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Chinese vs. Japanese Acupuncture: What is the Difference?

2/21/2020

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People often think that there is just one type of acupuncture. They are surprised to find out that Japanese acupuncture is a unique style that can elevate your sense of wellness and well-being.

Acupuncture originated in China over 3,000 years ago and in acupuncture school, we begin by studying the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine.  Both styles use the same theory of the five-element organ system -- kidney/water, liver/wood, heart/fire, spleen/earth, and lungs/metal. Both methods also use the same acupuncture points along the same energetic pathways or meridians.  However, the way we practice is slightly different.

This is because before the 6th century Buddhist Monks brought acupuncture to Japan.  Over time, acupuncture became one of the few career paths for people who were blind. It may seem a little unusual to think of blind people inserting needles, but let me explain.  

When people can't see, their other senses become more enhanced.  Blind acupuncturists became extremely skilled at feeling the pulse and areas of restriction in the body.  Fortunately, they were able to pass this knowledge onto current day acupuncturists, including me. This kinesthetic sense helps Japanese acupuncturists treat more gently.  

A few major Japanese acupuncture benefits include:
  • Needles that are thinner than those used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
  • A more gentle style than TCM
  • Gathering information on how the body actually feels
  • Avoiding needling into areas of pain

They say that Chinese acupuncturists treat from the brain and Japanese acupuncturists treat from the belly.  Chinese practitioners come up with a diagnosis and a set of points. Japanese practitioners feel the body and use points that release restrictions while the patient is on the table, looking for reduction in pain and changes in the pulse as we treat. 
​

If you have tried Chinese Acupuncture and felt it wasn't quite right for you, you might want to get in touch with me to find out how Japanese Acupuncture can help you.
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5 Powerful At-home Cold and Flu Remedies

2/12/2020

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Has cold and flu season been running rampant in your family? It seems like every day someone I know has come down with a bug.  It happened to me a few weeks ago, giving me the opportunity to practice the kind of self-care I'm always talking about. 

You see the body wants to heal.  It's something each of us is doing all the time.  We recover from cuts, scrapes, colds, broken bones, headaches, the flu all the time. And we don't always acknowledge it.

So even if you're feeling crappy at the moment, most likely a week from now that feeling will just be a distant memory.  But probably you want to do something to feel better today.

I'm going to share with you my favorite at-home cold and flu remedies to help you and the ones you love to get healthy, naturally!

1) Rest
You may think you're not doing anything when you're in bed resting from a bug.  Nothing can be further from the truth—in fact, rest is perhaps the most important at-home cold and flu remedy!  Your immune system is hard at work getting rid of germs that have invaded your bodies. Your cells are building energy.    

2) Drink Tea     
Cold Season Tea is one of my favorite natural remedies for a cold.  It contains herbs that warm the body and get rid of those pesky germs.  As soon as I feel myself coming down with a cold, I start drinking cup after cup of this. I feel the bug moving out. It's kind of magical.
Ginger lemon tea is another favorite of mine if you're feeling down and out with a cold or flu.  Simply buy fresh ginger root at the supermarket. Wash it and cut it into thin slices. Then put them in the freezer.  When you're ready for a cup of tea, put a few of the frozen slices in a cup, then add boiling water and some lemon juice. Also, add a little honey if you have a sore throat. 

2) Use a Saline Rinse
I do a nasal saline rinse every day, regardless of the season.  I like the squeeze bottle by Neilmed.  Fill it with distilled or boiling water (important)  and a packet of saline. I microwave it for 22 seconds. The salt kills bacteria from infections in the nasal cavity.

3) Try Homeopathic Remedies. 
Homeopathic remedies are made by taking minuscule amounts of something that brings on symptoms in a healthy person, diluting these, and treating  an illness in a person with similar symptoms.
I like Oscillococcinum for colds and flus.  You can purchase this at CVS or your local pharmacy.

4) Elderberry Syrup
This works great for coughs and can be purchased at Vitacost.
​

5) Eucalyptus oil in a pot of boiling water
Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a pot of boiling water and breathe in the steam.
These natural cold and flu remedies are all easy to buy and prepare, and they are all good for the body.  Pick 2 or 3 of your favorites, and you'll be feeling healthy in no time. Your immune system just needs a little TLC to get rid of and keep you from catching colds and flus.


​
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    Author

    In practice for over 20 years, Bonnie Diamond offers individualized, heart-centered care using a pain-free, Japanese style of acupuncture.  Her work is influenced by her nine year struggle with and complete recovery from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  

    Interested in finding out more?

    ​
    Schedule a free 1/2 hour online consultation.

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  • Home
  • Bio
    • Testimonials
  • Conditions Treated
    • CFS/ME & Fibromyalgia >
      • Hope for CFS & FMS
    • Musculoskeletal Pain
    • Repiratory Issues, Weak Immune System
    • Fibromyalgia
    • Sleep Disturbances and Insomnia
    • Sports Injury
    • Depression, Anxiety, Stress
    • Prevention & Well-being
  • Services
    • Craniosacral Therapy
    • Ear Acupuncture Clinic
    • Japanese Acupuncture >
      • Why Acupuncture?
    • Wellness Counseling
    • Visceral Manipulation
  • Initial Visit
    • Free Consultation
    • Directions
    • Forms
    • Contact
  • Events
    • What People Are Saying
    • Workshops Led By Bonnie Diamond
    • Illness as a Spiritual Journey
  • Blog
    • Yummy Healthy Food