. However, the background of the method cannot be supported scientifically. The German Society for Nutrition clarifies that in a healthy body there is no accumulation of waste products or metabolic products. Therefore, the benefits of Panchakarma are controversial. The relaxation provided by the massages and the possibility of starting a healthier diet after the cure can improve well-being and thereby possibly alleviate pain.
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