The Eastern therapies are a set of theories and practices for the benefit of human health.
The human being is a complex being. Maintaining its balance is based on a healthy lifestyle, both physical and psychological, but it also depends on many other factors. As Eastern philosophies have taught us for millennia, everything in the universe is interconnected. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and other Eastern practices, for example, are a way to understand the universe and its interrelations, and can be a powerful tool for us to know ourselves better, in addition to, perhaps, helping to achieve that harmony that the human being aspires to.
The Eastern therapies are a set of theories and practices for the benefit of human health. Their relative complexity is mainly due to their philosophical and symbolic basis. They see the body, heart, and mind as a whole, considering phenomena not in isolation, but from the relationships between them. Therefore, the health of an organ or a person depends on multiple factors, all interconnected.
You may have heard of acupuncture and yoga, but do you know what these Eastern therapies actually mean? Learn a little about them and others below.
Table of Contents
1. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient therapy that has been practiced for over 5,000 years. It is based on two fundamental principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The first is Yin and Yang, which symbolizes the two opposing parts that exist in everything. For example, woman is Yin and man is Yang, water is Yin and fire is Yang. They oppose each other, complement each other; one cannot exist without the other.
The second principle is that of the five elements. The universe is formed by the movement and transformation of five elements, namely: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. This theory is used to explain physiology and pathology, as well as the relationships between the organism and the surrounding environment.
The Chinese considered acupuncture (from Latin acus, “needle”, and pungere, “to prick”) a method capable of stimulating the defenses and balance of the organism. It is based on the theory that the body carries a constant flow of electromagnetic vital energy, through a network of “meridians.” Needles are inserted into specific points of the meridians to stimulate or disperse the flow, in order to correct an imbalance.
Acupuncture was officially recognized in 1978 by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an effective and accepted medical practice.
2. Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a therapeutic treatment originating from Japan. It uses the method of pressure with the fingers (shiatsu = finger pressure), with thumbs, fingers, palms, elbows, knees, feet, and toes as instruments for a kind of massage, without the use of other mechanical or medical instruments. The massage balances the flow of energy in the meridians, which we have already discussed above, so that, after a sufficient number of sessions, the energy is balanced.
The treatment was developed from the integration of traditional Japanese manual therapies with modern Western medical knowledge. It is a non-invasive therapy that can help reduce stress and contribute to overall health and well-being. It is believed to have both preventive and corrective effects. It can be used to treat a wide range of internal, musculoskeletal, and emotional conditions.
It is ideal for treating, for example, headaches, PMS, digestive disorders, fatigue, insomnia, fibromyalgia, stress, anxiety, and pain, including pain in the lower back, neck, and joints. The effect can be stimulating and invigorating or calming, and depends on the goal of the session.
To learn more, we recommend reading below:
- Shiatsu: get to know the Japanese therapeutic massage that balances the body and mind
3. Yoga
The word yoga means the union of body and mind. From a physical standpoint, the practice of yoga develops flexibility and body awareness, increases strength and balance, and can help with some musculoskeletal problems. Yoga improves postural alignment and increases mobility.
In addition to the physical benefits, yoga plays an important role in the nervous system. It allows access to the parasympathetic nervous system, helping, among other things, to better control stress, to have a more relaxed mind, and to face life with more calmness. Furthermore, it also helps to become aware of breathing, deepen it, and breathe better, through different breathing techniques. [trp_language language=”pt_BR”] Today, students of the physiotherapy college can delve a little deeper into this and other Eastern therapies. [/trp_language]
It is advisable to be in good health and have a certain level of physical fitness to enjoy the benefits of more dynamic yogas; otherwise, it becomes difficult to keep up with the pace, which creates the risk of injuries. For those with back problems, it is better to consider less dynamic yoga, where time is needed to learn the postures correctly, such as Iyengar and hatha. There are many different styles of yoga, and each emphasizes a specific aspect of the practice.
The practice of yoga teaches us to manage our mind so that calmness, stability, and inner peace are established within us.
4. Reiki
Reiki is a holistic therapy of Japanese origin. It consists of balancing the energies of the person and awakening a healing process, so that they can find lasting and deep peace, both at the level of the body and at the level of the mind.
This meditative relaxation occurs by touching specific points of the body’s energy flow. The practitioner places their hands on different parts of the patient’s body and allows the transmission of energy to occur. In this process, the practitioner acts as a channel of universal energy, transmitting it to the patient in order to restore their vital energy, without involving their personal energy. This energy is directed to the areas of the body that need it most.
Reiki understands that low energy levels in the body lead to a general state of vulnerability. And when energy flows evenly and harmoniously, the person feels more connected and more aware of the present moment. This is the secret to good balance at all levels of being: spiritually, psychologically, and physically.
The practice is also philosophical, inspired by Buddhism, Shintoism, and meditation techniques, in a holistic dimension, that is, global. The goal is to find peace within oneself.
Leave a Reply