When we say our health is in our hands, we know that it is a figurative expression that implies it is our responsibility to take care of our own health. But what if our health was literally in our hands! "Yes," says well-known acupressure expert Dr Devendra Vora who has treated millions of patients worldwide with this amazing yet simple therapy of applying pressure on particular points on one's palms and soles for better health.
With its simple technique of diagnosing and treating illnesses without the use of drugs and surgery, acupressure is gaining fast popularity all over the world as an important alternative healing therapy. "But just because acupressure is simple and easy to practice one shouldn't make the mistake of undermining its health benefits," warns Dr Vora. First introduced to acupressure at the age of 50, Dr Vora was amazed with the relief that he got from his cold, sinusitis and toothache problems with this therapy and decided to immerse himself deep in this knowledge. He carefully studied the effectiveness of acupressure in treating various health problems and published his first book 'Health in Your Hands' in 1983.
No medicine
Though acupressure is known to be around 6,000 years old with its roots in India, Dr Vora believes that this healing method is as old as the humanity itself. "With absolutely no need for medicine or complex tools in practicing acupressure, it is the most wonderful system of healing that nature has blessed man with," he opines. All that one needs to do to gain and maintain good health through this technique is, to press one's palms and soles daily for five minutes each. Explaining the theory behind it, Dr Vora says, "The bio-electricity or what the Indians call as 'Chetana' runs through the body via 900 points located on the lines called meridians. The health of a person depends on the unobstructed flow of this current in the body. When this flow of bio-electricity is disturbed for some reason, it manifests as an illness. The switch board of this electric current in the body is located in one's palms and soles in the form of different pressure points. When pressure is applied on a specific point, it clears the path for free flow of bio-electricity to the corresponding organ and thus the organ is restored to its original state of optimal health."
Often people confuse acupuncture with acupressure. While acupuncture uses needles to apply pressure on the specific points located on the meridians all over the body, acupressure is simpler and doesn't require any complex tools to perform it. Dr Vora identifies 38 major acupressure points on both the palms and soles. One can use one's thumb or any smooth, blunt object to apply pressure on these points. In the palm, the acupressure points are also situated one inch below the wrist.
Pressure points
So, one can begin pressing one inch from the wrist and then cover the entire palm including fingers and back of the palm. Perform pumping-like action on each point 4-5 times with a pressure that is bearable. The total time taken for acupressure is 20 minutes, with five minutes spent on each palm and sole. A point that feels tender when pressed means that the corresponding organ in the body needs healing, and the treatment suggested for the same is applying pressure for two extra minutes at the point that hurts. In such case, the treatment can be repeated thrice in a day till the pain subsides indicating that the problem connected to the corresponding organ has been cured. "One need not know the complexities of anatomy to diagnose and treat diseases through acupressure. This technique is so safe that even a one-day-old infant can be benefited from it," asserts Dr Vora.
Besides, the diagnosis with acupressure is so simple and fast that it beats any sophisticated medial technique for the same, he adds.
"While there are no medical equipment at present that can detect an ailment like cancer at a very early stage, with acupressure, the diagnosis of the same can be done in minutes," he says with confidence.
Defeat the dragon
In addition to his most popular book on acupressure, 'Health in Your Hands' which has seen many reprints and translated to several languages, Dr Vora has written two other books, viz., 'Defeat the Dragon' (Analysis and cure of dreaded diseases) and 'Instant Diagnosis through Acupressure' which cover the A to Z of acupressure. In fact it was former Indian Prime Minister Sri Morarji Desai, himself a health enthusiast, who encouraged Dr Vora to come up with a manual on acupressure in the form of his first book, 'Health in Your Hands'. Till date, Dr Vora has successfully treated more than 2.5 lakh patients and has trained more than 25,000 acupressure volunteers all over the world.
Eradication of cancer and cataract from this world, is the biggest ambition of this recipient of several honours and degrees including the nomination for the Nobel Prize by the Open International University for Complimentary Medicines, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
"Cancer is the easiest disease to diagnose and cure with acupressure," he says. There is virtually no disease in this world that cannot be cured with this no-drug therapy. Besides being an effective cure for major ailments like heart problems, paralysis, kidney troubles, etc it also provides cure for psychological problems, venereal diseases, women's health problems, addictions like drinking, smoking, drugs and even overeating, he explains.
"The diagnosis made with acupressure is as accurate as that of an MRI scan. Besides, with my research on HIV-AIDS, I've proved that HIV can be successfully treated with acupressure if diagnosed in its elementary stage," claims Dr Vora whose acupressure centre at Arya Samaj, Santa Cruz (West), Mumbai, is giving free treatment.
"Acupressure is a great boon to mankind as it is a no-cost, no-test and no-drug therapy that anyone can practice without the fear of side-effects. Acupressure is emerging as the best alternative therapy for the new millennium," says Dr Vora.
Email: doctordevendra@vsnl.net