Get to know the AkuPen
...How to use the acupen?
Self acupuncture with the acupen
TCM background information
Health in a nutshell
The AkuPen combines the best of acupuncture and acupressure. Almost as sharp as a needle, it can be used to find the right acupuncture point with millimeter precision and thus treat many complaints in a targeted manner. The big advantage: you can treat yourself.
You suffer from low back paindigestive problems, headaches or just feeling tired and lacking in energy? Chinese medicine can help with all these problems and has been doing so for over 2500 years - without any side effects.
Acupuncture and acupressure are among the methods used. These two therapy methods are used to rebalance the body's own life energy, known as Qi. If the Qi can flow freely in the body, then we are healthy and full of energy from an Eastern point of view.
The application is very simple. Simply unscrew the cap of the AkuPen and use the pointed end to find the most painful acupuncture points. Stimulate these points until the pain dissipates. This usually takes between 20 and 45 seconds. The result is acupressure, which has a similar effect to acupuncture with needles due to the tip of the pen.
We show you exactly where to find the points in the respective videos. So you don't have to worry about hitting the wrong point.
If you do not hit a point exactly, this is not a problem. As the acupressure points are located in the fascia, they are areas with a maximally effective center - the defined acupuncture point. But acupressure also has an effect beyond this point.
The word Qi Gong consists of 2 syllables - Qi and Gong. The Chinese term "Qi" can be translated for us most likely by "life energy". But it contains more than this. It also means breath and air. In Chinese medicine, Qi is considered to be the invigorating force that flows through all living things. However, Qi is not only inside the body of a living being, but also outside. Qi also shows itself to us in nature. Thus animals, flowers and trees are flowed through by Qi. Qi is the living force that is inherent in everything and that makes life possible.
The Japanese call this force "Ki". In India it is called "Prana". It always means the same thing - the power and energy that is inherent in everything and keeps us alive. In Chinese medicine, health is only possible when the Qi in our body is pure, not polluted and can flow freely.
Due to bad living habits, in the course of time, energy blockages can occur in the body system and as a result, diseases can manifest, which can be physical or psychological in nature. Generally speaking, we can say that a living person has Qi throughout the body.
The word "gong means roughly "body work" or "success through perseverance and practice". Therefore Qi Gong is called "Work with the life energy". We learn to improve the flow and distribution of Qi in our body through movement and concentration to strengthen our health and bring body and mind into harmony. At the same time we learn to stand correctly, between heaven and earth. This significantly improves posture and many aches and pains disappear on their own.
Qi Gong is a holistic healing system with a long tradition, which has been continuously developed until today. It includes health-promoting postures, movement, self-massage, breathing techniques and meditation. Through these various exercise methods, Qi is supposed to be collected and stored in the body, like in a reservoir. The goal is to expel the impure Qi and absorb fresh pure Qi.
Qi Gong is not a medicine that is prescribed for a limited time, but rather it should be practiced daily. In this regard, 20 minutes of daily practice is enough to improve health and one's well-being to a great extent.
Anyone can practice qigong. There are exercises for every age and every state of health. The exercises can be practiced standing, sitting, lying down or walking. So even physically challenged people can easily practice Qi Gong and improve your health in a sustainable way.
You are interested in this topic?
Then you can find even more information about it here.
You want to learn Qi Gong - easily from home?
With our modern Qi Gong online courses this is easily possible!
What is in the Chinese herbal formulas?
Chinese herbal therapy is the oldest form of treatment within Eastern medicine. Mainly herbal and mineral products are used. Chinese herbs generally work slowly and you need to be patient when taking them. The herbal formulas are tailored to the respective clinical picture and consist of many individual herbs.
Traditional Chinese herbal formulas usually consist of herbal and mineral ingredients that are processed into medicines. As most medicines are of a herbal nature, they are referred to as Chinese "herbal therapy". In China, 90 % of all patients are treated with medicinal herbs. It is a very extensive treatment method and highly regarded by doctors and patients.
TCM provides clear instructions on how such herbal formulas should be processed and taken. TCM also explains exactly what the effects of individual herbs and those of formulations are. A formula basically consists of several herbs. In some cases, this can be 10-20 individual herbs.
The origins of herbal therapy go back a long way. People have always looked for ways to heal their health problems in their immediate surroundings. In doing so, they discovered the effects of herbs. However, herbs were only taken individually and therefore only had a very limited effect. However, if the right herbs are selected, the effects are often very impressive. Herbs are still frequently used in our country. Chamomile is taken for stomach pains and valerian for insomnia, to name just two examples.
In China, however, the combination of several herbs that are mixed into a formula has always been used. These formulas are put together according to very specific criteria. There is a clear theory behind such a combination of herbs. The type of combination has not changed significantly to this day.
Due to this complex combination of herbs, the effect is very wide-ranging. The individual active ingredients complement each other and the healing effect is multiplied considerably in some cases.
The structure of a Chinese herbal formulation
1.) The emperor's herb is the ingredient that is supposed to correct the basic disease pattern and has the greatest effect. So if someone has a Qi deficiency, the emperor's herb is a so-called Qi tonic, i.e. an herb that strengthens the Qi.
2.) The ministerial herb supports the emperor's herb in its effect. It has a similar effect to emperor's herb, but also has other supporting properties. It is therefore not as specific as emperor's herb, but it gives the formula a little more breadth and, above all, improves the effect of the entire formula.
3.) The police herbor adjutant, also supports the first two herbs, but by somewhat weakening the one-sided effect of the first two. If one were to have warming herbs in a recipe, the police herb would be a very slightly cooling herb so that the body does not develop too much heat in the long term and dryness sets in.
4.) The embassy herb is something very special in herbal therapy. It is a kind of signpost that gives the mixture a direction of action. The direction of action can be directed towards a specific organ, such as the liver. However, a part of the body can also be specified as the site of action, such as the neck or the knees. The message herb directs the effect of the formula to a specific area of the body or a specific meridian. At the same time, the message herb harmonizes the effect of the other ingredients.
The decision as to which herbal mixture is the right one is made according to the 8 diagnostic principles of TCM. These are
Yin / Yang
Inside / Outside
Cold / heat
Emptiness / fullness
At the same time, the pathogenic factors, i.e. the disruptive and disease-causing factors that can come from outside or inside, must be taken into account.
External factors
Wind: this damages the wooden element
Heat: this damages the fire element
Cold: this damages the water element
Moisture: this damages the earth element
Dryness: this damages the metal element
Internal factors
Anger, rage, annoyance
Overexcitement
Fear, shock
Brooding
Grief; sorrow
Preparation of the herbs
Decoction
A frequently used method of preparation is the so-called decoction. This means something like soup or decoction. The individual herbs are first soaked and then slowly cooked. The cooking time depends mainly on whether the herbs are roots, bark, leaves or flowers. Flowers, for example, are only cooked very briefly and are added at the very end. You can prepare a decoction yourself. However, this requires some experience and, above all, time.
Many pharmacies also offer ready-made decoctions. A decoction that you have made yourself can be taken for about 3-4 days. A new decoction must then be made. If you get a ready-made decoction from the pharmacy, it will keep for about 2 weeks in the fridge. In practice, so-called granules are increasingly prescribed, which are much easier to take.
Granules
Granules are herbal powders which you only have to pour hot water over and you can take them. The granules consist of the individual boiled herbs. Once the broth has been boiled, the remaining liquid is dried. This produces the powder, the granules. The individual herbal powders are then mixed into the corresponding recipes. The handling is therefore much easier than that of decoctions, especially when traveling or when you are on the road a lot. Although the effect is not as strong, patients are more consistent in taking it because it is easier and this makes up for the somewhat weaker effect.
Pellets (tablets)
The granules can also be pressed by the pharmacy. This results in pellets that are of a particularly high quality from our manufacturer because they are pressed without fillers. This makes it even easier for many people to take because they simply take 2-4 pellets twice a day. If herbal formulations contain mushrooms, the powder can also be taken in capsule form. This is necessary because the mushroom components cannot be pressed.
Quality of the herbal products
We only use TCM herbs and products that have been grown in China specifically for medicinal use in Europe. These medicinal herbs are grown under strict conditions and tested by certified laboratories in Germany. The herbs are tested for pesticides, herbicides and other toxic substances.
In principle, Chinese medicinal herbs have been very well researched and there are records of their effects going back many centuries. The herbs have proven themselves in practice over a very long period of time and, if they come from controlled quality sources, are completely safe.
How do Chinese herbs work?
TCM assumes that the body has lost its inner balance in the event of illness. The result is an imbalance. Herbs do nothing other than compensate for this imbalance as well as possible. As this imbalance is quite complex in most cases, the herbs are also combined into formulas whose effect is broader than that of the individual herbs. For example, if a body has too much heat, herbs can be used to cool it down, or if someone has constipation, herbs can be used to drain it. There are moisturizing remedies for dryness.
From a western point of view, herbs contain amino acids, starch, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, enzymes, alkaloids, essential oils and much more.
Important note
The stated recommended daily intake must not be exceeded. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Keep the products closed, cool, dry and out of the reach of children.
If you would like to clarify your energetic situation in more detail, we recommend that you use our TCM questionnaire fill out. Based on your answers, a conclusion can be drawn about your energetic situation. You will then receive recommendations about the right acupressure points. Furthermore, the result also shows you which herbal formulation currently best supports your system.
Take a look at our introductory video: