Reflexology is a healing system based on the principles of reflexology, carried out through various effects on body tissues, controlled and implemented through the central nervous system.

Considering the terminological confusion, the identity of such terms as “acupuncture”, “acupuncture”, “acupuncture”, “acupuncture”, we consider it necessary to propose the following abbreviated unified terminology and classification.

Classification of reflexology

According to the place of influence, reflexology is classified as follows:

Corporal - on points of the body;

Auricular - on the points of the auricle;

Cranial - to points and areas of the head;

Periosteal - irritation of the periosteum;

Plantar (pedopuncture);

Palmar (manopuncture, Su-Jok);

Nasal - on the points of the nose:

• - exonasal;
• - endonasal;

Oral - on points of the mucous membrane of the cheeks and lips. And others.

According to the method of influence, reflexology is divided into the following types.

Mechanical:

• - pressoreflexotherapy - pressure on surface mechanoreceptors;
• - acupuncture (classical acupuncture) - introduction of needles to influence all types of mechanoreceptors and nociceptors;
• - microneedling - prolonged introduction of microneedles, buttons;
• - tsuboreflexotherapy (Japan) - micropressure reflexotherapy, that is, the application of metal balls to the area of ​​certain points, prolonged pressure on mechanoreceptors;
• - peri o steel needle;
• - superficial - irritation with a lot of needle roller, hammer;
• - vibration (vibromassage) - mechanical vibrations with a frequency of 50-200 Hz for 20-30 minutes;
• - ultrasonic;
• - needle application;
• - vacuum - cupping massage.

Electrical, or electropuncture, is the effect of direct or alternating current in continuous or pulsed mode on all points and zones:

• - electroreflexotherapy - superficial electrical stimulation;
• - transcutaneous electrical stimulation of nerves is one of the methods of analgesic electrical stimulation in areas of skin projection of pain;
• - electroacupuncture, or electroacupuncture, - deep electrical stimulation of points through needles;
• - Ryodaraku method - a method based on the Ryodaraku phenomenon of increased electrical conductivity of certain points in the area of ​​​​the hands and feet;
• - Voll method.

Electromagnetic (radiant) - bioenergy therapy:

• - laser reflexotherapy (laser puncture)
• - magnetic reflexotherapy;
• - microwave resonance reflexology;
• - electrostatic reflexology - the use of an electrostatic field and spark discharge.

Thermal - exposure to temperature:

• - thermoreflexotherapy - non-contact heating of points and zones, impact on thermoreceptors;
• - thermal burn reflexology - local cauterization in the area of ​​points, ju-therapy, moxa therapy;
• - thermal acupuncture - heating through needles inserted into points, influencing mechano-, thermoreceptors and nociceptors;
• - cryoreflexotherapy - cryogenic influence;
• - cryo-needling therapy.

Medicinal or pharmacopuncture:

• - aquapuncture - administration of distilled water, isotonic solutions;
• - procaine blockades;
• - administration of medications to trigger points;
• - serum reflexology;
• - administration of drugs to the “herald” points and the “agreement” points;
• - neurotherapy - the method of “scar” injections;
• - mesotherapy - multiple intradermal injections in the areas of ZakharyinGed;
• - Edagawa technique - injection of solutions into muscle tissue (for muscle spasms);
• - osteopuncture - injection of drugs into the periosteum, etc.

Combined for bioactive points and zones:

• - electrophoresis, microelectrophoresis;
• - hydrotherapy;
• - aeroionotherapy.

Implantation:

• - Catgut;
• - other threads.

Minor bloodletting, etc.

Indications and contraindications for reflexology

Indications

Reflexology is widely used for the following diseases and conditions:

• diseases of the peripheral nervous system (radiculitis, neuritis, paresis, paralysis, neuralgia);
• neuroses (neurasthenia, hysteria, logoneurosis, nocturnal enuresis);
• functional hyperkinesis (tics, blepharospasm);
• vegetative-vascular dystonia;
• initial manifestations of atherosclerosis, endarteritis, rheumatic vasculitis;
• vegetative-vascular paroxysms of peripheral origin (sympathoganglionitis, solaritis, Raynaud's disease, migraine, Meniere's disease);
• endocrine disorders (hypothalamic syndrome, thyrotoxicosis, diabetes, menopause);
• vasomotor-allergic conditions (urticaria, Quincke's edema, vasomotor rhinitis);
• bronchopulmonary diseases (bronchitis, bronchial asthma);
• gastrointestinal pathologies (dyskinesia, ulcers, erosion);
• diseases of the musculoskeletal system of metabolic, rheumatic, traumatic origin;
• skin diseases (neurodermatitis, eczema, etc.);
• diseases of the ENT organs (rhinitis, sinusitis, otitis, tonsillitis, etc.).

In addition, there is evidence of the positive effects of reflexology in a number of other diseases.

• Residual effects of cerebrovascular accident.
• Epilepsy.
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinsonism.
• Progressive muscular dystrophy
• Polio.
• Cerebral palsy.

Contraindications

• Neoplasms of any nature and any location.
• Acute infections, fever.
• Chronic infections (tuberculosis, brucellosis) in the acute stage.
• Organic diseases of the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys in the stage of decompensation.
• Sudden exhaustion.
• Infant and senile (over 75 years) age.
• Psychoses.
• Acute pain syndromes of unknown origin.
• Pregnancy.
• Condition after heavy physical activity, running, hot bath.

It should be borne in mind that some patients cannot tolerate certain types or any of the reflexology methods. They may develop vascular reactions up to shock and collapse, as well as allergic reactions in the form of local skin rashes at the site of exposure or generalized processes such as anaphylaxis or toxic-allergic dermatitis. To avoid this, it is necessary to carefully study the patient's medical history.

Some patients are resistant to reflexology procedures. In the aspect of traditional oriental medicine, primary resistance depends on the “energy deficiency” of the patient. This condition is more common in elderly, weakened patients, with infections, intoxication, and alcoholism.

Body weight, vascular sclerosis, biochemical blood parameters, etc. matter. Secondary resistance is detected some time after the start of treatment. It may occur due to too intensive and/or prolonged treatment. In such cases, it is more advisable to carry out an intermittent course of treatment. The effectiveness of treatment largely depends on the patient's previous condition. The doctor must try to determine the individual characteristics of the patient, his reactivity, immunity, functional state of the nervous system, and analyze each manifestation of the disease. When choosing the appropriate points, one should take into account the patient’s age, physiological cycles (menopause, menstrual cycle, pregnancy), and previous treatment.

Basic methods of reflexology

Currently, various methods of reflexology are used to influence acupuncture points. The effectiveness of treatment methods depends on their compliance with the patient’s condition and pathological disorders. This is possible only with a correct assessment of the patient’s condition, correct diagnosis from the perspective of Western and Eastern medicine, and good knowledge of the capabilities of individual treatment methods. Complex treatment using various reflexology methods is most effective, so it is advisable to use a combination of different methods during one session.

WARMING AND CAUSTERING

Warming and cauterization (thermoreflexotherapy, ju) is one of the main methods of treatment in Eastern traditional medicine, along with the method of classical acupuncture.

Due to the climatic conditions of most of the territory of Russia and the high frequency of colds, thermopuncture should find the widest application in our country.

Warming up is a moderate thermal effect on an acupuncture point. cauterization - a strong thermal effect on an acupuncture point with the development of a local burn of the 1st - 3rd degree. The classic method of exposure in Eastern medicine is the use of wormwood cigars or cones.

In modern reflexology, other methods of thermal influence on acupuncture points are also used, causing a local increase in skin temperature to 45 ° C: infrared radiation, mustard plasters, hot air, hot steam, which with the help of cone-shaped devices can be directed to the area of ​​the acupuncture point in a narrow stream, etc. However, their advantages over traditional Eastern methods of heating (wormwood cigars or cones) are questionable.

Mechanism of action

The mechanism of action of thermoreflexotherapy cannot be considered completely studied. From the point of view of Western medicine, heat exposure causes irritation primarily of heat receptors (thermoreceptors), which leads to the formation of bradykinin, a local vasodilator reaction. Afferent impulses in the area of ​​the acupuncture point are accompanied by reactions at the segmental and pituitary-hypothalamic levels. These reactions have an adaptive-trophic orientation and include the efferent reaction of the pituitary-adrenal-adrenal system in the form of an adaptation syndrome, which is based on a neuro-reflex reaction with the subsequent connection of the humoral-endocrine link. The reaction from the vascular system manifests itself in the form of a short-term narrowing and then dilatation of blood vessels during the procedure, a slowing of the pulse, and a slight increase in blood pressure.

Long-term use of thermopuncture with high or low blood pressure leads to a certain extent to its normalization.

M. Kimura et al. (1988) experimentally established that heating, along with other therapeutic effects, stimulates regional immune activity. With a mild degree, heating causes moderate skin irritation (corresponding to 1st degree burn), which has a therapeutic effect for 3-5 days. Stronger heating and cauterization cause a 2-3 degree burn with scar formation, the duration of action is up to 3-4 weeks. When cauterized, the bioactive substances released act on chemoreceptors.

Thus, heating and cauterization have a complex, often multiphase local and general effect, and the main one is the stimulating nature of the action. Much less often, thermopuncture has a sedative, inhibitory effect, for example, reducing inflammation from insect bites and skin diseases.

From the point of view of oriental medicine, any heating and cauterization has a tonic effect that enhances vital energy. Compared to classical acupuncture, warming acts more slowly, but over a longer period of time.

Methodology

For thermopuncture, various heat sources are used with the possibility of a limited-area thermal effect of a distant or contact type.

Remote heating

Remote heating is indicated for arthritis, glenohumeral periarthrosis, lumbago, dyspepsia, menstrual irregularities and many other conditions. The main method of distant thermopuncture is heating with cigars, which are made from wormwood, previously dried in the shade and crushed.

Wormwood cigars come to our country from various eastern countries, most often from China. However, they are relatively expensive, so many specialists make them themselves. To do this, collect leaves of common wormwood, or Chernobyl, Artetisia vulgaris from the chrysanthemum family. The leaves of wormwood contain essential oils, carbohydrates, protein substances; in folk medicine they are widely used for gynecological diseases, hemorrhoids, epilepsy and other pathological conditions. This type of wormwood grows everywhere in our country in the middle zone. It should be borne in mind that other types of wormwood (wormwood, Artetisia absintus, known from bitters, absinthe, wormwood, Artetisia cina, etc.) are not used for the manufacture of wormwood cigars and cones.

Remote warming technique. The cigar is lit and placed over the selected acupuncture point or area at a distance of approximately 2 cm. The duration of the procedure is until a feeling of warmth and hyperemia appears, usually 15-30 minutes.

Wormwood does not burn, but smolders. The smoldering end of a wormwood cigarette emits infrared radiation, which has a predominant thermal effect on tissue. The procedure causes a pleasant feeling of warmth and creates the possibility of gradual and long-term warming of the skin and underlying tissues without causing a burn (the temperature of the heated areas of the skin can increase after a few minutes to 43-45 °C without the formation of a severe burn or scar).

There are 3 types of influence during disgant thermopuncture: stable, intermittent (“pecking”, tszyu) and ironing.

With stable exposure, the heat emitter is installed at such a distance from the surface of the skin in the acupuncture area that the patient experiences a pronounced sensation of warmth in this area. The duration of the procedure is 5 - 10 minutes or more. Has a strong irritating, inhibitory effect.

Intermittent (“pecking”) exposure consists of rhythmically approaching bioactive points and moving the heat emitter away from them, obtaining a short-term sensation of burning heat. The duration of the procedure is 2-5 minutes. Has a mild irritating, stimulating effect. Often used for flaccid paralysis, arterial hypotension and syncope.

The ironing effect involves heating not only the acupuncture area, but also a relatively large area by continuously moving the heat emitter at a close distance from the skin, parallel to the area of ​​the body being heated. Since with this method the smoldering end of the cigar is constantly in motion, even when it approaches the skin significantly, a strong burning sensation and burn does not occur. This method has a calming effect to a certain extent and is especially effective for various skin and allergic diseases: neurodermatitis, eczema, baldness, as well as for pain syndromes, muscle tension, cramps, etc.

Direct (contact, thermal burn) thermoreflexotherapy

The most widely used are cones made, like cigars, from dried and crushed Chernobyl wormwood. In Japan, China and other eastern countries, such crushed wormwood is known as moxa; it is sold in the form of a wooly, brown mass, packaged in large plastic bags or paper boxes. You can use homemade moxa from collected, dried and crushed wormwood leaves.

The following variants of contact thermopuncture are distinguished: application directly to acupuncture points and contact indirect heating through a layer of salt.

The application directly to acupuncture points of various substances (moxa) in the form of a cone, which when burned have a thermal effect, is as follows.

Before the procedure, a cone-shaped cast is formed from wormwood, usually the size of a small pea or slightly larger. The smallest cone is comparable in size to a grain of wheat, the largest - to the size of a bean. It is more advisable to use small cones. The cone formed in one way or another is placed on the skin and set on fire. For ignition, in order to avoid burns, it is better to use flameless matches, sacrificial sticks, used in the East in Buddhist temples instead of candles (xiang sticks). There are 2 options for direct cauterization: with and without scar formation.

In the method with scar formation, before the procedure, to enhance the irritating effect, the area of ​​the point is lubricated with garlic or onion juice. The lit cone is left at this point for as long as possible, preferably until it burns completely. After removing the first cone (you can simply drop it with tweezers into a tightly closed metal container with water), the next cone is placed on the point and set on fire, repeating the entire procedure 5-10 times. This method usually results in a II-III degree burn with the formation of a blister and subsequent scarring within 2-3 weeks.

In ancient times, it was believed that only such cauterization - with the formation of a bubble with serous contents (ju-chuan) - could have a therapeutic effect.

Currently, this method is used by oriental specialists for chronic diseases, in particular for bronchial asthma, etc. They burn points in areas covered by clothing. Do not use points on the hands, face or other open areas of the body.

Direct cauterization without scar formation is carried out in a similar, but more gentle manner. The skin is preliminarily lubricated with Vaseline, the cone is removed after approximately two-thirds have burned - when the patient experiences a slight burning sensation. After removing the first cone, you can repeat the procedure with the next cones, 3-6 times in total. Heating with a large number of cones is less commonly used, sometimes up to 50-100 per point. This method does not cause severe burns or scars. Used for chronic diseases of the deficiency type and diseases caused by cold, for example, chronic diarrhea, chronic bronchitis, rhinitis, and colds. in Japan, various variants of direct contact cauterization are used to remove warts. Cauterization of the largest wart causes the smaller warts located around it to disappear without cauterization. In addition, this method is used to remove calluses and enhance hair growth in case of focal baldness (hair grows around the cauterization site).

Contact indirect heating through a layer of salt (a clove of garlic or ginger) with a hole with a diameter of 2 mm. With all these methods, a layer of substance is placed on the skin, on which a lit cone is placed on top. The cone is removed after the skin around it turns slightly red. If the patient feels a strong burning sensation before redness, a small sheet of paper is placed on the skin under the layer. If the skin does not turn red after burning one cone, apply the next one.

This method is used for deficient type abdominal pain, nausea, etc.

In Japan, the method of indirect contact cauterization is used to induce labor. As the experience of Japanese specialists shows, even in cases where the administration of oxytocin is ineffective, moxibustion causes labor pains, and therefore obstetricians often invite specialists in Zhen Ju therapy.

In addition, they use this method in children for irritability, seizures and nocturnal enuresis, as well as for the treatment and prevention of exacerbations of chronic diseases.

It is more advisable to carry out thermopuncture for chronic diseases. This method is effective in the treatment of skin diseases, in particular with symptoms of exudation (for example, weeping eczema), alopecia.

Clinical experience shows that thermopuncture is also effective in the treatment of arterial hypotension, bronchial asthma, cholecystitis, arthritis, sciatic neuritis, as well as headaches.

Comparing the indications for heating and classical acupuncture, we can say that heating is more indicated for chronic diseases, acupuncture - for acute ones. Warming is more often used in patients with a weak constitution, in weakened patients, and acupuncture is preferable for excess syndromes. Acupuncture is best done in the morning, and acupuncture in the evening.

Contraindications

Contraindications to thermopuncture are the same as to classical acupuncture.

Reflexology methods should not be used in cases of severe exhaustion, after a long illness, in cancer patients, with abdominal pain of unknown etiology, severe diseases of the cardiovascular system, chronic progressive infectious diseases and some other conditions.

Moreover, due to the stimulating nature, heating and cauterization are especially contraindicated at high temperatures, severe hemoptysis, pregnancy, and acutely developed disease.

Warming and cauterization can be combined with other methods. Most often they are combined with classical acupuncture.

SUPERFICIAL ACUPUNCTURE THERAPY

Superficial acupuncture (piJi, “pi fu”) involves influencing acupuncture points, biologically active zones and areas with a roller, multi-needle hammer or a bunch of needles. Various types of superficial acupuncture are a variant of rapid superficial acupuncture with one needle, which can be carried out by quickly applying a series of injections with a regular acupuncture needle. However, this method of influence is unproductive, time-consuming and technically complex, so this method is used relatively rarely. Typically, the method of superficial acupuncture described below using a multi-needle hammer, a bunch of needles or a roller is used instead.

The method of superficial acupuncture was known in ancient China and is described as a special type of superficial acupuncture - “yang-tsi”. At first it was used mainly in children, so it was also known as children's.

It is now widely used in adults. We use it in almost all patients as an introductory or final procedure during a session of classical acupuncture and other methods of reflexology. Less commonly, superficial acupuncture is used as monotherapy.

Mechanism of action

Superficial acupuncture causes mechanical irritation in the corresponding points and areas, which leads to an increase in the electrical conductivity of the skin and increased local blood circulation. In addition, the impact on acupuncture points and biologically active zones, reflexively associated with the corresponding functional systems, causes changes in the corresponding centers of their regulation.

Indications and contraindications

Superficial reflexology is prescribed for a very wide range of diseases.

It is especially indicated for chronic processes, neuroses, vegetative-vascular dystonia, nocturnal enuresis, etc. Most often, superficial reflexology is combined with other types of reflexology. In this case, superficial multi-needle acupuncture is used as an introductory procedure or at the end of the session. The method is also used in cases where for some reason classical acupuncture or other treatment methods are contraindicated (for example, in pediatric practice).

The use of superficial reflexology is contraindicated only for local skin changes. It is undesirable to use this method for acute pain syndromes.

Multi-needle hammers are used. In some cases, special tubes with needles can be used. There are holes in the tube only for the needle tip to pass through. Irritation is carried out by lightly tapping the required areas with the working surface of the tube. Another method of multi-needle irritation has also been developed - needle application (Kuznetsov I.I., 1981), in which the effect on certain skin areas is carried out by applying flexible plates of various sizes with needles attached to them (1-16 pieces per 1 cm2). The pressure of the needles on the skin can be adjusted by pumping air into the rubber coupling that fits on top of the needle applicator. Rollers used in superficial acupuncture are usually made of special hard stainless alloys. You can also use rollers with more needles or plastic rollers, but they sometimes give a less pleasant feeling than the more expensive carbide rollers.

Method of influence

Superficial acupuncture with a multi-needle hammer

The procedure for irritation with a multi-needle hammer consists of rhythmic tapping on certain acupuncture points and skin areas.

Mild irritation is not accompanied by severe pain; after the procedure, a slight, unstable erythema appears on the skin.

Moderate irritation is accompanied by slight pain, which goes away immediately after the session. Severe persistent erythema is characteristic.

Severe irritation is accompanied by severe pain. After the session, in addition to persistent erythema, petechiae and pinpoint hemorrhages appear at the treatment sites, disappearing after a few days.

Extreme irritation is used very rarely. The impact is close to the threshold of pain tolerance. The patient can hardly bear the pain and may ask to stop the procedure. The skin reaction is more pronounced than with severe irritation.

Mastering the multi-needle stimulation technique requires quite a lot of training. The doctor's hand should be quite flexible, trained not only in terms of speed, accuracy, but also the force of impact with a multi-needle hammer.

The frequency of beats can be worked out using a metronome - from one beat per 2 s to two beats per 1 s (120 per min). You should also pay attention to the strictly perpendicular direction of the blows. In this case, the handle of the hammer must be held with sufficient force, elastically - otherwise its head easily deviates to the side and the needles scratch the skin. At the same time, the hand should not be overly tense during training - otherwise its mobility sharply decreases, it quickly gets tired, and the blows become uneven in strength and frequency.

Superficial acupuncture with a bunch of needles

Irritation with a bunch of needles is a type of superficial acupuncture using several needles connected in a bunch, usually mounted on a long handle. Irritation with a bunch of needles is carried out in certain zones, describing tracks of various shapes: longitudinal, transverse, ring-shaped, oval, etc. The shape of the track depends on the zone. The distance between the tracks and the impacts on the track is on average 5-10 mm.

Often a series of blows are used in the same area, corresponding to the location of the acupuncture point. Start with 20 and increase to 40-50 strokes by the end of the course of treatment. In children, elderly and debilitated patients, mild to moderate irritation should be used. In the area of ​​the head, face, neck, and abdomen, intense irritation is not used.

Superficial acupuncture with a roller

Areas of biologically active zones are treated with special rollers that have a mechanical irritating effect on the skin. The roller is applied to the corresponding areas with light pressure, and the direction of movement of the roller can correspond to the paths of the venous and lymphatic tract or the lines of skin tension (Langer's lines). Irritation is carried out until hyperemia appears in the area of ​​influence.

Indications, contraindications and complications

Superficial acupuncture in the cervical-collar, paravertebral and some other areas as an introductory or final procedure is indicated for almost all diseases. It is especially effective for neuroses, vegetative-vascular dystonia, chronic bronchitis, other chronic pulmonary diseases, nocturnal enuresis, gynecological chronic diseases, gastritis, gastric ulcers, etc.

Contraindications are the same as for classical acupuncture. At the same time, superficial acupuncture should not be carried out in the area of ​​​​changed skin, warts, especially with pronounced pigmentation, with a tendency to bleeding, or hemophilia. Complications are recorded extremely rarely. If the rules of asepsis are violated, irritation and infectious and inflammatory changes in the skin are possible. In this case, treatment should be interrupted and the skin in the affected area should be treated with 76% alcohol. With strong and super-strong exposure in weakened patients, vegetative reactions and fainting are possible.

Impact zones

The scope of application of superficial multi-needle acupuncture is the same as that of most reflexology methods. Depending on the indications, irritation with a bunch of needles can be carried out both on the affected and on the symmetrical healthy side. It is recommended to start the procedure on the healthy side, using varying degrees of irritation. The most commonly used zones are the following.

Collar area. The effect is indicated for chronic cerebral circulatory failure, vegetative-vascular dystonia, neuroses, cervical osteochondrosis, muscle-tonic syndromes in the cervical-collar region, etc. Used for spondylogenic pain, local muscle-tonic syndromes.

Sections of the spine. Paravertebral at the level of the thoracic region they act in chronic pulmonary processes, chronic bronchitis; at the lower thoracic and lumbar levels - for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver; in the sacral zone - for gynecological diseases.

"Panty zone" - for nocturnal enuresis, gynecological diseases.

ACUTE MASSAGE

Acupressure is a type of reflexology in which a targeted therapeutic effect on the organs and tissues of the body is carried out through mechanical stimulation (pressure and other massage methods) of certain acupuncture points.

The method was known and recognized as one of the main methods of treatment in China already in the 1st-2nd centuries. BC Currently, it is widely used both independently and as a component of general or segmental massage, as well as in combination with other reflexology methods.

Mechanism of action

The mechanism of action of acupressure massage is fundamentally different from the mechanism of action of Western massage, in which improvement of blood circulation and lymphatic drainage plays an important role.

From the point of view of Western medicine, acupressure leads to a decrease in the electrical conductivity of the skin in the area of ​​the massaged acupuncture point. This causes changes in the functional activity of the corresponding replication centers in the corresponding functional systems.

Impact on local points during pain increases the threshold of pain sensitivity in the corresponding receptive field and, thus, reduces the sensation of pain.

Kneading local areas of hypertonicity in various degenerative-dystrophic processes (Cornelius's nodes, Schade's nodes, etc.) also plays an important role in eliminating the closed pathological circle of relationships in the pathogenesis of these processes, therefore, treatment with acupressure in these patients is pathogenetic in nature.

From the point of view of oriental medicine, acupressure normalizes the circulation of energy locally (when affecting local points), in the corresponding meridian and organ (when massaging important meridian points) or in the body as a whole (when affecting general points)

There are many types of acupressure (self-massage, yoga, shiatsu, etc.). differing in techniques and/or strength of influence.

Carrying out acupressure involves the use of basic techniques of classical massage (stroking, rubbing, kneading, vibration). transformed into special techniques depending on the anatomical features of the acupuncture zone and the goals of the intervention. In addition, pinching, pressing, piercing and other techniques are used.

Rubbing is performed in the same way as stroking, but with more pressure. More often, circular, stable rubbing is used in the area of ​​the point. A roller forms in front of the finger sliding over the skin.

Kneading is carried out by grasping the muscles with your fingers, pulling them back, kneading them. In this case, the technique of pushing, piercing, finger pricking, grabbing, etc. is used.

The thrusting method involves rotating, gradually deepening movements of the fingertip or nail until a strong painful sensation appears, reminiscent of the phenomenon of the intended sensation in acupuncture. When applying pressure with a fingernail, stronger sensations are obtained, close to the “de qi” phenomenon (finger-needle method).

Vibration can be intermittent or continuous. In this case, a series of rhythmic oscillatory movements are made with the tip of the index finger. in which vibration occurs in the massaged tissues.

Pressure (acupressure) is carried out by applying pressure to the area of ​​the point with the tip or joint of a finger, usually until a painful sensation appears. This technique is used for pain syndromes caused by excess, stagnation of energy in any area of ​​the paranasal sinuses. The nature of the impact during acupressure can be inhibitory or stimulating.

The inhibitory method is characterized by impact on one or several acupuncture points, slowly increasing intensity, longer duration of exposure, depth during pressing or piercing.

The stimulating (stimulating) method is characterized by a quick short impact sequentially at a number of points using one or more successive techniques described above. The force of the finger impact is sufficient to irritate the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and muscles to obtain the intended sensations without irradiation. The frequency of movements is high, the duration of impact on the point is 30-40 s. The number of massaged points per session is 8-10 or more. The impact on all points can be repeated, but no more than 2 times.

Massage can be performed on the same day as physiotherapeutic procedures, but it is advisable to prescribe them after the massage in order to use the background. caused by massage, to enhance the effect of physiotherapeutic procedures and not cause depression of the reflex sphere. In weakened patients, between acupressure and physiotherapeutic procedures there should be enough time for the patient to rest (2-3 hours).

MICRONEEDLEFLEXOTHERAPY

Microneedling reflexotherapy is one of the types of acupuncture, intended for long-term (prolonged) effects on acupuncture points. Known in China as intradermal acupuncture "pi-nei-zhen", "pi-nei-zhen").

Mechanism of action

The focus of chronic aseptic inflammation around the microneedle causes irritation of receptors and, as a consequence, activation of neuroendocrine adaptation mechanisms, normalization of the functional activity of the corresponding organs and systems.

Prolonged irritation of receptors in the area of ​​an acupuncture point by microneedles creates a long-lasting dominant that switches the flow of pathological impulses to itself, causes a break in the pathological circle, helps to “slow down” the focus of pathological hyperactivity and thereby creates conditions for reducing pain, hyperkinesis, attacks of bronchial asthma, vegetative-vascular and other violations.

A comparison of the mechanism of action of classical acupuncture and micro-acupuncture showed that with classical acupuncture, rapid response mechanisms are activated in the form of an antinociceptive subsystem of neurons associated with opiate neurons. With microneedling, the folding antinociceptive system is activated more slowly.

Microneedles are made from a single piece of wire (0.1-0.3 mm in diameter) of the same material as conventional acupuncture needles, that is, from special grades of stainless steel, silver, gold, etc.

Procedure technique

The technique for inserting microneedles is somewhat different from the technique for inserting conventional needles. After appropriate preparation of the skin, the needle is taken with sterile eye or ordinary tweezers, like a pen, and inserted subcutaneously. It is very important that the needle is located subcutaneously, and not intradermally (this is too painful when inserted) and not intramuscularly or in close proximity to the tendons (can lead to curvature of the microneedle). When inserting a needle into points on the scalp, hair is first removed from an area of ​​1 cm 2 or the needles are fixed with a special bioglue; microneedles are also introduced onto the body if there is pronounced hair growth. After insertion, the microneedle is fixed with adhesive tape. The microneedle can also be fixed with a special bioglue.

Depending on the indication, one to six needles can be inserted for varying times. Steel needles can remain in tissues for 1-7 days, silver or gold - 2-3 weeks.

As an additional method, microneedling is often used in combination with a course of classical acupuncture. Long-term exposure of microneedles enhances and consolidates the resulting effect of acupuncture therapy. In such cases, there are 2 options.

Introducing microneedles after a session, for example, classical acupuncture, for 1-2 days or more, that is, until the next session. This alternation continues throughout the entire course of treatment (10-15 sessions).

Introduction of microneedles after completion of the main course of reflexology to consolidate the achieved result (maintenance therapy) or to prevent relapse of the disease. In this case, the patient periodically irritates the acupuncture points by pressing his fingers on the microneedles, which is especially important for stopping incipient attacks, for example, bronchial asthma, trigeminal neuralgia, facial hemispasm, etc.

Contraindications

Contraindications to the use of microneedling are limited only to skin diseases in the area where microneedles are supposed to be introduced (inflammation, boils, other pustular skin diseases, scars, traumatic lesions, etc.). Microneedling therapy should not be combined with radiotherapy, electroreflexotherapy and physiotherapy on the area where microneedles are inserted.

Complications

The most common complication may be curvature, or kinking, of the microneedle shaft in the tissue. The most serious complication is needle fracture. This can happen when using low-quality needles. Infection in the microneedle area is rare.

PLATE APPLICATION

Application of plates is one of the methods of prolonged reflexology.

Empirical metal therapy has been used in Europe since the time of Paracelsus.

The basis for the use of this type of treatment, obviously, was the belief in the powerful power of the metal. Its practical application has yielded certain positive results.

Mechanism of action

When applied to the skin, metal has a dual effect - local and general.

The local effect occurs due to mechanical irritation of the receptors and due to the formation of microcurrents at the metal-tissue interface; the general effect is explained by the penetration of metal ions into the body.

Plates made of red copper, gold, silver (999 fineness), high-grade stainless steel and zinc are most often used.

The application of copper plates has the greatest therapeutic effect in cases of copper deficiency in the body, as well as in pain syndromes due to its analgesic effect.

Silver is used to accelerate tissue regeneration (with delayed wound healing, gastritis, cystitis, vaginitis, etc.), for obesity, connective tissue pathologies of various origins and fluid retention in the body. It also has a regulating effect on the functions of the nervous system, skin and genitourinary organs, therefore, it can be used for various diseases of these systems. The use of silver in vegetative dysfunctions (hypothalamic syndrome, vegetative-vascular dystonia, ganglionitis), hysterical neurosis, consequences of a stroke, etc. deserves special attention.

Applications of lead plates have found application in diseases of the skeletal system (ossification disorders due to rickets, long-term non-healing fractures, osteoporosis of bones), exudative diathesis, chronic dermatitis, skin keratoses, baldness, and diseases of the spleen.

In some cases, it is advisable to use plates made of dissimilar metals, in particular copper and zinc. The application of such plates generates an electric charge of a certain magnitude (its magnitude, other things being equal, depends on the size of the plates), which significantly enhances the therapeutic effect.

Copper and zinc plates are preferable for application to bioactive points that form transverse channels between paired meridians, or to bioactive exit and entry points of neighboring meridians, which allows restoring the functional balance of the meridians.

Methodology

The essence of this method of reflexology is to apply well-polished metal circles made of copper, stainless steel, silver, gold and other metal with a diameter of 2 to 30 mm and a thickness of 1-3 mm to the acupuncture zones. Recently, ebonite plates with a thickness of 1-1.5 mm and a diameter of 5 mm have been used. In the center they have some thickening, which makes them closer in shape to balls. The plates are secured with adhesive tape. The duration of application is 3-5 days, then a 2-3-day break is taken to avoid skin irritation with the adhesive plaster.

Indications and contraindications

Indications for the application of metal plates are considered mainly chronic diseases (for example, osteochondrosis and its neurological manifestations, neuritis, neuropathies, myositis, lesions of individual joints, bronchial asthma, diseases of the liver and other internal organs, hypertension, etc.), pain syndromes in childhood and old age, as well as in pregnant women.

The application of metal plates to bioactive points is rarely used as an independent method of treatment. It is preferable to use it in between courses of classical acupuncture, in the treatment of children and particularly sensitive individuals.

Contraindications are the same as for microneedling and tsubo therapy. As a rule, they are limited to local skin changes.

The effectiveness of metal therapy, the simplicity, and safety of the method suggest that it will be developed in various forms in the future, including in reflexology.

CRANIAL REFLEXOTHERAPY

Cranial reflexotherapy (scalporeflexotherapy, craniopuncture) is the effect of acupuncture needles, electric current and other methods on special areas located on the scalp.

Cranial reflexology is a relatively new technique of reflexology.

The first publications appeared in 1972 in China. A year later, the Austrian Society of Acupuncture received a copy of an article entitled “Scalp Needle Therapy” in Chinese, which described the history of the method, its anatomical and physiological basis and the localization of the most important areas of the scalp for treatment. Subsequently, reports of this method appeared in other countries. The peculiarity of the method is that it affects linearly located areas of the scalp, and not individual acupuncture points, as with classical acupuncture. The location of these zones to a certain extent coincides with the anatomical projection of the brain structures whose functions are targeted.

Mechanism of action

The mechanism of action of cranial reflexology is currently not clear enough. It is believed that when exposed to areas of the scalp, receptors are irritated and afferent impulses occur (mainly nociceptive and protopathic) involving the structures of the medulla oblongata, subcortical nuclei, cerebral cortex and subsequent influence on various body systems.

Method of influence

There are various methods of cranial reflexology.

The classic method is to target the area with one long needle. For this purpose, stainless steel needles with a diameter of 0.3-0.4 mm and a length of 6-13 cm are used.

Cranial reflexology with a thick needle has the most powerful effect.

It is very important that the needle is sufficiently elastic and well sharpened.

The needle is inserted horizontally, subcutaneously or under the aponeurotic helmet to a depth of 3-5 mm. It can be administered vertically, using the injection method, in order to quickly and less painfully pass through the skin.

After passing through the skin, the needle is taken by the handle and advanced further with jerking movements in combination with a very fast but small amplitude rotation of the needle (30-900) alternately in both directions.

Due to the difficulty of inserting needles to the required depth, another technique can be used - sequentially introducing shorter needles into selected areas (herringbone pattern). This method has a gentler effect than classic cranial reflexology with one needle, and is better tolerated by patients. For this method, use regular acupuncture needles 5-7 cm long.

They are introduced in pairs at a distance of 5 mm horizontally or at an angle of 300 towards each other along the entire zone. For one session, 4-8 needles are taken, depending on how the patient tolerates the procedure.

Once the needles are inserted, they should be stimulated in various ways. If the procedure is well tolerated, you can rotate the needles with a small amplitude (30-900) clockwise and counterclockwise for 0.5-2 minutes. Stimulation is repeated after a 5-minute pause. For electrical stimulation, a current of 20-50 μA is used with a frequency of 1-20 Hz, less often - 40-127 Hz, 30 s per point.

The duration of the session is 20-30 minutes. After removing the needles, the skin is treated with a 76% alcohol solution.

In addition to the described technique, microneedling is used using 3-7 microneedles along the described areas of the scalp, leaving the needles for 3-7 days.

In recent years, laser treatment has also been used on scalp areas, emphasizing the painlessness and effectiveness of this method.

For acute and subacute diseases, cranial reflexology is carried out daily or every other day, for chronic diseases - after 4-7 days. Number of sessions - 10-25. Courses of treatment are repeated 2-3 times with breaks between them of 7-10 days. Cranial reflexology, if necessary, can be combined with other treatment methods, including classical acupuncture, auriculoreflexotherapy, etc.

Indications and contraindications

The scalpotherapy method is effectively used for a wide range of diseases, such as the consequences of head injury, acute cerebrovascular accidents, hyperkinetic syndromes, parkinsonism, epilepsy (especially Jacksonian), visual disorders, diseases of internal organs, etc.

In severe cases, cranial reflexology should be carried out after the acute period has stopped and the patient’s condition has stabilized. MHome authors talk about the high effectiveness of cranial reflexology, especially when combined with auricular therapy, supplemented by the administration of drugs, electrical stimulation and the use of laser or extremely high-frequency therapy.

Many leading reflexologists believe that cranial therapy has a direct effect on the cortical structures of the brain, unlike other methods of reflexology, which have an indirect effect on the cortex.

Contraindications to the use of cranial reflexology are the same as for other methods of reflexology. The most common adverse reactions occur in the form of paleness, headache, and fever. Hyperhidrosis, other autonomic reactions, and short-term fainting are possible. In such cases, the session time must be reduced.

LA3EROREFLEXOTHERAPY

Laser reflexotherapy (helium-neon laser therapy, phototherapy) affects various parts of the body, blood vessels with continuous monochromatic polarized red light with a wavelength of 630-900 nm or a semiconductor laser.

Mechanism of action

The monochromatic coherent beam of a helium-neon laser has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic; vasodilating, sedative, immunocorrective, hypocoagulative, stimulating metabolic and regenerative processes.

One of the most important features of non-damaging intensity laser radiation is stimulation of the immune and endocrine systems.

Depending on the power of exposure, there are 3 stages of irradiation:

• 1 - local increase in temperature, effect on thermoreceptors, reversible stage;
• II - dehydration, reversible stage;
• III - protein coagulation, irreversible changes in case of overdose.

There are 2 types of lasers.

• Helium-neon lasers with a short wavelength - 630 nm (6328 angstroms). They penetrate shallowly.
• Semiconductor lasers with longer wavelengths - 800-1500 nm (8000-15,000 angstroms). Penetrates most deeply.

There are devices in which both modes are possible.

Indications and contraindications

Indications for the use of laser therapy are as follows:

• skin diseases and lesions of the mucous membranes (eczema, psoriasis, neurodermatitis, postoperative wounds, herpetic rashes, anal fissures);
• tinnitus, dizziness, Meniere's disease;
• discogenic radicular syndrome;
• chronic salpingoophoritis;
• chronic pneumonia, bronchitis;
• arthrosis, periarthritis, epicondylitis;
• stomatitis;
• nocturnal enuresis;
• tunnel syndromes (Roth disease, carpal tunnel syndrome);
• trigeminal neuralgia.

Contraindications are common to all types of reflexology. In addition, the retina of the patient and the doctor cannot be affected.

Acupuncture, whose age is estimated at five thousand years, is one of the main methods of treatment in Chinese folk medicine. And, of course, the test of time is the best proof of its effectiveness and reliability.

Along with the term “acupuncture” you can find such names as “acupuncture”, “acupuncture”, “acupuncture” or even “zhen therapy”.

It is believed that the flow of qi changes along with the mental, physical and spiritual changes that occur in a person throughout his life.

A little history

The history of acupuncture began in ancient times, namely from the moment when a person, trying to reduce pain, began to rub (with his hand or various objects) painful places on the body.

It is impossible to say unequivocally that the birthplace of acupuncture is Ancient China: there is evidence of the use of acupuncture in Egypt, India and Nepal. However, since this method was most widely used in China and neighboring countries, today it is considered Chinese.

Acupuncture and moxibustion came to Europe, where they received the name “ acupuncture", penetrated into the 17th century. thanks to the missionaries. In Russia, the first attempts to use acupuncture date back to 1901.

The use of acupuncture in medical institutions of the USSR began around the late 40s. as a result of a successful exchange of experience between Soviet and Chinese doctors. Acupuncture received official recognition in 1957 along with the publication of an order of the USSR Ministry of Health, and it began to be actively used in the 60s.

At the moment, many medical institutions have a specially designated office, and sometimes there are entire acupuncture department, where patients with a wide variety of diseases receive the necessary assistance.

What is the meaning of acupuncture and how does it work? According to what was said earlier, each biologically active point is associated with some organ. Therefore, mechanical irritation of it with a steel, silver or gold needle activates the flow of energy or, conversely, absorbs excess energy flow.

When is acupuncture used?. WHO has confirmed the ability of acupuncture to have a positive effect on the body for more than forty types of diseases.

Diseases for which acupuncture is effective

• hypertension, angina pectoris, arteriosclerosis
• diseases of the musculoskeletal system (arthritis, osteochondrosis, etc.)
• neuralgia, insomnia, dizziness
• emotional and psychological disorders (fears, depression, etc.)
• gastrointestinal diseases (colitis, food allergies, peptic ulcers and gastritis, chronic diarrhea and constipation, anorexia and bulimia)
• diseases of the ENT organs (emphysema, sinusitis, bronchitis)
• endocrine system diseases
• pain of various localizations (headache, dental, spinal, etc.)
• decreased immunity
• eye diseases
• alcoholism, nicotine and drug addiction, etc.

To feel the results of treatment, it is necessary to conduct at least 10 sessions (the number of procedures, as well as the number of needles used and the method of application in each individual case is determined by the acupuncturist)

How does an acupuncture session work?

The procedure begins with the acupuncturist feeling the area of ​​the body where the needles will be injected. This is done to determine points - using an empirical method, over many hours, doctors learn to determine biologically active points on the human body by special thermal and other radiation from them. Next, the doctor treats the area of ​​skin with alcohol and inserts needles. Different acupuncture techniques also determine different ways of inserting needles, as well as insertion depth. Depending on these factors, sedative and stimulating methods of influence are designated.

Sedative method - strong, increasing irritation of the points - in turn, has two variations. First - no more than 2-3 needles are inserted into the tissue with rotational movements to a depth of 1.5-8 mm, leaving them for a period of half an hour to two days; second - needles are inserted into 2-4 points with more gentle rotational movements. This method can even be used on children.

The use of a sedative method of treatment in acupuncture has a calming and pain-relieving effect

Exciting method - weak, short-term, but at the same time rapid irritation of all points. The depth of needle insertion is from 3 mm to 1 cm, and the exposure period is from 30 s to 5 min.

The use of an exciting method of treatment in acupuncture has a stimulating and tonic effect

What happens during a session from a biological point of view

For example, during an acupuncture session aimed at eliminating pain, after the needle is inserted, muscle stimulation begins, which sends a signal to the central nervous system and thereby releases endorphins (morphine-like substances produced in the body during pain and stress), which block pain signals into the brain. So nothing supernatural: the ancient method of treatment has now received scientific substantiation.

Since the needles used for treatment are quite thin (thickness comparable to a human hair), the acupuncture procedure is not painful. The moment of the injection itself may cause some discomfort. Mild numbness and slight itching may also occur.

The undoubted advantage of acupuncture over drug treatment is that drugs are often addictive, which forces you to increase the dose, and acupuncture has a therapeutic effect without harmful consequences.

Contraindications to acupuncture

• skin diseases
• pregnancy
• malignant tumors

ATTENTION! Acupuncture is not a panacea, and you should not count on it as a last chance when everything has already been tried. However, in combination with drug treatment, massages in certain cases, physiotherapy or other treatment methods, acupuncture has a beneficial effect on the patient’s condition.

Cauterization

In ancient China, local heating or moxibustion was often used in combination with acupuncture. Moxibustion enhances the renewal of qi flow at those acupressure points where heat is applied.

Smoldering moxa is used as a cauterizing agent - dry and ground wormwood (sometimes with the addition of other medicinal herbs), rolled into a cigar. It is lit, and the flame is either brought closer to the biological points or removed. It is not the beneficial properties of wormwood that are used, but its ability, after special processing, to give the optimal temperature (60-70 °C) at the moment of smoldering.

The standard wormwood cigar produced in China looks like a small firecracker, its length is 20 cm, diameter is 2 cm. One such cigar is enough for several sessions.

Cauterization has an antispasmodic, sedative effect on the body and can even stop physiological aging.

Diseases for which cauterization is effective

• gynecological disorders
• rheumatism, arthritis
• insomnia
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
• diseases of the respiratory and genitourinary systems
• colds and flu
• cerebral palsy
• post-stroke conditions
• bruises, subcutaneous bruises, internal hemorrhages
• metabolic disorders, etc.

Cauterization will quickly relieve pain of various origins; will help a hot-tempered and irritable person calm down; eliminates cramps and calms nerves.

With a properly made cigar, one burning session (six points) will shorten the cigar by approximately 1 cm

How to perform cauterization

The cigar is set on fire and the smoldering end is brought to the desired point at a distance of 1.5-2 cm. The criterion for the correctness of the chosen distance from the surface of the body will be a pleasant warmth spreading from the point throughout the body. There should be no burning sensation. If it is too hot, the cigar should be slightly moved away from the surface of the body.

Each point is cauterized for 2-3 minutes, maximum 5 minutes.

Prevention of colds requires 3-5 sessions, treatment of an existing cold requires 7-9 sessions. Preventive cauterizations can be done every other day; it is better to treat an acute illness with daily sessions.

Before starting cauterization of the next point, it is good to pre-lubricate the ju-therapy area with Vietnamese “Star” or any available essential oil (for example, with eucalyptus or pine needle extract) and do a light massage. In this case, the cauterization effect will increase.

Instead of holding the cigar motionless over the point, you can slowly make circles over the surrounding area.

This point - tzu san-li - is located on the front side of the leg, below the kneecap. Place three fingers (2nd, 3rd and 4th) under your knee - you will find the horizontal level of the longevity point. Now set the width of the big toe on the right foot to the right of the central meridian of the bone, on the left foot to the left. These will be the points of longevity. You need to warm up the longevity points once a day for 10 minutes. It is advisable to carry out 2-3 procedures with an interval of 3-4 days.

Warming up should be done only in the first 8 days of each lunar month, since it is believed that it is on these days that the body is able to achieve harmony and strengthen resistance to various diseases, thereby helping to prolong life.

ATTENTION! There are medical contraindications for cauterization: acute febrile conditions, cancer, heat intolerance,

4.3. ZHEN-JIU TREATMENT METHOD (ACUPUNCURE AND MOXIUSATION)

In ancient times, the main method with which Chinese doctors treated patients, “Zhen-ju,” originated. What is it? “Zhen” means acupuncture, “jiu” means moxibustion.

The art of acupuncture

Tradition connects the appearance of acupuncture with the name of the famous sage Fu-Xi, who lived at the beginning of the 3rd millennium BC. Tradition attributes to him the first observation of the celestial bodies and the invention of the doctrine of yin and yang - the two principles of all things in the Universe. According to legend, he taught people to build houses and bridges, catch fish with a net and care for five domestic animals - a horse, a bull, a chicken, a pig and a ram. Fu-Xi was a great healer. He drew up instructions on how to avoid cold in winter and sweltering heat in summer, and how to maintain healthy air and good blood in the body. But his main achievement in medicine was the creation of the doctrine of vital channels and active points located on the human body.

Historical parallels: The estimated life time of Fu-Xi, the beginning of the 3rd millennium BC, coincides with the life time of the well-known Egyptian patron of healing, Imhotep (p. 35). Like him, Fu-Xi was not only a doctor, but also an astrologer and a builder.

“In ancient times,” says the legend, “when China was ruled by Fu-Xi, versed in many sciences, one of his subjects had a headache.” This man became so ill that he could not find peace either day or night. One day, while cultivating a field, he accidentally hit himself on the leg with a hoe and noticed a strange thing: the headache went away after this blow. Since then, local residents began to deliberately hit themselves on the leg with a piece of stone when they had a headache. Having learned about this, the emperor tried to replace the painful blows with a stone with injections of a stone needle, and the results were good. Later it turned out that such injections, applied to certain places on the body, help not only with headaches, but also with other diseases. It has been observed that exposure to certain points of the body leads to relief from pain or illness. For example, squeezing the central fossa of the upper lip helps lift the patient out of a state of fainting, and inserting needles at certain points at the base of the first and second fingers cures insomnia.

Historical parallels: Methods of influencing active points of the body are also known in the medicine of other nations. Residents of South Africa, wanting to be cured of many diseases, scratch certain points on the body with a shell; Arabs, when treating radiculitis, cauterize part of the ear with a heated metal rod; Eskimos inflict injections with a sharpened stone.

Many discoveries have been made in the field of biology and medicine, but one complex mystery has not been solved for several thousand years. This is the mystery of the “life channels” running along the surface of the body.

Each channel is associated with a specific internal organ. The channels of the body, like the points on them, are invisible, but they really exist, since there is a constant mutual dependence between them and the internal organs. The impact on internal organs through these points using acupuncture and moxibustion is the basis of one of the main methods of treatment in Chinese medicine. The first literary data on the use of this method date back to the 6th century. BC They are set out in the “Canon of the Internal” (“Nei-ching”, around the 2nd century BC) - one of the oldest medical books in China.

Historical parallels:

In modern medicine of the East and West, the doctrine of vital channels and active points located on the surface of the human body is widely used. With the help of various instruments in the area of ​​active points (often called BAT - biologically active points), electrical and magnetic phenomena were discovered, as well as radiation carrying certain information. Modern science tends to consider the qi energy concentrated at these points as a certain type of matter - electrical, magnetic, acoustic, light.

The first needles were made of stone. Later they began to make them from silicon or jasper, from bone and bamboo, from metals: bronze, silver, gold, platinum, stainless steel. There were 9 needle shapes; among them were cylindrical, flat, round, triangular, spear-shaped, needles with a sharp and blunt end.

Such needles were not only intended for acupuncture, they also served as surgical instruments. For example, a sharp “arrow-shaped” needle was used to open abscesses; a needle with a round end was used to split muscles during operations; a thin needle with a blunt end was used to treat those patients who were afraid of injections: instead of an injection, they simply pressed on the appropriate points. To treat children, “skin” needles were made, with which shallow, superficial injections were made. Modern needles are usually made of silver or high grade stainless steel. When introduced, they do not destroy tissue because they have a very thin rod.

Cauterization

The active points were affected not only by acupuncture, but also by cauterization. This method is sometimes mentioned in Chinese literature under such poetic names as “wonderful thunder needle” or “night torch hunt.” In the old days, it was believed that cauterization should cause a burn. “Irritation is without, effect is within” - says an old Chinese proverb. Cauterization was performed using a hot metal stick, lit sulfur powder, and crushed pieces of garlic.

Modern doctors usually use moxa (wormwood) for treatment, which gives

smoldering only pleasant warmth. It is traditionally believed that the effectiveness of moxibustion increases with the shelf life of moxa. For example, for the treatment of a disease that arose 7 years ago, moxa was recommended, which was stored for at least 3 years. Cigarettes and burning cones were stuffed with dried and tightly compressed wormwood; sometimes other medicinal plants were added to it. Moxibustion as a method of preventing and treating diseases has become widespread in Japan, Korea, Vietnam and many other Eastern countries.

Teaching the art of Zhen-Jiu

Comprehension of the art of “zhen-jiu” was very difficult and required a long time. The student had to study not only the location of active points on the “life channels”, but also the complex relationships between them. “You need to take a needle as carefully as approaching a tiger,” says an old Chinese proverb.

The first state institution where traditional medicine was taught - the Imperial Medical School - arose in China only in the Middle Ages. The school had 20 students, 1 teacher and assistant, 20 instructors and 20 needle makers. Of great importance for teaching was the creation of the first two bronze figures, which were cast in full human size under the direction of the physician Wang Wei-i in 1027. All the points and their names were marked on the surface of the figures. Each point corresponded to a deep channel for needle insertion. The outside of the figure was covered with wax, and the inside was filled with water: if the student inserted the needle correctly, a drop of water appeared on the surface of the figure. A year earlier, in 1026, Wang Wei-yi completed work on the Atlas of Points, which became the first officially accepted manual on acupuncture. From the 13th century Copying of figures began, the method of acupuncture went beyond China and began to spread to other Asian countries, then penetrated into Europe and America. In Russia, the first report about it was made in the late 20s. XIX century

Traditional Chinese medicine is also widespread in the modern world. In 1980, the World Health Organization recognized acupuncture as a scientifically proven method and recommended its use in the treatment of various diseases.

The topic of moxibustion is considered, as a rule, on seven points: indications for the use of moxibustion, contraindications, cones for moxibustion, places where moxibustion is performed, moxibustion technique, rehabilitation, the effect of moxibustion or the benefits of moxibustion.

The essence of moxibustion, moxa or heat puncture is the effect of heat on an acupuncture point. This is an ancient oriental method of treatment aimed at treating diseases, preventing them to improve immunity and overall health promotion.

Indications and contraindications. Cauterization is recommended in the presence of “a decrease in the warmth of the stomach, the formation of edema [tumors, gout, turbulence of lymph in the bones and joints of the extremities, external edema, pain, dizziness due to wind diseases, confusion, insanity, pain leading to fainting, disorders of limb movements due to diseases of the canals , lymphatic vessels and veins. In the absence of such [diseases], it is very useful for diseases of the wind and cold classes, which very often occur after abscesses [ulcers], empty heat and other hot diseases, and in addition - for diseases of the lymph. However, it should not be used. perform cauterization for diseases of hot bile, heat of blood, for [diseases] of the inputs of the sense organs, the channel of being in the perineum in men."

Collection and processing of edelweiss, making cones. Cauterization is carried out using special cones of different sizes, made from edelweiss and a certain amount of nettle. For various diseases, the size of the cauterization cone varies from the size of the “upper phalanx of the thumb” to the “size of a dry pea.” To make cones, the inflorescence of Edelweiss depleted and Edelweiss Palibina is used.

Currently, they mainly use wormwood or smokeless charcoal cigars. Exposure to a wormwood cigar causes a local increase in skin temperature to 43-45°C without causing a burn.

Dried, crushed wormwood leaves are used to make wormwood cigars. Wormwood is an essential oil plant that, when burned, produces a certain spectrum of infrared wavelengths. Coal cigars, as a rule, contain several components and have a long burning time.

The places where cauterization is performed are called "sang dmigs" in Tibetan. They are of two types: “sanmig”, in which pain is felt, i.e. tied to the disease itself, and additionally known to the doctor as “sanmig”.

The first are places of arthritic turbulence of lymph in the joints of bones, external tumors, edema; places in which pain is felt when pressure is applied, and relief is felt when pressure is removed; around swelling, growths, malignant wounds.

The second are places associated with the circulation channels of wind, bile, mucus, blood, and lymph.

Let's give an example. “The first vertebra is the “sunshine of the wind.” When the neck is bent, round protrusions become visible; cauterization is performed on the first such round bone. [This is the VII cervical vertebra.] Main indications: due to the entry of wind into the channel of life, [observed] confusion, madness , severe cardiac arrhythmia, trembling in the body, wind-induced muteness, insomnia, deafness, inability to turn the neck; [cauterization of this vertebra] is also useful for other diseases of the wind group.”

Cauterization technique. First, the poison should be removed from the patient’s body. “Poisons is a term for substances that are harmful to the body and life that enter [the body] with food.” Then the edelweiss cone is placed on the “sanmig” place of the back chosen by the doctor, having previously prepared this place. Rules have been developed for cauterization with one cone, several cones, and rules determining the duration of cauterization. Moreover, “if, for example, cauterization is performed on a “sanmig”, the heat should be felt from the front, and vice versa. The absence of pain at the cauterization site after the procedure is a sign that cauterization has brought great benefits.”

Rehabilitation. After cauterization, the remaining ash is not cleaned off, but is smeared on top with a mixture of butter and salt; it is not recommended to drink cold water and wine, etc. at night.

Benefits of cauterization.“If moxibustion is carried out in accordance with the method, it has a beneficial effect on the flow of wind and blood, “closing the mouth” of the channels, relieving pain, suppressing the wind, strengthening memory and mind, generating warmth in the stomach and body, digesting food, removing dead tissue from tumors, abscesses, old wounds, removing swelling, drawing out lymph, drying it out, etc.”

TIBETAN MOXIUSING (CHOR)

Cauterization is contraindicated for all diseases of the heat of bile, blood diseases, as well as for disorders of the sensory organs and diseases of the vessels of the conductors of the white and red embryonic fluids of men and women, failure to comply with which threatens impotence and infertility.

Cauterization cannot be performed during windy weather, snowfall, rain, on days 1, 15, 18 and 22 of the lunar calendar. For three autumn months you cannot cauterize the points of the right ribs; three spring - left ribs; three summer ones are the navel points and three winter ones are the lumbar points.

There are 2 types of moxibustion points (san-mig).

1. Points where pain is felt, i.e. tied to the disease itself. These are the sites of arthritic swirls of lymph in the joints of the bones; places in which pain is felt when pressure is applied, and relief is felt when pressure is removed; around swelling, growths and malignant wounds.

2. Additional points known to the doctor. These are places associated with the circulation channels of wind, bile, mucus, blood and lymph.

Cauterization has a beneficial effect on the flow of wind and blood, closing the mouth of blood vessels, relieving pain, suppressing the wind, strengthening memory and mind, generating fiery warmth in the stomach, kidneys and body, removing dead cells and tissues from tumors, abscesses, old wounds, edema, stretching and desiccation of lymph, etc.

1 Tibetan vertebra(7 cervical according to the European scheme). Wind point. General point of shiatsu. Due to the entry of wind into the channel of life, confusion, poor memory, headache, rapid heartbeat, severe cardiac arrhythmia, insanity, hysteria, trembling in the body, stress, deafness, tinnitus, muteness, insomnia at night and drowsiness during the day, stiffness of the neck and other wind disorder diseases. Dry lips and loss of voice. Breathing problems. Loss of appetite. Heaviness and pain in the shoulders. Especially useful for older people.

2nd vertebra. Bile point. Cures cold bile. In particular, it is good for jaundice. Normalizes high blood pressure. It is useful for the descent of heat into the body, the appearance of goiter and a pathological increase in blood and bile.

3rd vertebra. Slime point. Treats cold mucus, lung and heart diseases associated with mucus disorder. Treats swelling. Mucus damage to the heart and lungs. Indigestion, nausea. Nasal congestion and dry tongue.

4 vertebra. Diseases of the anterior lobes of the lungs. Helps with asthma, difficulty breathing, cough with phlegm, excess phlegm, swelling of the face due to impaired lung function. Eliminates pain in the chest and upper body. Loss of the sense of taste in food. Eliminates old heat and periodic attacks of heat - hot flashes.

5 vertebra. Diseases of the posterior lobes of the lungs. Helps with bile in the lungs, cough with yellow sputum and smoker's bronchitis. Useful for congestion of the lungs, feverish conditions, insanity, vomiting, back pain and cramps of the limbs.

From 1 to 5 points They also use one side point, on the right and on the left, at a distance of two fingers from the central point. Starting from the 6th point, use two side points, which are 4 fingers apart from the central one.

6th vertebra. Vessel point of life. General point of shiatsu. Wind point. Good for depression, insomnia, headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, difficulty breathing, tachycardia, convulsions, delirium, insanity, memory loss and other mental disorders.

7th vertebra. Heart point. General point of shiatsu. Insomnia, drowsiness, headache, dizziness, tinnitus, tachycardia, memory loss, feelings of sadness, depression and stress. Helps those people who often lose consciousness and faint. Treats forgetfulness, heaviness in the head and smallpox rashes.

8 vertebra. Aperture point. Breathing, hiccups, vomiting. Blurred vision. Pain in the chest and short ribs, stiffness of the torso and lower back, i.e. problems caused by energetic dysfunction of the diaphragm, when it becomes immobile due to the penetration and stimulation of yellow lymph.

9 vertebra. Liver point. Liver tumors and liver enlargement, liver depletion. Diseases of the blood and bile. Nausea and vomiting of acidic liquid with a feeling of cold in the stomach and viscera, caused by liver disease. Poor vision, myopia and red eyes. Discharge of semen with blood in the evening. Working with this point is the prevention of obesity.

10 vertebra. Gallbladder point. Indigestion, jaundice, vomiting bile, loss of appetite, weakening of the fiery warmth of the stomach. Yellowness of the sclera of the eyes. Gallstones. Frequent yellow diarrhea. Bad breath and constipation. With a pathological increase in bile, a feeling of heaviness in the body, brain diseases and loss of vision.

11th vertebra. Point of the spleen and bile duct. Bloating and rumbling in the stomach and intestines, a feeling of heaviness in the stomach and body. Indigestion, vomiting and constipation. Difficulty urinating. Poor vision and farsightedness. Helps with problems with the stomach, liver and pancreas. Drowsiness. Pale-faced.

12th vertebra. Stomach point. Decreased fiery warmth, mucus accumulation, indigestion, vomiting, feeling of heaviness in the stomach, stomach ulcers, tumors of the stomach and small intestine, dark red mucus and constipation.

13th vertebra. Point sam-seu (regenerative organs). The flow of semen with blood, involuntary ejaculation, soothes all diseases of the uterus, tumors of the uterus, tumors in the small and large intestines. Mental disorders when a person has disordered thoughts and is unable to control his mind. For problems with cold wind, when there is involuntary urination. For frostbite and hypothermia of the body in the cold. For a healthy person, cauterization of this point threatens weight loss.

14th vertebra. Kidney point. Kidney diseases associated with wind disorder. Back pain, sexual disorders - premature ejaculation, impotence, decreased libido and frigidity. Frequent urination in the cold. Swelling of the genital organs. Aversion to food. Tinnitus.

Cauterization of the triple point is not allowed at this point because this has a direct effect on the kidneys, which is unacceptable. Sometimes they work simultaneously with 6 points located around the central one, according to the principle of a mandala.

15th vertebra. Point of hollow and dense organs. Cold wind diseases and diseases localized below the navel.

16th vertebra. Tpoints of the large intestine. Indigestion, rumbling in the stomach, bloating and tumors of the large and small intestines. Constipation and diarrhea, rectal prolapse. Hemorrhoids and urinary retention.

17th vertebra. Point of the small intestine. Tumors in the small intestine and diarrhea with bubbly mucus. Indigestion. Chronic fever and shortness of breath.

18th vertebra. Bladder point. Diabetes, cystitis, urinary retention, etc. Bladder stones. Involuntary erection accompanied by swelling of the penis. Delayed menstruation and accumulation of menstrual blood under the navel.

19th vertebra. Sperm point. Leakage of semen, menstrual irregularities, painful and heavy menstruation, back pain, stiffening of the muscles of the back and lower body, stiffness in the joints of the legs. Bladder diseases. Constipation. Bloody diarrhea. General weakness.

20 vertebra. The point of the wind purifying downward. Old fever. Retention of urine, feces and menstruation. Prolonged and heavy menstrual and uterine bleeding. If there is a risk of ectopic pregnancy, premature birth and miscarriage.

1 sacral vertebra. Prana point. Menstrual irregularities. Lower back diseases, pain in the hip joints, shortness of breath and loss of voice due to wind diseases.

2 sacral - treats hemorrhoids, chronic fever, diabetes. Treats heavy and prolonged menstruation and acute wind diseases.

3 sacral - corrects crooked posture for lower back diseases, diarrhea and disordered speech.

2-5 sacral vertebrae. Menstrual irregularities, premature ejaculation, impotence and frigidity.

Characteristic signs of massage points.

• Wind points - the surface of the skin is rough, flabby with protruding hair, and does not immediately yield when pressed with a finger. On the surface they are observed in the form of tubercles.
• Mucus spots - the surface of the skin is oily and cold, and when pressed, an indentation remains. On the skin these are depressions.
• Bile points - redness is noticeable on the surface of the skin and heat is felt; when pressed, there is a feeling of stiffness.
• If there are problems with wind disturbance, work with points in 4 directions.
• Mucus disorders - we do massage, cauterization and apply heat.
• Bile is pacified by the application of minerals and herbs that have cool properties.

• . Davydov M.A.
• . Belousov P.
• . Thorsen L.V.

The history of one of the methods of reflexology - moxibustion - goes back centuries. Its meaning is to irritate certain areas of the skin with heat. In ancient times they said: “Irritation from without is an effect within.” Medical books of that time indicated that moxibustion was effective even when acupuncture and medications were powerless.

In eastern countries, where this method is widely used, smoldering moxa, a dry plant mass in the form of grains or cigars, is used as a cauterizing agent. Usually it is wormwood, sometimes with the addition of other medicinal herbs. It is not the beneficial properties of wormwood that are used, but its ability, after special processing, to give the optimal temperature at the moment of smoldering. We are talking about temperatures in the range of 60-70˚C. Burn cauterization, i.e. the use of cauterization with the formation of a bubble still persists in eastern countries. In European countries, only thermal cauterization, or heating, is currently used.

What is the benefit of cauterization? It has been proven that moxibustion has an antispasmodic, sedative effect on the body and can even stop physiological aging. This method is especially effective in the treatment of many chronic diseases, gynecological disorders, inflammatory processes, rheumatism, arthritis, insomnia, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, genitourinary system, as well as colds and flu.

Cauterization will quickly relieve pain of various origins; will help a hot-tempered and irritable person calm down; eliminates cramps, “revitalizes” the nerves, and copes with insomnia. Moxibustion can and should be used for cerebral palsy and after strokes during the rehabilitation period. Pmowing significantly improves blood circulation and thus eliminates the various consequences of impaired blood flow. Moxibustion regulates the production of hormones and enzymes. Thus, in people with chronic stomach diseases, cauterization optimizes the production of gastric juice and normalizes acidity. The same thing happens with the salivary glands and the production of bile by the liver.Moxibustion improves the internal secretion of the adrenal glands, testes and ovaries, thyroid and pancreas, as a result, many women's problems are solved.

Cauterization increases the absorption and resorption capacity of tissues. For example, by improving the absorption capacity of the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, the nutrition of the entire body and, accordingly, the functions of all internal organs improves. Thanks tonormal disposalmetabolic products are rapidly eliminated from the body of harmful substances and liquids. Resorption of bruises, subcutaneous bruises, and internal hemorrhages is accelerated.

Normalization of metabolism leads to tissue rejuvenation. For example, in a person with gray hair, when certain points are cauterized, hair of his natural color may appear. With a long course of cauterization, the pressure normalizes. After cauterization for more than 60 days, the number of red blood cells increases by 20%. The amount of hemoglobin also increases. Immunity is strengthened. The clotting properties of the blood are restored, which is especially important during bleeding. The result is noticeable within 30 minutes.

Treatment of chronic prostatitis with moxa moxibustion according to the method of Japanese healers

In Tibetan, Chinese and Japanese medicine, treatment with the so-called moxa moxibustion of longevity points, which are located three fingers below the knees, is very popular (Fig. 1).

Moxa is wormwood (dry and crushed, rolled into a cigarette). It is lit, and the flame is either brought closer to the biological points, or removed, that is, a piercing cauterization is performed.

There is the following legend about this in Japan.

So, in 1845, the peasant Mampe, who at that time was 242 years old, was invited to the ruler of Japan, his wife was 221 years old, his son was 201, his son’s wife was 193, his grandson was 153, and his grandson’s wife was 138.

Mampe explained his secret of longevity by the fact that his family does moxa-cauterization of the above longevity points every month from the 1st to the 8th throughout their adult life.

The moxa cauterization method has survived to this day and is used to treat various diseases, including prostate diseases. However, in any case, it is advisable to stimulate (do acupressure) or cauterize the longevity point, simultaneously with targeted treatment of a specific organ.

Moxa-cauterization of biologically active points for inflammation of the prostate gland

Recipe for making wormwood cigarettes: collect wormwood grass during the flowering period - leaves along with flowers (without stem). Dry everything in the shade, then chop.

Store in bags (such as tobacco pouches) made of natural fabrics. Make a tight roll-your-own cigarette as needed. Before treatment, light it or simply set it on fire to create a stable flame.

Never touch the wormwood cigarette to the skin, but only pour it and bring it very close to it.

Hold the cigarette over each point for several seconds (until you feel very strong warmth, heat) (Fig. 2, 3, 4, 5).

Treatment with a moxa cigarette can also be carried out in another way, which is called “iron cauterization”.

It consists of moving a moxa cigarette very slowly along the line of biologically active points, or on both sides of them.

Cauterize your asthma

Ancient Chinese and Tibetan medicine left humanity with the most valuable heritage, which is gradually being mastered by the entire modern civilization - Zhenjiu therapy. Or, in other words, acupuncture and cauterization of biologically active points. It has not yet been possible to reveal the mechanism of this therapy, which, however, does not prevent it from being used successfully.
One of the places in Moscow where you can undergo treatment with needles and wormwood cigars is the Naran Tibetan medicine clinic. We talk with his chief physician, Svetlana Galsanovna Choyzhinimaeva, about jujube therapy - moxibustion. Zhen therapy, which is better known and popular, will remain outside the scope of our conversation, since hitting a biologically active point with a needle with an accuracy of a fraction of a millimeter is a high art, which is specially taught to doctors, and these skills, of course, cannot be conveyed through a newspaper. Cauterization does not require such precision: the heat from a burning cigar spreads over a fairly large area of ​​skin; a shift of a few millimeters to the side does not reduce the effect. Therefore, those who wish can independently master this ancient Eastern method of treatment.

First, about cigars. The standard wormwood cigar produced in China looks like a small firecracker, its length is 20 cm, diameter is 2 cm, one such cigar is enough for several sessions. Of course, you won’t find Chinese shops everywhere in Russia, but those who want to get involved in this method can make their own cigars for burning.

Before winter covers the ground with a blanket of snow, try to have time to pick wormwood or collect fallen poplar leaves (they successfully replace wormwood). At home, the collected “fuel” for cigars should be dried and then ground to obtain fine “tobacco” dust. You can also use wormwood that is sold in pharmacies. Having these raw materials, you can begin making a cigar. To do this, take a sheet of cigarette paper, or if you don’t have one, take a sheet of newspaper paper with a format of 20x6.5 cm (the first number can be varied - the cigar will be longer or shorter; the second number, which determines the diameter, it is advisable to keep exactly). It must be glued with raw egg white, rolled into a tube, sealing one end, and then filled with wormwood or poplar dust through the open hole, trying to compact it tightly. The binder for the “tobacco” will be the same egg white, which will keep the dust from spilling out when the cigar burns. To make the procedure easier, you can use a plastic case for a regular mercury thermometer (sold at the pharmacy). Having filled the tube to the edge, its second end must also be sealed.

A huge number of diseases are treated with the help of cauterization. Today, taking into account the approaching winter, the associated colds and chronic diseases that worsen during the season, I asked Svetlana Galsanovna to give an algorithm for ju-treatment of these particular diseases.

Chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, as well as a wide range of headaches are treated by cauterization of several biologically active points distributed over the surface of the body.

The first of them - he-gu - is located in the geometric center of the triangular skin membrane connecting the thumb and index fingers. It is necessary to cauterize both of these points on both hands one by one.

The next point is called bulan - “the gate of the lungs”; heating it promotes the separation of mucus and the removal of sputum. This point is located 1 cm below the middle of the collarbone - on the line of the nipple. Two symmetrical points of the “port of the lungs” should be cauterized.

Next, find the jugular notch - this is the triangle where the neck meets the chest. At the apex of the jugular notch there is another necessary point.

Finally, the last key link to victory over bronchitis and asthma is the seventh cervical vertebra.

How to carry out cauterization. The cigar is set on fire and the smoldering end is brought to the desired point at a distance of 1.5-2 cm. The criterion for the correctness of the chosen distance from the surface of the body will be the pleasant warmth spreading from the biologically active point throughout the body. There should be no burning sensation. If it is too hot, the cigar should be slightly moved away from the surface of the body.

Each point is cauterized for 2-3 minutes, maximum 5 minutes. If the cigar is made correctly, one burning session (six points) will shorten the cigar by approximately one centimeter.

Prevention of colds requires 3-5 sessions (in Tibetan medicine the number of sessions is always odd), treatment of an existing cold requires 7-9 sessions (however, with a quickly achieved effect, you can limit yourself to three or five sessions). Preventive cauterizations can be done every other day; it is better to treat an acute illness with daily sessions.

Before starting cauterization of the next point, it is good to pre-lubricate the ju-therapy area with Vietnamese “Asterisk” or Chinese “Loan” balm, or any available essential oil, preferably with eucalyptus or pine needle extract, and do a light massage. In this case, the cauterization effect will increase.

Instead of holding the cigar motionless over the point, you can slowly make circles over the surrounding area. It is good to accompany cauterization of the seventh cervical vertebra by moving the cigar along the spine to the level of the shoulder blades.

Cauterization increases blood flow to vital points, and through them to the lungs and bronchi. In addition, inhaling the vapors of burning wormwood is healing for the respiratory tract and also promotes the removal of phlegm.

If you have cured bronchitis or achieved remission of asthma, after two to three weeks, repeat, but shorten, the course of treatment. After the end of the session, it is necessary to properly extinguish the cigar. There is no need to wet the smoldering end with water - then it will be difficult to set it on fire again. Pressing a cigar to an ashtray like a tobacco bull will not extinguish it. Therefore, the most effective way to extinguish is to lower the smoldering end of a cigar into a vessel with a narrow neck, for example, into a beer bottle. Deprived of oxygen, the cigar will quickly go out.

Cauterization also treats such a difficult chronic disease as sinusitis. In this case, you should cauterize not only the places of the maxillary sinuses (in the upper part of the cheeks, under the eyes) - cheng qi, but also several more points on the body: again both he gu points, two symmetrical ones, the so-called 11th points of the large intestine meridian . You can find these points on the body like this. Bend your arm at the elbow. Look at the elbow crease facing the face. Where this fold ends (near the elbow joint), the desired point is located.

The session should be completed by cauterizing the longevity points. This point - tzu san-li - is located on the front side of the leg, below the kneecap. Place three long fingers (second, third and fourth) under the knee - you will find the horizontal level of the longevity point. Now set the width of the big toe on the right foot to the right of the central meridian of the bone, on the left foot to the left. These will be the points of longevity.

Treatment of sinusitis requires 11-13 warming sessions with a daily treatment regimen.

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