Korean hand therapy, or Koryo hand therapy, is a type of alternative medicine that involves applying pressure to various points present on the hand. KHT was studied and developed by Dr. Tae Woo Yoo. Between 1971 and 1975, Dr. Tae Woo Yoo developed this therapy, and since then it has been steadily gaining popularity worldwide.
There are various types of alternative medicine treatments. Many times, the doctor will advise a patient to use alternative medicine treatment along with their ongoing medication. Alternative medicines tend to be more natural and hence safer. These treatments can be very helpful for patients who have pain, swelling, or stress. One such alternative medicine branch is acupressure. Today, among other acupressure therapies, one of the most popular one is the Korean hand therapy.
Korean hand therapy is also known by many other names like KHT, Koryo hand therapy, Koryo Sooji Chim, Korean Hand Acupuncture, Soojichim, etc.
So, what is Korean acupuncture therapy and what is the difference between traditional Chinese acupuncture and Korean acupuncture? Let’s know more about this treatment.
▶ Korean Acupuncture Vs. Chinese Acupuncture
● Korean hand therapy practitioners believe that the hands of a person are a micro universe of the whole body. The palms show the front side of the body, while the back of the hand for the back of the body, and the sides of the fingers for the sides of the body.
● Korean acupressure is different from traditional Chinese acupuncture. In traditional Chinese acupuncture, it is believed that the whole body is filled with channels that allow the energy in the body to flow. These channels function as entry points for energy, and are called acupuncture points.
● In traditional Chinese acupuncture, fine sterile stainless steel needles are inserted in these points to remove blockages and any imbalances of body’s energy flow. This helps energy and blood to circulate smoothly in the body. This stimulates the body and helps it in healing.
● Korean acupuncture or Korean hand therapy integrates five-element acupuncture, traditional Chinese acupuncture, and Japanese acupressure techniques. In Chinese acupuncture, the acupuncture points are present all over the body; however, in Korean acupuncture, the points are present only on the hands are used. As hand is considered as a microcosm of the body.
● Korean hand therapy, apart from using miniature acupuncture needles, uses point massage with fingers, tiny tape on metal acupressure pellets, heat through tiny heat simulators, KHT silver ring, electrical devices, etc.
▶ How Does Korean Hand Therapy Work?
● According to Korean hand therapy, there are 345 acupuncture points on the hands, which can be used to regulate internal organs of the body. These points can be stimulated using various devices or even point massage.
● If one is in pain or discomfort, then the reactions can be felt on the relevant acupuncture point on the hands. Stimulating these pressure points will help relieve pain and discomfort. Generally, a acupuncture practitioner will first study the client’s body composition. Then, according to the ailment, the therapy will be given.
● Korean hand therapy is used to treat various disorders like nausea, body pain, rheumatic arthritis, infertility, stroke, and allergies. It is provided with the ongoing treatment of the patient, to reduce their pain. Also, it is given to chemotherapy patients to decrease their nausea and pain, so that they can continue with their treatment better.
Korean hand therapy is practiced in over 50 countries, which include many Asian, European, and American countries. There are many centers where one can avail this therapy. Also, there are certain centers where you can learn this therapy and become a practitioner.
