Human beings are grain-eating creatures, so falling ill at one time or another is inevitable. Therefore, even those of us who are not medical professionals should know something about medicine, nursing the sick, and carrying out emergency treatment. Such knowledge and skills are not confined to physicians. To be sure, we are our own best doctors in terms of taking care of our health.
In recent years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been increasingly acknowledged as an effective way of maintaining good health. According to TCM, the human hand is closely related to the internal organs, meridian channels, and collateral vessels, as well as the neurological system. Hand reflexology and acupressure refer to the practice of using one hand to apply pressure to specific acupoints, pathological reflex points, or sensitive points on the other hand, to help relieve symptoms or heal ailments. Among the various methods of maintaining health, hand reflexology and acupressure do not rely on devices, and incur no toxicity or side effects. They can be used at any time and anywhere. A school of its own, the method is gaining increasing popularity, as it is easy to apply and has immediate effects. It is also quick to learn, economical, and safe.
This book has a simple structure and is easy to use. Chapter One introduces the concept of hand reflexology and acupressure, as well as how it is administered and what to watch out for. Chapter Two expounds on meridians, acupoints and reflex areas with clear illustrations. Chapters Three through Nine deal with 58 common diseases and conditions in the categories of sub-health, circulatory and respiratory systems, neurological and endocrine systems, the digestive system, the urogenital system, gynecology, dermatology, and otorhinolaryngology, and how hand reflexology and acupressure can be applied.
The book has three notable characteristics:
1. It explains complex information in simple language, making it easy to learn. Basic knowledge of hand reflexology and acupressure is offered, and the skills and techniques are also provided to help readers use these methods on their own.
2. It comes with illustrations, detailed instructions, and explanations. A number of illustrations help readers quickly identify the location of acupoints and reflex areas or points in the hand, for ease of practice.
3. The daily care of a variety of diseases and conditions are offered, accompanied by related “hand exercises.” Readers can also use these hand exercises independently to help strengthen the dexterity of their fingers for the purpose of maintaining good health.
We hope that this book will give you enough knowledge of hand reflexology and acupressure to become a provider of healthcare for yourself and your family.