In what cases is acupuncture and moxibustion used? Reflexology in Chinese Medicine

- this is the insertion of thin, sterile, clean stainless steel needles into certain points on the patient’s body. More than two thousand years ago, a connection was discovered between influencing these points and establishing the desired energy balance in a person. If you walk into the acupuncture department of any American hospital, you will probably see small children as patients. However, it is easy to guess that most children are not enthusiastic about the prospect of being stabbed with needles. Acupuncture needles do not hurt like needles used for hypodermic injections do because they are much thinner and nothing is injected into the body. And yet, having become acquainted with acupuncture, albeit of a different kind, through vaccination, children experience an unaccountable fear of acupuncture.

Acupuncturists have several ways to deal with this problem. First of all, some of them limit themselves to performing this procedure only on the back of a young patient who lies on his stomach and does not see anything that would cause him fear. Secondly, many people insert a needle into the desired acupuncture point, activate that point for a very short time, and then quickly remove the needle. Thus, the child simply does not have time to get scared. The needle does not remain in the child’s body for 20-30 minutes - as happens when adult patients are treated. In addition, the doctor tries to use fewer points per session than he uses when working with adult patients with the same diseases.

There are other ways. In the article on prevention, I mentioned the Japanese version of pediatric acupuncture, which in the West is called “shonishin”. This is the activation of acupuncture points with the help of various small objects - brushes, tassels, staples, rollers, etc. - on the surface of the patient’s body, without piercing the skin. This gentle and comfortable method of activating acupuncture points is applicable for both treatment and prevention of diseases. I have not practiced shonishin myself, but I know from experts that children enjoy being subjected to this procedure.

Some acupuncturists apply pressure to acupuncture points using miniature magnets attached to the patient's body using a special tape. Magnetic therapy has existed as part of Chinese medicine since the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). I have used this method with very good results. The technical side of this method is that the desired acupuncture points are selected and magnets are fixed above them. They are turned to the skin with the north or south pole, depending on our desire to excite or calm the point. The magnets remain in a fixed position for a period from one night to several days. Some practitioners also use various ionized pills, medicinal herbs or pastes to activate acupuncture points.

There is also laser acupuncture. This is a relatively new form of acupuncture that uses a neon laser to stimulate the points. This is a completely painless and at the same time very effective method. You can also perform electrical stimulation of the points without using needles. In this case, a blunt metal probe is held over the desired point or a rubber-coated electrode is used. Power in this case can be provided using a flashlight battery; Such a device is good in the sense that it will most likely not cause fear in a small child. During the procedure, the child will either not feel anything at all, or will feel a very slight tingling sensation at each point. Electroacupuncture is also a very effective treatment method for children.

As with Chinese baby massage, acupuncture usually requires more than one session to treat most childhood illnesses.

If the disease is acute, then the doctor may prescribe two sessions on the first day. If the condition improves, you can limit yourself to one session per day for two to three days. If the condition continues to improve, then you can switch to even rarer sessions. For chronic conditions, if we talk about Western countries, the child is prescribed one procedure per day, and the exact number of sessions is determined for each condition separately.

Moxibustion is another component of what is simply called acupuncture in Western countries. The moxibustion method involves burning dry moxa (wormwood) grass on or near acupuncture points. Moxibustion is used to warm areas of the body that are too cold, or to infuse more Yang or warm Qi into the body or certain areas of the body. When performing cauterization, doctors often use moxa twisting. These long "cigars" of moxa ("wormwood cotton" made by rubbing the dried leaves and stems of wormwood) are lit and held over an acupuncture point or area of ​​the body that needs to be warmed. Since warming also promotes the free flow of Qi and blood, moxibustion can be used equally in cases where it is necessary to enhance the movement of Qi and blood. Moxibustion is often used to treat conditions of spleen and/or kidney failure, so doctors try to teach parents how to perform moxibustion on children at home. “Children’s” moxibustion is usually performed once a day. The areas warmed by the wormwood “cigar” become reddish and warm to the touch, but, of course, there should be no pain, except in those rare cases when, as prescribed by a doctor, cauterization is done to create a blister.

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 moved a little 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,

Treatment with injections and cauterization of certain points of the body (in Chinese, zhen-tseyu-xue) is one of the most important sections of Chinese traditional medicine. Acupuncture (acupuncture) and moxibustion (moxa) have been used in China for several millennia. This method of treatment owes its origin to the exceptional observation and hard work of Chinese doctors. Already in ancient times, it was noticed that wounds, cuts or injections into certain points of the body significantly alleviate the course of a number of diseases or completely cure certain ailments. For example, injections into the Achilles tendon relieve a person of headaches, injections into the upper lip can bring the patient out of fainting, and inserting needles into the back of the hand, at the base of the 1st and 2nd fingers, relieves insomnia.

The most ancient Chinese medical treatises indicate that even in primitive society, along with some medicinal substances, treatment with injections (at that time they used stone needles) and cauterization was used. Only in the 4th-3rd centuries BC were stone needles replaced by metal ones, and for cauterization they began to use lumps, cones or candles (cigarettes) made from dried herbs (mainly wormwood).

The methods of Zhen Ju therapy were described in detail in the already mentioned monument of ancient Chinese medicine

Huang Di Nei-ching. In the 3rd century AD, the famous acupuncturist Huang Fu-mi, relying on the experience of his predecessors, wrote a treatise on acupuncture and moxibustion - Dia-i-Ching, which consisted of 12 volumes, most of which was devoted to determining the localization of points for injections or thermal effects . This is the oldest monograph on Zhen Chiu that has survived to this day.

During the Jin Dynasty (265-588 AD), treatment with injections and cauterization became a special branch of traditional medicine. Due to the fact that the methods of acupuncture and moxa were continuously improved, especially during the Tang and Song dynasties (VI-XIII centuries), and at the same time their use in medical practice was steadily expanding, the largest number of special works published at that time were devoted to acupuncture and moxibustion . So, in 1026, during the Song Dynasty (960-1276), the book Tong-ren-shu-xue-zhen-ju (Atlas of the Bronze Man's Points) appeared, which described in detail how to find places for injections on the body or cauterization. The author Wang Wei-de applied to a bronze statue of a man specially cast for this purpose all the points known at that time (more than 600 points were already described in detail), described each of them in detail and noted what effect the use of acupuncture or moxibustion gives on those or other parts of the body. This statue and the atlas of points were widely used for practical training and when passing exams in acupuncture.

After that, a special profile of acupuncture and moxibustion was created in the Chinese traditional medicine teaching system. The method of acupuncture, which has been improved over thousands of years and has given good therapeutic effects for many diseases, has gained great popularity in China. Only during the years of the Kuomintang regime was this method of treatment rejected as unscientific; puncture doctors were boycotted and even persecuted.

In 1944, Mao Tse-tung called on doctors with modern specialized education to collaborate with representatives of traditional medicine and, in particular, to study and further improve the techniques of Zhen Ju therapy. Already at that time, injection treatment became widespread in the liberated areas of the country. After the proclamation of the People's Republic, the Institute of Zhen-Jiu Therapy was organized. In 1954, special departments or rooms were created at hospitals, clinics, outpatient clinics and other medical institutions where they treat with injections and cauterization, and training courses for relevant specialists were also organized.

Currently, in order to master and put into practice some of the most effective techniques of Zhen Ju therapy and to promote their widespread dissemination, these treatment methods are already included in the curriculum of medical schools.

Zhen Ju therapy methods are used by doctors in many countries, and they have gained the greatest popularity in Japan and other Eastern countries, where they are subject to careful study.

Chinese, Japanese and other scientists are conducting research work to study the effects of acupuncture and moxibustion on various body functions. In experiments on animals, they achieved well-known results that prove the positive effect of these treatment methods. Acupuncture and moxibustion are also being studied in France, Hungary, the USSR and other countries. Recently, international scientific conferences on Zhen Ju therapy have begun to be convened, and special journals on acupuncture and moxibustion have been published.

In recent years, the methods of Zhen Ju therapy have begun to be studied in depth by Soviet doctors. Using the latest advances in the field of physiology, biochemistry, pathophysiology and other sciences, based on careful clinical observations and experimental studies, it is possible to obtain a reliable understanding of the effects of acupuncture and moxibustion on the peripheral and central nervous system, etc. in particular, on the cerebral cortex, metabolism, the activity of the endocrine glands, respiratory organs, blood circulation and digestion, and on the protective function of the body.

Through the joint efforts of Chinese and Soviet scientists and doctors, we hope to successfully resolve many of the theoretical problems of Zhen Jute Therapy in the near future.

A study of the effectiveness of Zhen Ju therapy in a clinical setting has shown that in some cases it gives encouraging results in the treatment of certain diseases of the internal and, in particular, digestive organs (acute and chronic inflammation of the stomach and intestines, peptic ulcers, functional disorders of the stomach and intestines), diseases organs: respiratory (acute and chronic bronchitis, etc.), cardiovascular system (hypertension), nervous diseases (trigeminal neuralgia, convulsions, paresis and paralysis of the facial and other nerves, sciatica), diseases of the musculoskeletal system (acute and chronic articular and muscular rheumatism). Acupuncture and moxibustion have proven to be an effective remedy in pediatrics, in particular in the treatment of dyspepsia and residual effects after polio, etc., in gynecology - in the treatment of menstrual disorders, in ophthalmology - in the treatment of inflammation of the optic nerve.

Zhen-ju therapy also has an effect in the treatment of tonsillitis and laryngitis, and alleviates the course of infectious diseases such as encephalitis B, etc.

However, it is impossible not to take into account that the techniques of acupuncture and moxa, passed on by folk doctors from generation to generation, are exceptionally diverse, and each technique has its own advantages. To clarify the effectiveness of certain techniques and the scope of their application in medical practice, further in-depth research is necessary.

Significant work has been done in this direction recently. The study of various techniques of Zhen-Jiu Therapy in a clinical setting is carried out in China in numerous medical and health institutions, and primarily at the Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion at the Central Institute of Chinese Traditional Medicine. more than 10 thousand people suffering from various diseases, most of which were chronic and could not be cured by other methods for a long time. After treatment with acupuncture and moxibustion, the vast majority of patients received relief, and over 40 percent of patients made a complete recovery.

Let us now dwell in some more detail on the technique of acupuncture and moxibustion.

Needles used for injections have different lengths, shapes, thicknesses, and elasticity; Most often, needles made of an alloy of silver or gold with other metals or soft stainless steel are used. The length of the needle ranges from 2 to 12 centimeters, and the choice of shape, thickness, greater or less elasticity depends on the location and nature of the injection, which in turn is determined by the characteristics of the disease being treated with this method.

In ancient China, nine types of needles were used: prismatic, double-edged, round, spear-shaped, needles with two or three blades, with a sharp or blunt end. They were used mainly in three cases: 1) to massage the skin or muscles - needles with a blunt end; 2) for cutting a vessel (bloodletting), skin or muscles (drainage of pus) - lanceolate and spear-shaped needles; 3) for acupuncture in the literal sense of the word - round needles of various lengths, thicknesses and flexibility.

The appearance of various needles is shown on page 27.

Currently, only more or less thin round needles with a sharp or semi-sharp end, up to 10-12 centimeters long are used (these needles are used for injections in the gluteal region, for example, in the treatment of sciatica), needles up to 5 centimeters long for injections into points located on the limbs, chest, abdomen, lower back and back, and finally, short needles up to 2-4 centimeters long - to irritate nerve endings in the skin and superficial muscles and nerves in the head and face.

For superficial injections (mei-hua-zhen) a bunch of ordinary sewing needles is now also used. Sometimes acupuncture is combined with galvanic current passing through needles.

There are three ways to insert needles. The first is to insert the needle while rotating slowly. In this case, thin needles are used; the needle is held with three fingers - thumb, index and middle; introduce it gradually, so

Otherwise, the needle may bend and be difficult to insert.

The second method is a quick superficial injection. In this case, short thin needles are used and held like a pen. This method is usually used when providing emergency care (for fainting, shock or convulsions in children, etc.); the needle is inserted decisively and quickly to a depth of 3-6 millimeters.

The third method of introducing needles comes down to injections followed by rotation. In this case, an elastic, thin and long needle is inserted with a sharp movement into the body 1/2-1 centimeter, and then it is advanced deeper with slow rotational movements until the patient feels a sensation. After this, the needle continues to rotate in place.

After the needle is inserted, it is necessary to find the nerve; in this case, the doctor is guided by the degree of sensitivity and reaction of the patient. The search for the nerve trunk is carried out by further immersion, removal of the needle or puncture. Puncture enhances the force of insertion, withdrawal and rotation of the needle. Usually they puncture in the direction where a strong sensation appears.

If, when the needle is inserted to a certain depth, the patient does not feel anything, then this indicates that the needle has passed by the nerve trunk, and then it needs to be lightly. As soon as the patient has a strong sensation when removing the needle, it continues to be rotated in place. The sensations experienced by the patient depend on the type of disease, the chosen point and method of insertion, rotation and removal of the needle. Thus, in particular, different methods of rotation cause different sensations in the patient. The faster you rotate the needle in place, the greater the irritation. With different

As the needle rotates, the patient experiences a feeling of aching, bloating, numbness, warmth, coldness, sparks jumping, etc.

Leaving the needles in the body is used in cases where the inserted needle reaches a certain depth and its rotation causes unbearable irritation, if, with prolonged rotation of the needle, the patient’s sensation has disappeared, if the needle penetrates the tissue without any resistance, without causing any sensation in the patient. In this case, the needle is left motionless for 2-3 minutes, and then rotational movements are made again. If the muscle is in a state of tension, the needle should be left motionless until the muscle relaxes. The main purpose of leaving a needle in the body (often for 20-30 minutes or longer) is to treat cramps or pain.

The term cauterization reflects the techniques that existed in ancient times, when lumps of smoldering substance in the form of cones made from dried wormwood fibers or other material were applied to certain places on the patient’s skin. As a result of cauterization, a bubble appeared on the skin, and then a scab formed.

Currently, this method of cauterization has been abandoned. Instead of cigarettes, wormwood cigarettes are used. The lit end of such a cigarette is brought closer to the patient’s skin in certain places, thus influencing certain active points with heat. In addition, there are two more methods of thermal exposure: the pecking cauterization method, when a cigarette is periodically brought to a certain point on the skin at a very close distance, and the thermal cauterization method with constant movements (ironing).

Moxibustion is often combined with acupuncture. In this case, an injection affects deep-lying tissues, and cauterization causes superficial irritations.

Thermal cauterization gives a good effect for neuroses of the gastrointestinal tract and some other diseases. niyah. The pecking cauterization method is used to obtain an exciting effect. This method is indicated for atonic constipation, collapse, shock. The ironing method is used to treat eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.

Cauterization is practiced in cases where the patient is hypersensitive, suffers from eczema or other skin diseases, which complicates acupuncture.

As we have already noted, the essence of acupuncture is the introduction of special needles into special, so-called active points, which reflect on the surface the functional changes of a particular organ and are the centers of influence during acupuncture.

Chinese doctors have developed a whole doctrine about the location of these points on the skin, about for what diseases, at what points and how to prick (in the sense of the method and depth of needle insertion, the duration of its stay in the tissues, etc.). The points were connected by 14 lines, or meridians.

Most of the points currently used for therapeutic purposes were described in ancient times. This testifies to the amazing powers of observation of Chinese scientists and the high level of skill of ancient doctors, who, based on numerous experiments and observations, were able to; to reach the discovery of important patterns of vital activity of the human body.

In recent years, the staff of the Institute of Zhen-Jute-Rapia has done a lot of work to systematize points and lines. Based on the study and comparison of data given in ancient medical treatises, as well as facts obtained as a result of research into the effectiveness of acupuncture in the clinic, the total number of points is now G93; Of these, about 150 points are used most often.

Below is a schematic location of some of these points on the head, chest and abdomen, back and arm (see pages 32, 34, 36, 38).

A course of acupuncture usually consists of 10-15 sessions, performed every other day or every day; then take a break for 10-15 days, after which, if necessary, the course of treatment is repeated.

We have already said that acupuncture, as a rule, does not cause pain, but is accompanied by other sensations. Chinese doctors call these sensations intentional, since an experienced puncture doctor can know in advance what the patient will feel when injected by one method or another into a certain active point.

Table 2 provides a list of some active points on the head and hand, indicating for which diseases acupuncture at these points is recommended:

Acupuncture is especially effective for neurasthenia, neuralgia of the trigeminal and sciatic nerves, paralysis of the facial and other nerves, radiculitis, in the treatment of residual effects after polio, chronic rheumatism, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, hypertension, menstrual irregularities, etc. Acupuncture often gives good results in the treatment of tuberculosis, malaria, and night blindness. In these cases, injections apparently increase the body's resistance and thereby contribute to a faster recovery. In the treatment of night blindness and other diseases due to impaired absorption of vitamins, acupuncture appears to have an effect by normalizing the process of vitamin absorption.

Acupuncture is an effective remedy in some cases that require emergency care, such as fainting, shock, seizures, heat stroke, and attacks of angina pectoris.

Let us dwell in more detail on the treatment with acupuncture of residual effects in children after they have suffered

polio. This question is of particular interest, since a system of rational measures has not yet been developed to treat the consequences of polio.

In 1953, Dr. Jin Shi-chung began using acupuncture for this purpose in one of the children's hospitals in Beijing.

Those children in whom all symptoms of paralysis completely disappeared were considered cured. Those patients who showed a clear effect after acupuncture treatment (for example, they began to walk, but not very well) were classified in the group with clear improvement. If after treatment the paralysis became incomplete, then this was considered an improvement.

The data presented indicate that treatment of the effects of polio with acupuncture helps restore the functions of the affected organs. Acupuncture is especially effective when it is started in the first days after the temperature has dropped and the cellular elements in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) have normalized. The success of acupuncture treatment depends on the timing of the start of treatment, the severity of the disease and the activity of the patient.

Typically, acupuncture sessions are performed every other day or two days. In severely ill patients, cure or clear improvement occurs within six months or a year from the start of treatment. In particularly severe patients, acupuncture treatment continues for up to two years. However, in some severe cases, patients recover much faster; cure often occurs within 3-5 months from the start of treatment.

Exceptionally good results were achieved in patients with a mild course, in whom Zhen Ju therapy was started from the first days after the temperature dropped and

normalization of cellular elements in the cerebrospinal fluid. In such cases, rapid disappearance of paralysis was noted.

Paralysis that lasts more than a year usually causes severe deformation and muscle atrophy. Therefore, treating such patients with acupuncture gives less pronounced results. However, even in these cases, acupuncture sometimes produces a dramatic effect.

In the process of treating residual effects, the most effective points were identified on the upper and lower extremities, injections into which gave the most pronounced therapeutic results.

The Zhen Ju therapy method for treating residual effects of polio is as follows: the needle is inserted with a rotational motion, left in the tissue for a short time to cause moderate irritation of the nerve endings, and then quickly removed with a rotational motion. It is advisable to combine acupuncture with moxibustion. Each cauterization, lasting 2-3 minutes, is performed by slowly rotating the lit end of a wormwood cigarette at a distance of one and a half centimeters above the skin.

Cauterization and acupuncture cause irritation of sensory endings and nerve trunks, which, apparently, determines the restoration of metabolic processes and nervous regulation of paralyzed organs.

It is known that in polio, the pathological process is mainly localized in the anterior horns of the spinal cord. The motor nerve cells located in the anterior horns are severely affected and often die as a result of the virus entering them. It is impossible to restore the vital activity, and therefore the function, of dead cells. This is why acupuncture and moxibustion cannot give a satisfactory effect in advanced cases. However, we must not forget that some of the nerve cells in the anterior horns are only subjected to more or less severe damage. Therefore, timely administration of acupuncture, which causes short-term and mild irritation of the peripheral nerves, or cauterization, which causes irritation of the nerve endings in the skin, often helps restore the function of the motor nerve cells of the spinal cord, which were previously more or less severely affected by the polio virus or were even on the verge of death . Hence it is clear why timely started zhen-ju therapy provides a cure or clear improvement even in severe cases

Based on the above, the following conclusions can be drawn.

Acupuncture and moxibustion are justified as

means of treating residual effects after polio, helping to restore the function of the affected limbs.

The success of treatment depends on the duration:; the start of treatment, the severity of the disease and the patient’s activity. Acupuncture and moxibustion in some cases bring cure or clear improvement in patients suffering from paralysis for more than a year, however, as a rule, the effectiveness of treatment for such patients is undoubtedly less than for those whose treatment was started earlier. Treatment started in the first days of the disease is especially effective.

So, the therapeutic effect of acupuncture for a number of diseases is beyond doubt. However, the mechanism of the beneficial effects of Zhen Ju therapy is still not fully understood.

According to I.P. Pavlov, the disease occurs as a result of a violation of the normal relationship between the body and the environment. The disease is a complex reaction of the body to harmful influences, accompanied by more or less serious disruption of the nervous regulation of certain physiological processes. Since the body is a single whole primarily thanks to the nervous system, almost any disruption of its activity immediately affects the functioning of the entire organism. Consequently, each reaction carried out with the participation of the nervous system is not limited to the affected area, but often covers the entire body.

Research by a number of Soviet scientists, in particular M.K. Petrova, K.M. Bykov and others, showed what a decisive role in normal activity and the occurrence of a variety of diseases is played by disorders of higher nervous activity, i.e. disturbances in the normal functioning of the cerebral cortex . Based on these works, we can come to the conclusion that by returning the functions of the central nervous system to normal, a number of diseases can be cured.

The effectiveness of Zhen Ju therapy is apparently explained by the fact that moderate irritation of sensitive endings (receptors) concentrated in the skin, muscles and other tissues, as well as nerve trunks, restores nervous regulation in the body, normalizing strength, mobility and (stability of excitation processes and braking.

Precisely because the therapeutic effect of acupuncture and moxibustion is carried out, apparently, in a reflex way through the central nervous system, which controls the activity of all organs and systems, it is not limited to the area of ​​a particular point or nerve, but often has a beneficial effect on the condition and activity of organs, distant from the injection site.

Scientists from China, the Soviet Union and other countries

There is a lot of work to be done for the purpose of further scientific and theoretical understanding of the techniques and methods of Zhen Ju therapy.

The successful solution of this task, like many others, will be facilitated day by day by the expanding community of Chinese and Soviet scientists - one of the expressions of the continuously strengthening Soviet-Chinese friendship. Zhen-ju therapy is an important part of Chinese traditional medicine, symbolizing the wisdom, hard work and observation of the Chinese people, gaining citizenship rights in various countries of the world. Further theoretical understanding and practical improvement of this ancient method of treatment will make it possible to replenish the arsenal of modern medicine with another effective way of influencing the body of a sick person.

However, one should not overestimate the healing capabilities of Zhen Ju therapy. Excessively widespread use of acupuncture for the treatment of all diseases can lead to discrediting both this method and other means of Chinese traditional medicine.

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 heavenly 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 Egyptian patron of healing, Imhotep, known to us (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 the help of 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 only pleasant warmth during smoldering. 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 height 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.

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.
• Infancy and old age (over 75 years).
• Psychoses.
• Acute pain syndromes of unknown origin.
• Pregnancy.
• Condition after heavy physical activity, running, hot bath.

It should be taken into account 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 examine 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.

Method of distant warming. 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 heated area of ​​the body. 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 has 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. In 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 is 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 Eastern 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

Plate application 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 was obviously the belief in the powerful power of 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 to 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, it is impossible to influence the retina of the patient and the doctor.