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11 Things Old Souls Do Differently

11 Things Old Souls Do Differently

An old soul walks through life, observing and absorbing every experience, encounter, and lesson. They appreciate the spirit and the beauty of all that surrounds them.

An old soul lives in a state of gratitude that they have the ability to see things differently, to see things beyond what most people see. While often a blessing, it is sometimes a curse, and it’s one they are willing to bear, knowing it is serving them and those they come in contact with in the best way.

Here are 11 things old souls do differently:

“Over time, I have learned that my old soul sees a part of itself in every person it meets. It has the ability to see through others’ eyes. With this lesson, I have achieved greater humility, compassion, and kindness towards all mankind.” – Maya Delion

signs of an old soul

Old Souls Speak a Different Language

Words have the ability to take on different meanings based on one’s experiences. Everything in our lives shapes who we are and how we communicate. Negative experiences can shape the meaning of certain words, which becomes a limitation and can keep us stuck.

An old soul understands that this perception exists but does not put those same limitations on themselves. And because they do not allow their experiences to dictate their thoughts and actions, they are often speaking a different language than those around them.

Old Souls Create Their Own Path

Old souls are not interested in pursuing the typical paths to success. In fact, they define success completely differently than most. Because they are not caught up in society’s definition of success, they often chart their own path to a heightened sense of self-discovery and higher truth. Old souls often find themselves traveling this path alone and they are completely comfortable and even prefer it.

Old Souls Are Life-Long Learners

Nothing feeds an old soul’s spirit like learning, and they know that taking in new knowledge frequently is their calling. They feel it’s their responsibility to learn and share the wisdom they’ve gained with the rest of the world, which they feel is moving away from connectedness and compassion. They believe it to be their responsibility to share the lessons that will reverse this trend.

Old Souls Are Contemplative

Contemplation is the cornerstone of an old soul’s day. Much of their time is spent contemplating what is learned, observed and experienced, putting it into perspective and absorbing these lessons. They believe everything has meaning and are on a constant quest to find it.

Old Souls Have Only A Few Close Friends

Because of their serious and introspective nature, an old soul can seem intense. They don’t waste their energy on gathering friends. Instead, they cultivate a supportive social network that understands their true nature and relationship with learning life’s lessons.

Old Souls Are Overwhelmed By Possibility

Old souls know everything has meaning, and because of this, they want to learn constantly. They see an adventure in all that they do, and have a neverending list of things they want to experience. Nothing is off-limits to an old soul because they know there’s much value in new experiences, and the possibilities are overwhelming. They would take it all on if they could, but instead they must choose their next adventures, and that can be challenging.

Old Souls Belong Everywhere And Nowhere

An old soul is adaptable to most situations but often finds themselves as an outsider. They get along with everyone and yet don’t do well with small talk. They are often welcome because of their insights but lose interest when others do not display the same higher-level thought processes. They love a good debate but don’t do well when people have a hard time seeing their point of view. In the end, an old soul belongs everywhere and at the same time feels like they don’t belong anywhere.

Old Souls Think Bigger

An old soul thinks beyond the first-level thinking that many of us use daily. It’s like they are in a constant game of chess, thinking through every possibility of their opponent’s moves. And not just the next move, but several moves into the game. It’s this kind of higher-level thinking in life that makes it interesting.

Old Souls Feel Deeply

An old soul strongly connects to the world’s dysfunction, and they feel more suffering than most. Of course, they also feel the love and compassion. But it’s the haunting of the world’s suffering that drives how they live and the actions they take. They feel it’s their duty to do what they can in service and spread the message of hope.

Old Souls Connect to Ancient Traditions

Old souls do not attach themselves to one religion. Instead, they seek to understand and practice ancient traditions from various cultures. They believe these traditions are key to living a meaningful and happier life.

old soul

Old Souls Seek The Truth At All Costs

While they understand the truth can hurt at times, they know without a doubt that they must seek it to continue living optimally. Living in their truth means understanding and accepting the truth as it appears. It doesn’t discourage them; it is simply the information they use to make the best choices moving forward.

Many of us have bits and pieces of an old soul in us. However, we probably don’t cultivate a sense of learning and higher-level thinking enough to be considered a true old soul. When you come in contact with an old soul, soak up what they have to say. It is wisdom you can put into practice to help you live better.

This is What Happens When You Touch These Points On Your Feet

Foot reflexology is a form of alternative medicine that applies pressure to specific points on the feet to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. The practice has its roots in ancient Chinese and Egyptian medicine, dating back to as early as 2330 BC. The ancient Chinese believed that the body’s energy, or chi, flowed through channels or meridians that ran throughout the body, including the feet. The body’s energy could rebalance by stimulating these channels through pressure points on the feet. As a result, it would lead to improved health and well-being.

In the early 20th century, a physician named Dr. William Fitzgerald introduced the concept of zone therapy, which divided the body into ten zones that ran from the head to the toes. He believed applying pressure to specific points within these zones could relieve pain and promote healing.

Eunice Ingham, a physical therapist, further developed the practice of foot reflexology in the 1930s. She mapped out the reflex points on the feet and hands and developed a method of applying pressure to these points, stimulating the corresponding organs and systems of the body.
Since then, foot reflexology has gained popularity as a complementary and alternative medicine form and is now widely practiced worldwide.

While scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited, anecdotal reports show that people continue to find relief from various health conditions through this practice. If you suffer from chronic ailments, it might be at least worth a try.

What Happens in Reflexology

Of course, your experience with reflexology will be different than someone else’s. Still, most people feel a sense of openness in their bodies and a tingling sensation throughout as the energy flows. Reflexology should not cause tension in your body. Instead, you should be headed towards a more relaxed state of being.

You might also feel:

Perspiration of hands or feet

The sensation of being cold or chilled

The need for deep breaths

A yearning to sleep

The relief of most, if not all, pain and discomfort

Loose, relaxed muscles

Feeling like your organs are free, without stress and tension

Reflexology is available through a therapist trained in ancient art. It can also be done at home with a partner, or you can perform it on yourself.

Before beginning, your first step is to consult a foot chart and map your ailment to the appropriate spot on your foot or feet. Then, use your thumb and fingers to massage, slowly and deeply while kneading the pressure point. Continue to massage the specific point for 10 minutes before finishing with an overall foot massage. End each reflexology session with deep, mindful breaths to solidify the energy flow.

How to Use a Reflexology Foot Chart

reflexology-chart

When you first look at a reflexology foot chart, it can be confusing and overwhelming. Don’t let that scare you off. Make time to study it and become used to reading it. You can take as much time as you need to plan your course of treatment because there is nothing time-sensitive about performing reflexology other than relieving your pain.

You can perform a session that treats your entire body or get specific in terms of one condition. As mentioned, every organ, gland, and body part are mapped to a point on either the right or left foot. If you know what organs are associated with your ailment, locate that area on the foot chart.

There is no right or wrong foot to start with, and many reflexologists work on one specific area on one foot and alternate to the other, then move to the next area and alternate again. When all else fails, and you aren’t sure what to do, start massaging at your toes and slowly moving down to your foot’s heel. As you do, pay attention to the points on the chart and observe how your body responds.

You can see from the foot reflexology chart that some areas are mapped to the top of the feet, including the mouth and teeth, the chest, and the lymph nodes.

Here are some common ailments and their touch points using reflexology

What ailments do reflexology healers heal with their practice? Here are a few:

Relieve Headaches

Headaches are often caused by tension in the neck, so begin by massaging the big toes to relax your neck a bit. Then focus on applying more pressure on the upper halves of each toe to pinpoint the nerves connecting to the head.

Sleep Disorders

To help with restless nights, target the pituitary gland by applying pressure to the bottom side of the middle of your big toe.

Colds and the Flu

You will target the areas corresponding to your sinuses, nose, throat, eyes, and lungs for colds and the flu. Pay attention to the side of your big toe and the middle of each toe. Finally, focus approximately an inch below your toes.

Digestion

Many organs are involved in the digestive process, mostly found on the bottom of the foot toward the bottom.

Asthma and Bronchitis

The lungs are the obvious target for helping with breathing. They are mapped to the middle of the foot, about an inch below your toes and the middle part of the top of your foot.

Back Pain

The back is connected to the upper and lower body and can be targeted by massaging each foot’s bottom half.

It’s important to remember that Reflexology is not an immediate cure, and the best results come from consistently targeting specific areas. It is not a magic remedy but over time, you will notice improvements in your specific problem areas.

reflexology

Final Thoughts on Foot Reflexology

Foot reflexology is an ancient practice that can promote healing and balance in the body. While scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited, many people have reported positive results from this form of alternative medicine.

However, it is vital to note that foot reflexology should be used in conjunction with medical treatment under the guidance of a physician. While it can complement traditional medicine, it should not be used as a substitute for medical care. Therefore, individuals considering foot reflexology should consult their doctor to ensure it is safe and appropriate for their health needs.

Reflexology is not a diagnosing tool but a supplement to standard treatments for most ailments. It is not advised that you pursue a course of treatment using Reflexology without consulting your doctor.

5 Ways To Be Healthy When Those Around You Aren’t

Did you know that in the U.S., 68.5% of American adults are overweight, and 34.9% are considered obese? In the last twenty years or so, obesity rates have been steadily on the rise, which, not surprisingly, coincided with the increase in processed, nutrient-lacking, chemical-laden food-like substances. Staying healthy today comes with a whole slew of challenges, both from a financial and personal standpoint. Luckily, though, many stores offer fruits and vegetables at wholesale or discounted rates, especially if they have produce that they plan on throwing away after hours. You can also find great deals at farmer’s markets and local co-ops.

However, what if no one around you shares the same goals of living a healthier lifestyle? Humans naturally want to do what those around them are doing, and don’t like to stray from the norm, for the most part. People bond over meals, and if one person eats differently than the others at the table, that can lead to them feeling left out and isolated from the group. So, how can you keep up a healthy lifestyle when other people around you don’t seem to care?

Here are 5 tips to stay healthy when people around you aren’t:

1. Try to find a support group or workout buddies in your area.

According to a study published by the American Psychological Association, people tend to lose more weight when they workout with friends or family. In the study, two-thirds of participants who enrolled in a weight loss program with friends kept the weight off six months later, while only a quarter of those who signed up on their own achieved the same results. You can check out local Facebook or Meetup groups in order to find people in your area who share your goals, or, you can try hassling your friends to get off the couch and get active with you.

Support matters when you want to change your lifestyle, and you need to surround yourself with those who will get you closer to where you want to be.

2. Focus on your own goals, and let others live their lives as they choose.

When cutting out junk food and making the commitment to exercise more, it can be tempting to push that lifestyle on others because you want them to feel as good as you do! However, they have to make that decision on their own to leave unhealthy habits behind and join you on your journey to better health. If you live in the same house with people who don’t take care of their health, just put all your energy into living the best way you can, and be the example for others. Once they see how vibrant and happy you are from nourishing your body and mind, they might open up and be ready to learn new information.

3. Offer to cook or make salads for your friends/family some nights.

A great way to stay on the healthy train is to prepare meals for other people who you share space with. Not only will this ensure that you eat healthful, wholesome foods, but others will have a nutritious meal, too. Plus, putting together a dinner as a family makes a great bonding experience that will benefit everyone involved. Not to mention, if you have leftovers, that’s one less meal you have to make, which means no one can use the “But I just don’t have time to make healthy food” excuse.

healthy food

4. Go to restaurants that offer healthy options.

Going out with friends can really challenge one’s commitment to a healthy lifestyle. However, if you pick a restaurant that offers some healthier options on the menu, you can still enjoy your time with friends while sticking to your guns about eating better. People make eating healthy more complicated than it needs to be sometimes; as long as you do what makes you feel good, and make the best effort to honor your lifestyle choices, then you have it pretty well figured out. Your friends might try to pressure you into indulging in unhealthy foods (which you can and should do in moderation), but just remember what ultimately makes you feel best, and feel confident in your choice even if you’re standing alone.

Just because you have salad on your plate while they have steak and potatoes, doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time and enjoy their company.

5. Contribute to the grocery bill each week so you can have healthier food options (and maybe encourage others to eat healthy foods, too).

This probably applies mostly to teenagers and young adults who still live with their families, but even if you don’t control the weekly food budget, it doesn’t mean you can’t offer some say in the matter. You could set aside some of your money to contribute to the grocery bill each week, or if you can, buy your own groceries entirely. This way, you can keep up your healthy lifestyle without others complaining about the costs of healthier foods.

 

3 Mistakes People Make When Searching For Their Soulmate

Are you seeking your true love or soulmate?

“When the soul is ready, its mate will appear.” – Unknown

Before too long in life, we get bombarded with messages in movies and advertisements persuading us to believe that our soulmate will come to sweep us off our feet and save us from ourselves. The seemingly perfect, fairytale relationships portrayed make us get our hopes up and have unrealistic expectations about what a relationship should really be like. We try so hard to attract our soulmates into our lives because society tells us that we will become whole once we find that person.

However, what happens is that we wager our entire happiness on a person we haven’t even met yet because ultimately, we want someone else to take away our pain and loneliness. In this reality, the illusion of separation can still seem very real, so we just want some way to escape that. Don’t beat yourself up for feeling this way; it happens to the best of us.

But, if you really want to find your soulmate, it will take effort, some personal soul searching, and not getting too attached to outcomes. Many people long to find their soulmate, but unknowingly do more to push them away than attract them into their lives.

When searching for your soulmate, make sure you don’t make these common mistakes:

1. Searching and asking for a soulmate before you have searched within your own soul.

If you only look outwardly for answers and acceptance, you will miss out on the true power you have within yourself to stand on your own two feet. You must first take a journey deep within your soul and learn to understand yourself. Without this understanding and awareness of yourself, a relationship with anyone else will be sorely lacking. You will look to them to understand when you don’t even know yourself. Remember that soulmates will never complete you; they can only add value to your life and help you grow as a person.

You have to block out all the noise from society telling you that you need all these things in order to become your best self and be truly happy. YOU are your own happiness, sadness, comfort, compassion, understanding, and well of knowledge. Once you complete yourself, you will attract others who are complete, too. Two complete people coming together as one will create a life of sheer bliss and abundance. However, you must make a commitment to yourself first. Be in a relationship with yourself first, and learn to love your own company.

2. You haven’t cultivated a love for yourself first.

This sort of stems from our last point; you cannot find love outside yourself. Only will you recognize it once you have such an abundance of it that it has no choice but to spill out of your heart and touch other’s lives. You must totally fall head over heels for yourself if you expect anyone else to feel the same about you. We all have probably been in relationships where our partner didn’t truly love themselves – they expected us to do all the dirty work for them.

But, how rewarding and fulfilling was that? Being in a relationship with someone who doesn’t have confidence in themselves will only drain you. So, if you don’t absolutely love yourself right now, as you are, no one else can possibly offer you that love you seek.

Also, you must learn to love all of yourself, both the shadows and the light. This article by Sheila Prakash on Tiny Buddha says it best:

“I don’t think we will ever be able to love ourselves until we acknowledge all our different aspects—the “strong” and the “weak”— and start giving ourselves compassion instead of judgment. A puzzle needs all its pieces in order to be complete.”

3. You have no idea what you want in a soulmate or relationship.

If you don’t know what you want, how can you attract it? Think about it this way: what if you went to buy a new car, but had no idea what you wanted? Would you leave the dealership with a car, or just stare at all the cars in a state of confusion? Probably the latter, because you went into the situation blindly, not giving any thought to what you desired.

If you wouldn’t make a big decision like that without first thinking about what you wanted, then why treat relationships any differently? Soulmates should be given even more consideration because they will share their life with you, and rent a room in your heart. Something that serious requires a lot of your energy, time, and emotions, which means you need to have some idea of who you’d ideally like to share your life with.

You could either make a list, visualize, or create a vision board for what kind of partner you’d like to attract into your life. However, make sure when you do this that you focus on what you DO want in a relationship rather than what you DON’T want. Any thought we give our attention to creates our reality, so make sure you’re actively creating the world and the soulmate you wish to see in your life.

Which Stress Relief Technique Is Best For Your Zodiac Sign?

Each zodiac sign has different triggers for what stresses them out, and also different stress relief tactics they use. Most people inevitably feel stressed from time to time, due to anything from job demands to financial worries to health problems, or other issues we all deal with in this modern world. Unless you’re somehow reading this from another planet in the galaxy (if so, please tell us how to get there), you have probably felt burdened by some sort of stress or anxiety at some point on your spiritual journey here. However, what stresses a Cancer out will differ greatly from what stresses a Sagittarius out.

All of us could use some sort of technique for coping with stressors, and some insight into what makes us the most frazzled can open the door for us to start dealing with the stress in a healthy way.

Here are powerful stress relief techniques for each zodiac sign:

pop meme

Aries, March 21 – April 19

Rams pack so much into their day, and rarely slow down to catch a breather or just notice the little things in life. Aries can get burned out if they don’t take time to relax and rejuvenate from a very busy school or workweek. You have so much energy and use that to carry you through the week, but when your energy dwindles, this can leave you feeling like you’ve let yourself and others down.

Aries want to charge ahead full force at everything, but they need to remember to walk before they run sometimes. Take at least one day off a week to do absolutely nothing; you can replenish your energy and also have a chance to enjoy life at a slower pace.

Taurus, April 20 – May 20

A Taurus has a strong work ethic, and wants to get their work done right the first time around. They take failure pretty hard, and rather than seeing it as an opportunity to grow, they view it as incompetence on their part. A Taurus also tiptoes around people’s feelings at times, not wanting to hurt others or get into any disagreements.

Powerful stress relief techniques for this sign include going a bit easier on yourself, and not fixating on every little thing. Also, remember that you have no control over how other people will react to your words; you can only have ownership of how you handle a situation.

Gemini, May 21 – June 20

Geminis are a very dynamic and complex sign, and can change their mind on a whim. They never stop thinking, which can lead to stress if they overcomplicate a situation. Geminis thrive on good conversations and generally have a bubbly, upbeat attitude. They just want to have fun in life, and want to be around others who have this same kind of energy.

For a Gemini, their own mind can stress them out, so keeping active is a surefire way to kick stress to the curb. Geminis are a highly social sign, so any sort of activity where they can be around people is a preferable one to get involved in.

Cancer, June 21 – July 22

As a Cancer myself, I can attest to the fact that Cancers are often misunderstood and get hurt easily, leading them to retreat into their hard shell instead of telling others how they’re feeling. Cancers need to feel secure, and when they don’t, their stress builds until their shell finally cracks, exposing their true emotions. Cancers, instead of relying on others to nurse your feelings and make you feel safe, give that security to yourself.

Practice deep meditation and do things that make you feel the most protected. Also, give your motherly energy to other people – volunteer at a nursing home, help someone out to the car with their groceries, or anything that will get your mind off your emotions and onto other people.

Leo, July 23 – August 22

Leos want to be in control of everything in their lives, and can’t stand when they have no say in how things will go. A Leo loves the spotlight and must be the leader in everything they take part in, whether that’s a work project, a business deal, or anything else that requires leadership.

Leos need to learn how to let go and live in the moment, instead of trying to control every aspect of their lives. A fiery Leo thrives on respect and adoration from others, but make sure you Leos give that same attention to yourself first instead of expecting it from other people.

Virgo, August 23 – September 22

Virgos also think too much, like Geminis. Virgos have a very logical thinking process, and hardly do anything in life without thinking every little aspect through to the fullest. Without making lists to organize their thoughts, Virgos can easily let stress get the best of them. They also can be very critical of themselves and others, and enjoy a profession that requires paying attention to minute details. They are problem-solvers, and will help others solve any issues they’re having in life. However, getting to the bottom of their own problems is a difficult task.

Virgos would do well to put their thoughts and ideas on paper, and also not scrutinize themselves and others so much.

stress and anxiety

Libra, September 23 – October 22

Libras get very stressed out when people treat them unfairly. They hate confrontation and will spend hours deciding what to say to someone who’s hurt them, and if they should even bring up the issue or not. Libras are the sign of balance, after all, and don’t like anything to go unresolved, making their scales tip too far in one direction.

Libras are wonderful at creating harmony and have an airy sense about them that makes others feel comfortable and at peace. You treat others well, but this isn’t always reciprocated. If something bothers you, make sure to confront others, but keep it short, sweet, and to the point. Your peaceful nature will keep any confrontation from getting out of control, anyway.

Scorpio, October 23 – November 21

Scorpios, like Cancers, are a sensitive sign that hides their emotions beneath their hard scorpion shell. They enjoy having their privacy, and in general, don’t like being around very noisy or inconsiderate people. Scorpios also tend to hold grudges and like to get revenge on others who have done them wrong.

Scorpios, make sure you speak up if any boundaries have been crossed, and don’t allow others’ actions and choices to get under your skin too much.

Sagittarius, November 22 – December 21

Sagittarius’ need constant movement in order to feel at peace. They don’t like being told what to do and feel stressed when they must follow rules or adhere to boundaries set by others. They are very impatient, impulsive, and sporadic, and don’t like situations where they must act “proper” or behave according to other people’s standards.

People born under the sun sign of Sagittarius must make sure they stay active and get lots of time outdoors in order to not feel constrained.

Capricorn, December 22 – January 19

Capricorns have high expectations for themselves. They can easily overwork themselves if they don’t pay attention to their own needs. Thus, these folks don’t usually make a lot of time to unwind. They like telling others what to do, and often meddle in other people’s lives.

They, like Leos, must have everything under control. However, life doesn’t always go according to plan, so Capricorns need to remember to relax and let life happen sometimes. Also, don’t take work too seriously; make enough time for play, too.

Aquarius, January 20 – February 18

Aquarius is very witty, inventive, and adventurous people. They live a no-strings-attached kind of life, and any sort of commitment or attempt to reign them in will have them running for the hills. Aquarius is full of excitement, and will always show you a good time no matter what you’re doing. However, they can also be a bit detached emotionally, and let their stubborn streak get in the way of listening to others’ opinions. They don’t like to admit when they’re wrong and tend to think in an objective manner, not letting their emotions get in the way.

Aquarius need to remember that life doesn’t always go their way, and to let it unfold as it should.

Pisces, February 19 – March 20

Pisces are very secretive, creative people, and don’t like to be in the spotlight. Feeling exposed is a major stress trigger for Pisces, and they can even get sick due to negative energy from others invading their space. They prefer quiet atmospheres and shy away from loud people and situations.

Pisces need to make enough time for themselves to recuperate from putting themselves out there, and also work on increasing their vibration in order to shield themselves from any negative energy.

25 Things The Ancient Practice of Acupuncture Can Heal

Acupuncture: some people swear by it and others attribute it to nothing more than a placebo effect. It is an ancient Chinese Medicine practice of strategically placing very fine needles into the skin to alleviate pain and to treat various physical, mental, and emotional conditions.

The job of the needles is to recreate balance by stimulating Qi. Qi (pronounced “chee”) is what the Chinese refer to as the life force of the body. It is this stimulation that begins to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and diminish symptoms of some diseases.

Acupuncture is gaining credibility in the Western world as being an effective partner with institutional medical practices for combating certain diseases and ailments.

An ultrasound study, from the University of Vermont, showed that when acupuncture needles were used on specific meridian points, the tissue in the vicinity of the needles sent signals throughout the body that stimulated blood flow and tissue regeneration.

One area where Western medicine and this ancient traditional practice are working together is when surgery is required. There are a plethora of studies that show recovery time from surgery and the need for pain medication following surgery is significantly lowered when acupuncture is performed before and after the surgical procedure.

Even the World Health Organization (WHO), an international authority on health-related matters, weighs in on the effectiveness of acupuncture. In a report it issued on the effectiveness of acupuncture for a variety ailments, it says:

“Over its 2500 years of development, a wealth of experience has accumulated in the practice of acupuncture, attesting to the wide range of diseases and conditions that can be effectively treated with this approach.”

The biggest question most people have when contemplating acupuncture is “does it hurt?”

There is something about the fact that needles are used that cause people to pause. Today, acupuncture needles are about as thick as a strand of hair, are sterilized and designed for single use. They do not actually cut the skin like needles used for injections, but instead they separate the skin for easier and pain-free penetration. It doesn’t generally hurt and most likely you will feel only a slight prick.

Acupuncture is rarely a one-time thing. The initial appointment is almost always a thorough exam that includes questions about your symptoms, behaviors, and lifestyle. You might be questioning the decision to try acupuncture when your acupuncturist is asking about how you’ve been sleeping, what you’ve been eating and your stress levels when all you are looking for is a little relief from your back pain.

Every ailment, according to Chinese Medicine, is an interruption in the flow Qi. Acupuncture is a total well-being practice, and it is important that a complete picture is gathered before the course of treatment is decided. A course of six to eight treatments is common, but the number may vary based on why you are being treated and how severe the condition is.

The next big question often asked is, “what can acupuncture heal?” Well, it might be easier to list what it can’t heal or at least treat and relieve symptoms for. From that same WHO report mentioned earlier,

Here are 25 of the most common conditions the ancient practice of acupuncture can heal:

Low Back Pain

Neck Pain

Sciatic Pain

Tennis Elbow

Knee Pain

Mild and Severe Sprains

Facial Pain, including Lockjaw

Headaches and Migraines

Dental Pain and Gum Disease

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Joint Inflammation

Induction of Labor

Correction the Fetus in the Breech Position

Morning Sickness

Nausea and Vomiting

Postoperative Pain and Stiffness

Stroke

Essential Hypertension

Primary Hypotension

Renal Colic

Leucopenia

Adverse Reactions to Radiation or Chemotherapy

Asthma, Hay Fever and Irritation of the Nose

Depression both Chronic and Situational

Peptic Ulcer

Acute and Chronic Gastritis

The above is not a complete list of acupuncture benefits by any means. In fact, the studies into the effectiveness of acupuncture on specific diseases and conditions are ongoing, and more ailments are added to this list as the information becomes available.

If you are undecided about whether to try acupuncture or not, do your research and start to look at healing yourself in a new and integrative way. It doesn’t have to be all of one type of medicine, and if the latest findings are any indication, then an approach that combines the best of Western and Chinese medicine may be right for you.

Acupuncture practices are popping up in hospitals, clinics, and private facilities. And because acupuncturists can operate without the need for electronics and machinery, they can even be found in war zones, refugee camps and disaster sites around the world.

Acupuncture is certainly worthy of further investigation. It may or may not be right for you, but if you have a specific condition that you believe might be a candidate for treatment with acupuncture, it is worth having a discussion with a trained professional and your doctor.

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