acupressure

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by Dr. Martin Orimenko – Live Well Holistic Health Center, Ardmore PA

Acupressure and acupuncture are ancient natural healing methods that have been around for more than two thousand years. These natural modalities are based on the idea that stimulation of specific points on the surface of the body stimulates the flow of vital energy which moves through our bodies along pathways known as ‘meridians’, separate from the nerve pathways. This vital energy keeps us healthy and balanced. The acupuncture points occur along these meridian pathways which course through our bodies from head to toe, dipping in and back out of the vital organs, and affecting every physiological function.

Acupressure and acupuncture have been effective treatment modalities for thousands of people seeking an alternative and natural treatment, especially when the modalities they were trying previously were either not working or were to invasive or dangerous, such as surgery. The way acupressure and acupuncture works according to traditional Chinese doctors is that the stimulation of select pressure points on the body “moves stagnant chi” or life force energy. According to TCM (traditional Chinese medicine), any lesion or problem area in the body will have stagnation of the flow of chi, and stimulation of certain points will clear this stagnation, bringing life force energy to the area, facilitating the body’s natural healing mechanisms. According to western science acupressure/acupuncture increases the flow of blood through the area, again facilitating the body’s healing mechanisms. It also relaxes muscles and reduces pain and inflammation.

Stimulating acupressure/acupuncture points by various means can facilitate hundreds of different positive effects in the body. In ancient times the points were stimulated with simple finger pressure. Later the Chinese used bamboo slivers. Then, when the industrial age unfolded, stainless steel needles were created and have been used ever since. With the new technological age came the development of refined electrical instruments and lasers and use of these devices for treating acupuncture points has proven to be very effective. Dr. Martin Orimenko uses both lasers and refined electrical instruments in his treatments as well as the original finger pressure or ‘acupressure’. This approach is gentle, harmless and highly effective. Kids love it!

There also exists a wonderful system of acupuncture known as ‘auricular therapy’ or ear acupuncture. There is a very detailed map of the entire body in the ear, three times more detailed than in foot reflexology, than can be extremely effective for treating many health issues. Not only are the body parts represented, but there are also specific points for a wide variety of conditions such as allergies, depression, hypertension, skin conditions, constipation and addictions, to name a few. Needles are often used, but I prefer a special instrument that not only detects imbalanced, low-energy points, but also treats them with an adjustable micro-amp electrical stimulation.

Acupuncture / acupressure is a wonderful healing modality that has withstood the test of time and is a great alternative to more invasive or drug related medical treatments. Acupressure and acupuncture can be used as alternative healing methods for treating sports injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, migraines, allergies and asthma, hormonal imbalances, PMS/Menstrual Imbalances, High Blood Pressure, Digestive Issues, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Insomnia, TMJ, Children’s Health, ADD/ADHD and Fertility.

About the Author: Dr. Martin Orimenko is a Chiropractor, Naturopath and Nutritionist who practices a unique blend of different holistic modalities in treating patients of all ages for a wide range of health conditions. Dr. Orimenko is currently available for treatments at his MainLine natural health center, the Live Well Holistic Health Center in Ardmore, PA Acupressure and Auricular Therapy are just a few of the modalities that he employs to support health and wellness in his natural healing practice. Other modalities include kinesiology, nutrition and cleansing, neuro-emotional technique, ayurveda, and natural supplement prescriptions.

Massage and Physical Therapies

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Massage is one of the oldest, simplest forms of therapy and is a system of stroking, pressing and kneading different areas of the body to relieve pain, relax, stimulate, and tone the body. Massage does much more than create a pleasant sensation on the skin, it also works on the soft tissues (the muscles, tendons, and ligaments) to improve muscle tone. Although it largely affects those muscles just under the skin, its benefits may also reach the deeper layers of muscle and possibly even the organs themselves. Massage also stimulates blood circulation and assists the lymphatic system (which runs parallel to the circulatory system), improving the elimination of waste throughout the body.

The Healing Point – Prenatal Massage, Pregnancy Massage, Sports Massage, Myofascial Release, Shiatsu, Deep Tissue Massage – Montgomery County, PA, Southeastern Pennsylvania

Maury Malyn, MS, PT – Myofascial Release, Physical Therapy – Main Line of Philadelphia, Center City Philadelphia and Chester, Delaware and Montgomery County, PA

The Henderson Center – Dr. Jon Garzillo – Chiropractors, Shiatsu Therapists, Massage Therapists – King of Prussia, PA, Montgmery County PA, Southeastern Pennsylvania

Ame Salon and Spa
– Hair Salon, Waxing, Facials, Nails, Day Spa, Holistic Wellness, Massage, Reiki, Nutrition – Wayne, Delaware County PA, Main Line PA, Southeastern Pennsylvania, Delaware

Acupressure/Shiatsu
Acupressure is a term encompassing any number of massage techniques that use manual pressure to stimulate energy points on the body.

Deep Tissue Work
This term describes a large variety of hands-on methods which focus on the deeper tissues of the body. Examples of deep tissue work include Rolfing, connective tissue massage, and deep friction massage. This work is often done around a joint and on the
ligaments and tendons which lie below the muscle level.

Jin Shin
Jin Shin Jyutsu was developed in Japan by Jiro Murai, who rediscovered the ancient qi flow in his own body and mapped a powerful system of healing points. Combinations of points are held with the fingertips for a minute or so, usually with the client lying on his or her back. Various schools of Jin Shin style have evolved, including Jin Shin Do and Jin Shin acupressure.

Hanna Somatics
Addresses the traumas,tensions, memories stored in the musculoskeletal system. Practitioners utilize a number of therapeutic techniques to facilitate release work and awareness for further integration/development of the self. Dr. Thomas Hanna’s Somatic exercises, based on the work of Moshe Feldenkrais®, are body reeducation movements that make changes in the sensory-motor areas of the brain in order to maintain internal control of the muscle system. Also referred to as Biokinetics.

Myofascial Release
A hands-on technique used to work the connective tissue or fascia around a muscle. This can be helpful if a person is experiencing muscular or joint pain.

Oriental Body Therapies
Refers to techniques and training in various Chinese Massage therapies.

Reflexology
Reflexology involves stroking or applying pressure to one part of the body in order to effect changes in another part of the body. This method emphasizes free-flowing vital force, or Chi. It is usually applied to the feet.

Shiatsu
Shiatsu, like acupuncture, deals with the flow of vital energy along meridians in the body. Shiatsu uses the application of gently applied deep finger pressure, as well as other manipulative techniques, to affect the balance of energy in the body. This “touching” stimulates the immunological and natural curative abilities of the body to move toward balance. It also releases endorphins into the blood stream and beneficially affects the nervous system.

Swedish Massage
Massage techniques based on a circular pattern of stroking and kneading, often a more gentle form of massage, depending upon the practitioner’s style.

Thai Massage
Originating in Thailand thousands of years ago, this is an expanded form of floor massage, involving long, relaxing, slow stretching movements. It is a comprehensive, full-body massage, which also utilizes the meridian system common to Eastern cultures. Shiatsu is a modern, shortened version of Thai Massage.

Trigger Point Therapy
Trigger points are points on muscles, ligaments and tendons that, when
touched, are extremely painful and, because of that pain, often cause
referred pain to another part of the body. The Nimmo Receptor-Tonus
Chiropractic Technique uses digital pressure to remove “nerve interference” at trigger points. This develops a response (reflex) from the body which causes the blood vessels to open up and enlarge. Built-up toxins then have a chance to escape into the blood stream.

Acupuncture Shiatsu and Chinese Medicine

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Chinese Medicine is a philosophy of nature that involves herbal preparations, food therapy, exercise, and massage, and acupuncture. It involves a completely separate form of anatomy, physiology and diagnosis which relates to imbalances of energy or Qi in the body (Qi is pronounced “Chee”). Energy circulates through pathways known as meridians or channels. Acupressure and Acupuncture seeks to rebalance these disturbances through stimulation of specific points along these channels.

Mary Ann Settembrino – Licensed Acupuncturist – Narberth Family Medicine and Acupuncture – Main Line of Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania

Dr. Marina Yanover, ND, LAc – Naturopathic Medicine Family Practice & Acupuncture – New York City, Brooklyn, Connecticut

The Henderson Center – Chiropractors, Shiatsu Therapy, Massage Therapists – King of Prussia, PA, Montgomery County PA, Southeastern Pennsylvania

Chinese Medicine modalities include:

Acupressure
Acupressure is a term encompassing any number of massage techniques that use manual pressure to stimulate energy points on the body.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a system of treatment which has been in existence for thousands of years. It is totally different from Western Medicine, having its own complete system of anatomy, physiology and diagnosis, which relates illness to imbalances of energy in the body. This imbalance causes a disruption in the flow of vital energy, Qi, that circulates through pathways in the body known as meridians and channels. Acupuncture seeks to re-balance the fundamental disturbance in the body’s energy through the stimulation of specific points which lie along these channels. There are, in fact, two types of acupuncture which are used. The most common is the Traditional Chinese method, and the other is known as “trigger point needling”. The latter is of most value in treating painful conditions, but it also has a variety of other uses.

Chinese Herbs
Herbal medicine is a primary part of Chinese Medicine. Formulas may contain six to nineteen different substances from the vegetable, animal and mineral kingdoms, and are assembled with great care. They are prescribed to treat the root cause of the disease and its manifestation, and the formula must also be balanced within itself.

Electro-Acupuncture
Electro-acupuncture has become widely used as an effective way to treat pain. By adding micro-current to the acupuncture points, the muscles and painful area relax and the Qi flows more smoothly. Just as with traditional acupuncture, needles are inserted in patient- specific points on the body to which a device is connected. The device genereates an electric pulse through small clips attached to the needles. Most patients feel a tingling sensation, some patients do not feel anything at all.

N.A.E.T.
An allergy elimination technique, developed by Dr. Devi Nambudripad, with over fifteen years of research. N.A.E.T. (Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Technique) is a combination of kinesiology, acupressure and acupuncture that clears and rebalances the energetic and nervous systems. By eliminating energy blockages that cause allergic reactions, N.A.E.T. restores the body to a balanced and healthy state.

Five Element Shiatsu
Five Element Shiatsu is based on the naturalistic Chinese Medicine’s Law of the Five Elements. The Five Elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water and they have corresponding physical and emotional aspects in people. These physical and emotional energies move in specific pathways or meridians on the surface of the entire body. The goal of the Five Element Shiatsu practitioner is the maintenance of a smooth flow of these energies through the body to help prevent or alleviate dis-ease which they believe is the result of poor energy flow caused by the effects of an unbalanced lifestyle: excessive work, little exercise, poor diet, and stress.