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'Baundscheidt' is an old German Naturopathic tool which is not commonly used or known about. The theory behind it is to stimulate an immune response, similar to the philosophy behind cupping, to promote healing.
This can be particularly beneficial for:
- aiding Scar tissue clearance
- Rheumatic conditions
- Degenerative joint disease (eg. the knee, hip or shoulder)
- Back pains or inter-vertebral disc problems
- Migranes
- Acute and chronic middle ear inflammation
- Chronic mastoiditis
- Chronic and spastic bronchitis
- Neuralgia (eg. sciatica)
- Circulation disorders of the lower limbs
- any function or disorder of inner organs which can be influenced by the Head Zones
and any condition which would benefit from enhanced metabolism.
History
In times gone by, well known treatment regimes for sufferers included beating the areas with stinging nettles or placing the area in an ant hill - strange but true! At the end of the 19th century Carl Baundscheidt, a precision engineer and inventor, was suffering from rheumatic pains in his finger joints which impinged upon his work. When mosquitos stung his fingers one night in the garden they became pain free the next morning to his amazement. He had also come across a missionary who had returned from China reporting about acupuncture. Baunscheidt combined the two theories together and invented an instrument to lightly pierce the skin whereby he rubbed irritating oil to warrant an immune response similar to that of a nettle rash.
Modern Times
Nowadays, the Baunscheidt oil is made from a carrier oil (I use Rosehip which is very nutritive for the skin), clove and juniper oils and histamine - these oils cause a nettle rash but no pus.
The original Baunscheidt needle is now replaced by a small prickly roll with a handle, which is more painfree. The needle bearing parts of the instrument are sterilised after every client to ensure strict hygiene.
What can you expect?
- The first reaction is a rise in skin temperature as a symptom of an enhanced local metabolism. The macrophage activity, stimulated by the needles, is further enhanced by the oil which is visible by the urticas (little bumps under the skin)
- The urticas are a visible affirmation of an immune response. The may last for several hours and can reappear when the client takes a shower that evening or the next morning. This is a welcome response as it will enhance the effect of the Baunscheidt treatment.
- The clients will feel an initial itching sensation soon replced by a warm and comforting feeling. Dress warmly to prevent cold air or drafts adversely affecting the treatment.
- Treamtent can be enhanced by adding a hot pack to the area at home afterwards.
Contra-Indications
There are no contra-indications to the Baunscheidt method
- Allergic reactions to the oil have to be excluded before the therapy by rubbing one drop of the oil onto the tender skin of the underarm to observe any possible adverse reactions.
- Of course clients with allergy problems- like hayfever, allergic asthma or excema need to be treated carefully with longer intervals between treatments with smaller treatment areas
- Normally, Baunscheidt is not applied directly above a spinous process
- Again, extra care is taken with women before, during and after menstruation
and for clients with low blood pressure
Do not apply mustard or cantharide plasters or mechanical massage devices to the skin for a few days following treatment which may cause micro injuries to the skin.
Therapy Intervals
- The earlier you treat an acute illness, the shorter the treatment intervals should be
- One treatment is somethimes sufficient
- Chronic disorders need several treatments with longer treatment intervals, as it takes these clients longer to transfer into a reactive healing period. Two sessions per week, with a minimum distance of three days, are recommended. In Combination with other Therapies:
The Baunscheidt method is very well suited with certain other therapies which will reinforce one another:
- Massage: before Baunscheidt, removing the oil first which prevents urticas
- Chiropractic: before Baunscheidt
- Acupuncture and Moxa
- Cupping
- Natural remedies and other medication
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