How to Prepare for Acupuncture Treatment

How to Prepare for Acupuncture Treatment



Acupuncture can be a soothing, glorious treatment as long as you ready yourself with a relaxed nature and open mind. You can effectively prepare for acupuncture treatment by first picking an acupuncturist you trust and then following a few simple tips.









1


Get yourself a trustworthy acupuncturist by asking your friends, doctors, massage therapist or health food stores for a referral.





2


Relax. Let your body be embraced by the acupuncture table as you lay flat on your back or stomach and wait for the treatment to begin.





3


Breathe. Inhale and exhale in deep, slow, rhythmic breaths.





4


Close your eyes.





5


Envision something gorgeous. This can include anything from a gently rolling sea to all your pain and suffering escaping your pores with each pressure point from a needle.





6


Use the pulsating points to bring you tranquility and soothing relief. Once the first needle is stuck in a pressure point, you will instantly begin to feel release and relief. Embrace it and go with the flow.








Tips & Warnings










Remember you are there for healing, not more pain. Don’t be afraid.








<br>Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years with amazing results. Don't expect to be the exception.








If you hate needles, you can still get acupuncture treatments as long as you don't look at or dwell on the prickly things.



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How to Prepare for Acupressure

How to Prepare for Acupressure



Acupressure is a form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in which pressure points throughout the body are manipulated with the hands, knuckles and fingers. Acupressure is a form of acupuncture that does not employ needles, yet performs the same function. Pressure in certain areas can relieve pain, reduce swelling and eliminate stress. Before attending an acupressure appointment, there are several ways in which a patient should prepare for the session.







Things You'll Need:





Diary of symptoms




Soft, comfortable clothing




Light, protein-based snack









1


Start a diary detailing the symptoms of the illness, pain or other problem that brings you to acupressure as a treatment method. Be as specific as you can when describing the type of pain you experience using terms such as "intermittent," "constant," "stabbing," "dull ache" and so on. Write down how often you experience symptoms and any triggers if you know what they are.





2


Prepare the clothing that you will wear to an acupressure appointment. Needles are not used for acupressure, so clothing does not need to be removed. Provide easy access to pressure points on your limbs and neck by wearing soft garments that can be easily rolled up or pushed aside as needed.





3


Make sure your skin is clean and dry prior to an acupressure appointment. Refrain from using oils or creams that may leave a residue or make your skin slippery to the touch.





4


Remove your watch and earrings to prepare for acupressure. There are many pressure points on your ear that address pain and addictive behaviors and points on your wrist that can reduce nausea. Your acupressure practitioner can work more easily without jewelry on these areas of your body.





5


Eat a small, high-protein snack a couple of hours before your acupressure session. Avoid greasy foods that may upset your stomach. Eggs, cheese or yogurt are good choices that will provide you with enough energy and help reduce lightheadedness during your appointment.





6


Avoid strenuous activity for the 2 to 3 hours before your acupressure treatment. This includes heavy lifting and in some cases, sexual activity. Check with your practitioner for specific guidelines if you have any questions.





7


Relax your body and mind before acupressure. The treatment will be much more effective if you remove tension from your body. Close your eyes and focus on allowing the acupressure to alleviate your symptoms.








Tips & Warnings










Acupressure should be used as a treatment only with your doctor's knowledge and approval. Though acupressure in an effective pain-relief tool, this type of treatment cannot heal bacterial infections or other illnesses that require antibiotic medications.



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How to Prepare for a Thai Massage Session

How to Prepare for a Thai Massage Session



Thai massage is a highly effective form of massage that not only relaxes the body and works out knots, as other massage forms do, but also gets you moving in yoga-like positions and poses to channel blood to problem areas. To get the most out of a Thai massage session follow these steps to prepare yourself.









1


Know what you're in for. If you have an image of lying on a cushy table in a dim room for your Thai massage you should think again. Thai massage is closer to yoga than to traditional Western forms of massage. You will most likely be lying on a mat on the floor with the massage therapist using various parts of his body to bend and twist you into therapeutic poses.





2


Wear comfortable clothing. Unlike Swedish massage, which requires that you strip down to a small towel, Thai massage doesn't use any oil. This means that you stay fully dressed for the massage. Since Thai massage requires a good amount of movement, come dressed in loose and comfortable clothing so that you'll be prepared to do everything the massage therapist requires of you.





3


Make sure you have no injuries or chronic medical conditions. The relatively high level of activity involved in Thai massage means that there's a chance that the massage could exacerbate injuries or other conditions. If you've had any kind of recent medical troubles check with your doctor and with the massage therapist to make sure that you're body is fully prepared for the massage.





4


Come with an empty stomach. You should prepare for a Thai massage in a way that's similar to preparing for a run or other form of exercise. You should not be hungry before the massage but it's definitely best to come with an empty stomach or after a very light meal. This will ensure that your body has enough blood available to keep you relaxed and prevent unpleasant muscle cramps.


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How to Prepare for a Reiki Treatment

How to Prepare for a Reiki Treatment



Reiki treatment is still a new concept in the world of alternative and holistic medicine. As such, a lot of people have no idea about what they will need to do to prepare for a Reiki treatment. Fortunately, preparing for a Reiki treatment is simple and relaxing.







Things You'll Need:





Comfortable clothes









1


Check what the fee will be for the Reiki treatment. Since Reiki does not have a general fee structure system, ask the practitioner how much the Reiki treatment will cost. Most Reiki practitioners charge different rates for different clients, depending on their needs.





2


Take along a friend to help ease feelings of anxiety. Anxiety can ruin the preparation for a Reiki treatment, so take a friend with you to help prepare you for the process. Make sure the friend is supportive and will not tear down you or the Reiki practitioner.





3


Schedule a block of time for the Reiki treatment. Reiki treatments often take between 45 minutes and 1 hour, so make sure that amount of time is firmly spoken for beforehand. Do not try to rush the Reiki treatment, as that runs counter to the philosophy behind Reiki in the first place.





4


Allow some time afterward to deal with any after-effects of the Reiki treatment. Sometimes a person undergoing Reiki for the first time will want to cry or have problems with grief, guilt or apathy. Prepare for those emotional responses by setting aside a block of time after the first Reiki treatment in order to deal with these emotional responses.





5


Create a feeling of tranquility before going to the Reiki treatment. Being at peace with oneself is extremely important in order to allow the Reiki to have its maximum effect. Prepare yourself emotionally and spiritually by meditating for a half-hour, or by taking a nap before the treatment begins.





6


Take a shower. Physical cleanliness is as important as spiritual and emotional cleanliness when preparing for a Reiki treatment. Take a shower beforehand, and if possible spend time in a steam room to sweat some toxins out of your body.





7


Wear comfortable clothes. Tight pants, belts and shoes can block the flow of Reiki, so prepare by wearing a sweat suit, or clothes that maximize your comfort level. Flannel shirts have been known to increase comfort, as have loose pants, sweaters and moccasins.








Tips & Warnings










Consult with the practitioner who will be doing the Reiki treatment beforehand. She may have a specific ritual she asks her clients to do in order to get the full effect of the Reiki treatment.



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How to Prepare for a Green Juice Fast

How to Prepare for a Green Juice Fast



Juice fasting is the voluntary withholding of solid for a specific period of time, often used to give the body a rest from consumption. Fasting with green juices such as spirulina or chlorella allows the body to receive nutrient-dense food replacements. Here is how to prepare to get the most out of your green juice fast.









1


Determine the length of your fast. If you are a beginner, starting off with a 24- or 48-hour fast will help build a constitution for longer periods.





2


Begin eliminating alcohol, caffeine and processed food one to two weeks before your fast. This is a gradual process.





3


Increase your intake of live foods such as salads and sprouted foods like alfalfa sprouts.





4


Increase your water intake or make sure you are getting the required eight glasses a day.





5


Eat as lightly as possible two days before the fast.





6


Begin your fast on a day where you don't have to do a lot of errands or work. Weekends are a good place to start.








Tips & Warnings










Consult with your doctor for dietary changes.



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How to Prepare for a Colon Cleanse

How to Prepare for a Colon Cleanse



A colon cleanse is a process to remove excess bacteria, toxins and waste that has accumulated in the intestine and bowels of the body. Experts believe that removing these toxins will in fact help to improve your health, allow your body to avoid illnesses and will help you feel good. There are several types of colon cleanse products available and in office treatments to accomplish this.









1


Follow the directions carefully on any colon cleanse product you purchase. Many will tell you what to do to prepare for the cleansing process, if there is anything you need to do. All products are somewhat different, so being careful to read the instructions carefully is a must.





2


Realize that the colon cleanse process doesn't cause any pain. Most over the counter products are drinks or capsules. For hydrotherapy treatments, the process is done with water based products which also doesn't hurt but may be uncomfortable.





3


Talk to your doctor about the colon cleanse to prepare for it. If you have been diagnosed with a potentially problematic illness such as diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, rectal or intestinal tumors, ulcerative colitis, or severe haemorrhoid, you may not be able to have the hydrotherapy version of the colon cleansing. Most others will have no problem having this type of therapy.





4


Locate a quality hydrotherapy clinic to provide you with the colon cleanse, based on their cleanliness and overall experience in the process. If you are purchasing over the counter products, research them enough to find the best one on the market based on results.





5


Refrain from eating the 8 to 12 hours prior to the colon cleansing, as this will allow your body to have a total flush. Your hydrotherapy colon cleansing professional will advise you on the length of time to refrain from eating prior to the cleansing.





6


Be relaxed. One of the best things to do for yourself when you need to prepare for a colon cleanse is to relax and realize that you won't be hurt or otherwise in pain from the experience.


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How to Prepare for A Colon Cleanse Treatment Clinic

How to Prepare for A Colon Cleanse Treatment Clinic



You just don't go in and expect the doctor to do all the work. There are two people needed to make for a successful colon checkup. Of course, there's the doctor who would look at that part of you to check for any sign of disease of abnormality. But you might forget that YOU also play a huge role in this checkup. Obviously, without you, there would be no colon to check. As the doctor prepares for your checkup, you should do your bit to make this process easier. A home cleanse is ideal before you go and ge your colon checked by a doctor.









1


Set up an appointment at the clinic. This allows you to clear your schedule at the day of the checkup or cleanse.





2


Days before the checkup, go on a detox diet. As a preliminary process, this would clear your gastro-intestinal tract of any kind of blockage or toxins. This allows a clearer view of your colon.





3


Do not take ibuprofen or aspirin one week before your appointment. Consult with your clinic on the medications you may or may not take days before your treatment or checkup.





4


If your doctor has recommended you take take something, do it. Some people might be asked to take laxatives before their apppointments. Aside from your colon, your stool will also be examined.





5


Go fasting. Six hours before your appointment, you are not to take any kind of solid food or drink, especially if you are scheduled in the morning. Those with afternoon appointments, however, need to check with the clinic if they are allowed to drink clear liquids.








Tips & Warnings










Arrive at the clinic early. Rushing to go there would make you feel stress, thereby making your muscles tense.








Have someone with you. After your appointment, you need someone to drive you home or be with you during the commute.



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How to Prepare for a Coining Treatment

How to Prepare for a Coining Treatment



Coining, or cao gio, is a common Southeast Asian alternative medicine treatment used to provide relief from minor ailments such as a cold, flu, headache, muscle ache or fever. Cao gio literally translates to "catch the wind." In Eastern medicine, too much wind in the blood is believed to cause many illnesses. Coining brings the blood to the surface so the wind can be released. The actual coining treatment involves scraping the skin with a coin to create a red mark, a portal for the wind to get out. Before beginning a coining treatment there are some necessary preparations.







Things You'll Need:





Mentholated ointment or oil




A smooth coin or gua sha tool









1


Purchase some mentholated ointment or oil. Peppermint oil, wintergreen oil, eucalyptus oil, Tiger Balm or any other warming ointment with camphor are all appropriate for the job. These can be purchased from most natural foods stores.





2


Choose a good coin to use for the procedure. In the U.S., the quarter is the coin of choice because of its size. Pick a quarter that has been smoothed down by wear over the years rather than a freshly minted quarter.





3


Talk to the patient about what you are going to do before you do it. It's important to prepare the patient for the coining procedure so that the patient isn't caught off guard. Inform the patient that there may be pain during the procedure and that there will be marks on the skin for 2 to 4 days following the treatment.





4


Prepare the patient by having him undress from the waist up. Coining is typically performed on the back, chest, shoulders and neck depending on the ailment.





5


Massage the skin with the mentholated oil or ointment to prepare it for the treatment. The massage irritates the skin and warms it so the coining treatment can be more effective in bringing blood to the surface. It also relaxes the patient so that the treatment is less uncomfortable.








Tips & Warnings










Mentholated topical expectorant available in any drugstore can also be used for the massage.








Coining is very similar to "gua sha," a Chinese alternative medicine. Instead of using a coin, gua sha often uses rounded stones or tools like the ones available from Calm Spirit, Helio Medical Supplies or GoAcupuncture.com (see Resources below).








Sterilize the coin in boiling water, and allow it to cool before the procedure. Coining isn't supposed to break the skin, but if it accidentally does, using a sterile quarter will reduce the risk of infection.



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