Heregel

Heregel

Heregel is a term derived from Mongolian traditional medicine and physical therapy. It refers to the practice of applying heated pebbles or stones to specific points on the body, often along meridian lines, to promote healing, relieve pain, and improve circulation. The practice is rooted in the belief that the heat from the stones can help to balance the body's energy flow (Qi) and alleviate various ailments.

Heregel is a part of a broader system of Mongolian medicine that includes herbal remedies, acupuncture, moxibustion, and other physical therapies. The stones used in Heregel are typically smooth and non-porous, such as basalt or other volcanic rocks, which retain heat effectively. They are heated in water or over a fire before being applied to the body.

The placement of the stones is often determined by the specific ailment being treated, and practitioners may use knowledge of traditional Mongolian medicine to identify the appropriate points. The application of heat is believed to relax muscles, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the body's natural healing processes.

While Heregel is a traditional practice, its effectiveness has not been rigorously studied by modern scientific methods. It is primarily practiced in Mongolia and among Mongolian communities elsewhere. Practitioners often combine Heregel with other forms of treatment to achieve desired outcomes.