Reference: https://mbp-japan.com/jijico/articles/32345/
Modified and translated by CFJA
Are You Experiencing Hypothermic Symptoms in Your Daily Life?
When you become hypothermic, you may notice the following symptoms:
- Incessant shivering
- Slowed movements
- Decreased cognitive abilities
- Diminished responsiveness
- Feeling cold throughout the body
These symptoms mentioned above can occur. As these tend to appear when you’re tired, these are often taken lightly. However, if these symptoms persist for an extended period, it can lead to a decrease in heart rate and respiration, ultimately resulting in cardiac arrest.
The ideal body temperature ranges from 36.6°C to 37.0°C. Individuals with temperatures between 36.1°C and 36.5°C may have slightly fatigued bodily functions. Those with temperatures ranging from 35.5°C to 36.0°C are considered to be at risk of illness.
People with temperatures below 36°C should actively take measures to prevent hypothermia. Individuals with temperatures below 35.4°C may have an underlying medical condition and should consider undergoing medical examinations. Those in the 34°C range are recommended to undergo acupuncture and moxibustion treatment to raise their body temperature.
Acupuncture and Bone Setter (Judo Seihuku ) Therapy are Effective Treatment Methods in Disaster Areas
Preventive measures against hypothermia can be quite challenging for people living in evacuation centers in disaster-stricken areas, especially when relief supplies are scarce. Prolonged exposure to these conditions can lead to significant mental distress and worsening health. Western medicine, primarily reliant on advanced equipment and medication, often faces difficulties in providing adequate medical care in disaster-stricken areas. During the East Japan earthquake and tsunami of March 11, 2011, many judo therapists and acupuncturists volunteered to assist. Bone Setter therapy, equipped with examination techniques that could substitute for X-ray examinations, was accepted as an effective treatment for trauma such as fractures and dislocations in emergency situations. Acupuncture therapy, as an alternative to pharmaceutical treatments, was widely utilized by many disaster survivors. Even those receiving acupuncture for the first time found it soothing, noting that the treatment not only addressed physical issues but also provided emotional comfort.
The recurring fear associated with earthquakes often leaves traumatic experiences (psychological disorders) in many individuals. Acupuncture therapy is effective in alleviating trauma. In the United States military, acupuncture therapy known as “Battlefield Acupuncture” is utilized for trauma treatment in soldiers who have experienced war. This method does not require removing clothing and can be performed while sitting, making it a valuable resource in disaster-stricken areas within the United States.
Bone Setter therapy is crucial medical care during the peak period of 2 to 4 weeks following the occurrence of a disaster, particularly for trauma cases. It remains essential until the medical infrastructure is established.
Acupuncture therapy is necessary for individuals experiencing health issues that emerge approximately 2 to 4 weeks after the disaster. The longer the period of evacuation, the more effective acupuncture therapy becomes. During the East Japan earthquake and tsunami, free acupuncture therapy services were offered in Miyagi Prefecture. With the recent Noto Peninsula earthquake, we hope that acupuncture therapists, Bone Setter therapists, and massage practitioners will be dispatched as part of emergency medical support teams to provide Eastern medicine services.
For information on volunteer activities related to Eastern medicine during the East Japan earthquake and tsunami or worldwide, please refer to research journals and websites of organizations such as the All Japan Society of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and the Japanese Society of Bone Setter (Judo Seihuku/ Seikotsu).
Hypothermia can pose a risk of inducing heart attacks or strokes. If you feel your body getting cold and notice slowed movements or thought processes, it’s advisable to raise the room temperature and change into warm clothing. For those who do not experience improvement despite taking good care of themselves, I strongly recommend trying acupuncture and moxibustion treatment. Moxibustion, in particular, is highly effective for individuals with low body temperature. Acupuncture and moxibustion treatment can influence internal organ function from the outside of the body. If symptoms persist despite pharmaceutical treatments (internal medicine) or surgical procedures, please consult a nearby acupuncture and moxibustion clinic or a medical facility where acupuncture and moxibustion practitioners are available.
Yoga is an ideal way to maintain or raise body temperature. During the East Japan earthquake and tsunami, many volunteers offered yoga sessions in disaster-affected areas. For those experiencing physical or mental discomfort, I strongly encourage trying yoga.