Sujok Acupuncture – History, Benefits & Use
“SuJok” is a combination of two words. In Korean ‘Su’ means hands and ‘Jok’ means feet. Thus, SuJok actually means treating on hands and feet. SuJok Acupuncture is a Physical & Metaphysical, Natural Therapy of healing without drugs. It was developed by a Korean Professor Dr. Park Jae Woo based on the holographic nature of the universe.
Acupuncture is an ancient practice that dates back over 5,000 years. The word “acupuncture” comes from the Chinese term “ji-ching” which means “to regulate or govern the pulse.” In traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is considered one of the most important therapies because it treats the root cause of disease rather than just treating symptoms.
Thus Sujok Acupuncture is combination of Sujok acupressure and acupuncture practices.
Sujok acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical technique which uses needles to stimulate acupressure points on the body. The aim is to balance energy flow through meridians (energy channels) and restore health by stimulating the immune system. These points have been used for thousands of years to treat various ailments including pain relief, stress reduction, and even cancer.
What Are Meridians?
Meridians are channels through which life-force energy flows throughout the human body. This energy is known as qi or chi. Qi is also responsible for maintaining homeostasis within the body. If there is an imbalance in the flow of qi, then the body will not function properly.
For example, if too much qi moves from one part of the body to another, then the person may experience pain or discomfort. In addition, if there is not enough qi moving around the body, then the person may feel weak or tired.
The meridian system consists of 12 major energy lines that run through the body. Each line connects two parts of the body together.
There are three main types of meridians: large, medium, and small.
- Large meridians connect the head, face, neck, chest, arms, hands, legs, feet, abdomen, and back.
- Medium meridians include those that travel between the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, throat, heart, lungs, liver, spleen, stomach, intestines, bladder, genitals, and kidneys.
- Smaller meridians connect the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, and hair follicles.
The History of Sujok Acupuncture
Sujok acupuncture was developed during the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD). It was first introduced to China as a treatment for pain relief and later became popular among the general population.
Some others believe that Sujok acupuncture was developed by Dr. Jia Guo during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). It has been practiced in China since then and is still widely used today. This form of acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into certain points along the body. These points correspond with organs and meridians in the human body.
In modern times, sujok acupuncture has been used to treat a wide variety of conditions, including headaches, insomnia, digestive disorders, and even cancer.
Spread Of Sujok Acupuncture To The West
Acupuncture has been used in China and other Asian countries for thousands of years. It was first introduced to the West by Dr. William G. Sutherland, a Scottish physician who studied Chinese medicine at the University of Edinburgh. He brought it back to America where he practiced in New York City from 1892-1911. In 1921, he published his book “The Principles and Practice of Acupuncture” which became an instant bestseller.
In the 1930s, Dr. George Vithoulkas, a Greek doctor, began using acupuncture for chronic pain conditions such as arthritis. By the 1950s, acupuncture had become popular throughout Europe and North America. Today, more than 30 million Americans have tried acupuncture, and about 10% of them use it regularly.
How Sujok Acupuncture Works?
There are two main theories about how acupuncture works:
- The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory says that there are energy channels called “meridians” running through the body. These meridians connect all parts of the body together. When a blockage occurs in one of these channels, the flow of qi (energy) becomes disrupted. This disruption causes symptoms like pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, stiffness, and swelling. By stimulating certain points along the meridians with acupuncture needles, the blocked channel can be cleared and the qi restored to normal flow.
- The Western Medical Theory says that acupuncture works by releasing endorphins into your brain which then cause you to feel better. Endorphins are naturally produced chemicals in our brains that make us happy or sad depending on what we’re feeling at the time. Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, causing people to feel relaxed and calm.
The TCM theory is more popular than the Western medical theory because it’s been around longer and has more evidence supporting its use. However, many doctors now believe that both theories have merit.
How Sujok Acupuncture Is Done?
There are more than 400 acupoints on the human body. Each point has its own unique location and function. The most common type of acupuncture treatment involves inserting a needle into an acupoint. When the needle is inserted, it stimulates the area around the point. In this way, the acupuncturist can help regulate the flow of qi throughout the body.
Another form of acupuncture involves placing small magnets over acupoints. These magnets have been shown to stimulate the nervous system and cause a person’s body to release endorphins, which are natural painkillers. This is an effective way to relieve chronic pain.
During an acupuncture treatment, a trained acupuncturist will insert very thin needles into specific points along the meridians. Each point has its own unique effect on the body. For example, one point may stimulate the liver while another stimulates the gallbladder. After inserting the needle, the acupuncturist manipulates the needle to find the best location for insertion. Once inserted, the needle is left in place for about 20 minutes. During this time, the patient relaxes and the acupuncturists observe how the needle affects them.
In essence, acupuncturists use a variety of techniques to stimulate the acupuncture points, including pressure, heat, electricity, sound waves, and even magnets. Some practitioners also use herbs, exercise, diet, and lifestyle changes to improve health.
What Are The Benefits Of Sujok Acupuncture?
There are numerous benefits associated with sujok acupuncture. Many people who have tried sujok acupuncture report feeling better after their first session. Others say that they feel less stressed, anxious, or depressed after receiving regular sessions.
Here are some of the most common reasons why sujok acupuncture works so well for weight loss:
Sujok Acupuncture Helps Reduce Appetite
One of the main goals of any diet plan is to reduce appetite. If you eat too much food, you may gain weight. However, if you don’t eat enough, you could lose weight. Studies show that sujok acupuncture can help decrease hunger and increase satiety. In one study, researchers found that patients who received sujok acupuncture experienced a significant reduction in appetite compared to those who didn’t receive acupuncture.
Sujok Acupuncture Reduces Stress And Anxiety
Stress and anxiety often lead to overeating. When we experience stress, our body releases hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline which cause us to crave foods high in fat and sugar. This leads to an increased desire to eat more than what we need. Sujok acupuncture has been shown to be effective at reducing stress and anxiety. A recent study showed that women who received sujok acupuncture reported lower levels of stress and anxiety than those who did not receive acupuncture.
Sujok Acupuncture Can Help You Lose Weight
When it comes to losing weight, many people turn to diets and exercise programs. While these methods work, there are also other ways to achieve your goal. One way is through acupuncture. In one study, researchers gave overweight adults either real sujok acupuncture or fake sujok acupuncture. They then measured how much each person ate over the course of three days. Those who had received real sujok acupuncture consumed fewer calories than those who had received fake sujok acupuncture.
Sujok Acupuncture Increases Energy Levels
If you’re feeling tired and sluggish, chances are you have low energy levels. Low energy levels can make it difficult to get things done. It can even affect your mood. A number of studies have shown that sujok acupuncture increases energy levels. For example, one study found that participants who received sujok acupuncture felt less tired after 30 minutes of rest than those who did not. Another study found that participants who were given sujok acupuncture felt more energetic than those who weren’t.
Sujok Acupuncture Improves Sleep Quality
Sleep plays a major role in maintaining overall health. Poor sleep quality can lead to depression, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Many people find that acupuncture helps them fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. According to one study, participants who received sujok acupuncture fell asleep faster than those who didn’ts. Another study found that those who received sujok acupuncture slept better than those who didn‘t.
Sujok Acupuncture Boosts Your Immune System
Your immune system protects you from illness by fighting off infections and diseases. When your immune system is strong, you feel healthier and stronger. Some research suggests that sujok acupuncture boosts your immune system. For example, one small study found that people who received sujok acupuncture experienced higher levels of natural killer cells (NK) than those who didn”t. NK cells play a key role in protecting against cancer.
Sujko Acupuncture Relieves Pain
Pain can interfere with your ability to function normally. Chronic pain can lead to depression and fatigue. Fortunately, sujok acupuncture can relieve pain without causing side effects like sedation or addiction. According to one study, people who received sujok acupuncture experienced significantly reduced pain compared to those who didn’t receive sujok acupuncture.
Sujok Acupuncture Promotes Healing
The human body contains thousands of miles of blood vessels. These vessels carry oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. When something goes wrong with these vessels, they can become blocked. This causes damage to nearby tissues and organs. This condition is called angina pectoris. Angina pectoris occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the heart narrow due to plaque build up. As a result, the heart muscle does not receive adequate amounts of oxygen. Angina pectoris can be treated using medications. However, sujok acupuncture can promote healing and prevent further damage. In fact, one study found that patients who received regular sujok acupuncture treatments experienced improved cardiac function compared to those who didn”t receive sujok acupuncture. Another study found that patients who received weekly acupuncture treatments experienced improvements in their symptoms compared to those who only received medication.
Sujok Acupuncture Is Safe
While acupuncture is generally safe, there are certain precautions you should take before receiving treatment. Before receiving acupuncture, you should check with your doctor to ensure that you are healthy enough to undergo this procedure. You should also avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs can interact with the herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine. 10. Acupuncture Works Better Than Dieting Or Exercise Programs Dieting and exercise programs can be very effective for weight loss. However, they require discipline and motivation. Many people find it challenging to stick to a strict diet program or go on a rigorous workout routine.
Who should consider sujok acupuncture treatment?
Anyone suffering from any type of illness or injury can benefit from acupuncture. However, if you have one of the following conditions, you may want to talk to your doctor before trying acupuncture:
If you are pregnant and experiencing morning sickness. Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in treating nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy.
If you are taking medication for depression or anxiety. Acupuncture is an alternative treatment that may help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
If you have a heart condition. Acupuncture may help improve blood pressure and circulation. It may also help relieve stress and tension.
If you suffer from insomnia. Acupuncture may help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
If you experience pain. Acupuncture may help decrease pain caused by arthritis, fibromyalgia, back problems, headaches, migraines, neck pain, shoulder pain, sports injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other types of pain.
Acupuncture is not recommended for children under 18 years old. If you are younger than 18 years old, ask your parents about whether they would like to try acupuncture.
Sujok Acupuncture for Sports Injury Treatment
The use of acupuncture in the sports medicine field has been growing rapidly over the past decade. It’s now widely accepted that acupuncture can be an effective tool in treating many types of injuries. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that acupuncture was more effective than conventional treatments such as physical therapy and medication at reducing pain and improving range of motion after knee surgery. Another study published in the Journal Physical Therapy showed that acupuncture is a safe, cost-effective treatment option for patients with chronic low back pain. Acupuncture may also help reduce inflammation and muscle spasms associated with tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow.
What conditions can be treated with sujok acupuncture?
Acupuncture is used to treat many different types of health problems. It is most commonly used to treat pain, but it also treats other symptoms such as nausea, insomnia, headaches, anxiety, depression, and more. Acupuncture is often combined with traditional Western medicine treatments like medication and surgery. However, some people prefer not to use medications or invasive procedures. In those cases, acupuncture alone may provide relief from their symptoms.
Acupuncture is used for a wide variety of conditions including:
- Arthritis
- Back Pain
- Cancer
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Fibromyalgia
- Headaches
- Heart Disease
- High Blood Pressure
- Infertility
- Insomnia
- Menstrual Cramps
- Migraine Headaches
- Neck Pain
- Osteoporosis
- PMS / Menopausal Symptoms
- Sports Injuries
- Stress Relief
- Thyroid Disorders
- Urinary Tract Infections
How to Prepare Before Each Sujok Acupuncture Session
Here are some tips for you to prepare before each acupuncture session. This is a very important step that many people forget about and it can make or break your experience of receiving acupuncture treatment. It’s also something that I have learned from my own experiences as an acupuncturist.
Before every acupuncture session, you should be relaxed. When you are relaxed, you are more open to receiving energy in your body. When you are not relaxed, you may feel like you are resisting the needles being placed into your skin. You may even start feeling anxious when you know that you need to relax. So, relaxing beforehand helps to reduce any anxiety that you may be feeling. Here are some tips for you to relax before your sujok acupuncture session.
- Take warm bath before the session. It will help you relax.
- Meditation : Meditation is another great way to prepare for your session. Any form of simple meditation can help.
- Avoid Medication : Some medications can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, etc. Therefore, it is recommended that you avoid using them prior to your acupuncture session.
- Drink plenty of water : It is recommended that you drink plenty of water throughout the day. In fact, drinking lots of water is essential for good health.
- Eat foods that are high in protein and low in carbohydrates. These include fish, chicken, eggs, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, tofu, etc.
- Avoid Alcohol and smoking : Alcohol and smoking can affect your ability to receive energy during your acupuncture session. Therefore, it is advisable that you stop consuming alcohol and smoke cigarettes 2 days before your session.
- Try to sleep well : Try to sleep well the night before your session. Try to go to bed early so that you can wake up refreshed.
- Yoga : Yoga is another great way to relax your muscles and calm your nerves. By doing yoga exercises, you will be able focus better on what you are trying to achieve.
- Massage: Massage therapy is another great way to relieve stress and tension. By massaging your muscles, you will be able release toxins from your body and allow your body to heal itself.
- Music : Music has been proven to be effective in reducing pain and improving mood. Listening to music can help you to relax and unwind.
- Aromatherapy? Aromatherapy is another wonderful way to relax your body and mind. By inhaling scents such as lavender, rosemary, jasmine, sandalwood, etc., you will be able to clear your head and ease your stress levels.
Is Sujok Acupuncture Safe?
Sujoks acupuncture is safe when performed properly. There are no known side effects associated with this treatment. In fact, some people even report feeling better after receiving sujok acupuncture.
However, like any other form of medicine, there are risks involved. You should only seek treatment from a trained professional who understands the proper techniques and procedures.
What Are The Side Effects of Sujok Acupuncture?
While there are no known side effects associated with sujok acupuncture, some people do experience mild discomfort after treatment. It’s also possible that the needles themselves could cause minor irritation at the site where they were inserted.