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There is no shortage of effective self treatment techniques that can be used for pain relief. A common practice is self manipulation, or in lay terms "popping" your own back/neck. An increasingly popular practice is the self-stimulation of acupuncture points.
Although the popularity and medical acceptance of acupuncture has increased in in this country, researchers are still challenged with proving the existence and nature of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) concept of meridian therapy and "chi" even though there is major concensus that acupuncture results in release of our natural pain relieving opiates.
Is there anything to this "chi" or life energy stuff? As complex as or biological process' are, can they be explained in such simplistic terms? Can there be a universal energy which ties everything together? And furthermore, can this system be influenced and optimized to enhance health?
It must be considered that TCM theory was developed long before early anatomists discovered how each system in the body worked. It was proposed long ago that energy cycles through 14 channels or meridians in the body. Acupuncture needles control the flow the energy or "chi" increasing the flow in blocked or stagnant channels and reducing the flow in overactive channels. In other words, acupuncture balances our energy systems.
It has been shown that even digital pressure over these sensitive points can be helpful. This technique is safe and effective. The only precautions would be heavy application of pressure over points along the anterior rib cage, particularly the carotid artery area. Some of these points are so powerful that they are used in martial arts "Dim Mok" techniques to disable an opponent. Fortunately, these techniques are only taught to advanced students. Do not try them on your spouse or children!