Acupuncture point Hegu (LI 4)
The very real benefits of energy healing are often understated, if not written off entirely as mumbo jumbo. The reasoning for questioning its validity is unclear; though it seems doubts of the therapeutic treatment lie in the common misconception that energy healing operates purely on mental and spiritual planes. Despite the falseness of this accusation (there are an array of hands-on energy-healing techniques), the nature of its logic is somewhat inconsistent with everyday ideals of modern society… especially when considering the immediate acceptance of therapeutic qualities associated with truly indirect experiences such as the relaxing sound of rain or the comforting smell of vanilla.
Even science can vouch that the body is bio-energetic, and thus it can benefit from creating a harmonious balance of its energies. The practice of massage therapy serves as a medium of sorts to transfer good vibes between the body and mind, leaving a sensation of ultimate relaxation through its many energy-healing techniques.
Some such techniques include:
Shiatsu
Shiatsu, meaning “finger pressure”, utilizes pressure from the palms, fingers, elbows, knees, and even feet to stretch the muscles and stimulate the flow of qi (or in other words, “life energy”, good vibes, etc.) along channels connecting the body’s pressure points. Shiatsu is used to treat many ailments and issues including stress, anxiety, depression, pain, and nausea.
Acupressure
Acupressure is similar to acupuncture in that it activates pressure on the same points used in the latter, but without needles, and in doing so disperses or tonifies energy. Acupressure is said to balance yin, yang, and qi, as well as combat nausea and motion sickness.
Thai Massage
Influenced by traditional Chinese medicine, Thai massage is a combination of massage techniques and assisted stretching originating in Thailand that uses manual pressure to inspire the flow of energy and balance as well as mobilization of the body. Thai massage helps to increase flexibility, oxygenation of the blood, and can be mentally therapeutic.
Jin Shin Jyutsu
Jin Shin Jyutsu is an ancient oriental art that emphasizes gentle pressure on systems of pressure points to encourage the flow of life energy through the body. It is used to awaken self-awareness with the body and mind, and also helps to release the bindings of stress in order to obtain optimal health.
In a sense all therapeutic massage techniques promote good vibes, unless the recipient of the massage is an ultimate scrooge, due to their relaxing nature. Energy-healing techniques simply take this concept even further by targeting the energy aspect more specifically than others do. At the same time, these techniques exhibit wholly physical benefits as well, making them the holistic grail of the betterment of mental and physical wellbeing.
Photo Credit: By Mk2010 (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons
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