Joined Together Essay

Submitted By sbrown984
Words: 6699
Pages: 27

Contents Page

Section A (1,997) – pages 1 - 7

Section B (1,093) – pages 8 - 11

Section C (875) – pages 12 - 15

Section D (1,272) – pages 16 - 19

Section E (512) – pages 20 - 21

Section F (487) – pages 22 - 23

Bibliography – pages 24 - 26

Section A – Four Therapies

Reflexology

Brief History
Modern reflexology is based on an ancient form of therapy. There is evidence of some form of foot and hand therapy being used in China back in 4,000 B.C. The American tribes of Indians are also known to have practised a form of foot therapy for hundreds of years.

Reflexology dates back to ancient civilisations such as Egypt, India and China, but the therapy was only introduced to the West in the early 20th century.

Uses
People seek reflexology treatment for the following reasons:
Asthma
Back pain
Stress
Headaches
Cancer
Diabetes
Depression
Chronic pain

Some people use reflexology to reduce stress, reduce pain, and improve circulation around the body and to restore the ‘natural balance’ of the body. People also use reflexology in order to relax.

“Reflexology is also used to treat ‘non-specific’ symptoms. Non-specific symptoms are symptoms that do not appear to be related to a specific medical condition, but nevertheless can impact on a person’s quality of life. Examples of non-specific symptoms that people use reflexology to treat include: feeling tired all the time having recurring feelings of anxiety and worry generally feeling unwell or less healthy than usual” –http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/reflexology/Pages/Common-uses.aspx

Description
Reflexology is a complementary therapy that is used to encourage the body to relax and work naturally. It is based on the knowledge that there are zones and reflexes on different parts of the body which correspond to all parts, glands and organs. Reflexology is when people apply slight pressure to these areas, in the hope that it will effect the corresponding part of the body and then take away any stress or tension in that area. The various techniques which are used and the pressure applied to these areas, break down the tension in these areas, which relieves stress.

Safety Aspects
Reflexology is a safe form of treatment and there is a very small chance of a serious complication taking place. Reflexology has had no reports published of any severe effects arising from the treatment and it can suit all types of people.

People with certain health problems may not be able to have reflexology. These include:

People with a skin infection on their feet such as athlete’s foot etc.
Recently broken or strained bones or joints
Conditions that affect the bones or joints
People with a history of blood clots

Acupuncture

Brief History
Acupuncture was created by Willem Ten Rhyne and he was a Dutch physician who worked in Japan in the early 17th century. Acupuncture can be recorded back 2,000 years although some people believe it has been used in China as far back as 4,000 years.
“The Chinese believe that the practice of acupuncture began during the Stone Age when stone knives or sharp edged tools, described by the character 'Bian', were used to puncture and drain abscesses.” - http://www.healthy.net/Health/Article/The_History_of_Acupuncture_in_China/1819
Bone needles were used up until the 2nd century BCE then bone needles were replaced with metal needles. The earliest date recorded when a metal needle was used was dated 133 BCE. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical treatment and it has been used in various places around the world. It has been researched and developed over the years and is now a very effective form of treatment.

Uses
Acupuncture is used for a variety of illnesses and health problems.
The different types of disorders are –
Ear, eye, nose and throat disorders
Circulatory disorders
Immune disorders
Addictions
Emotional and psychological disorders