Overview

One of the primary precepts of acupuncture is that the Vital Substances flow through channels or Meridians in the body. There are 12 channels or meridians in the body, and a network of smaller channels branching off the main channel. Each of the 12 main meridians is connected to one of the 12 organs and travels along its own route in the body. Unlike the blood circulatory system, the meridians are not visible to the naked eye. The acupuncture points lie along these meridians. When the vital substances do not flow smoothly, disease occurs. By stimulating specific acupuncture points, blockages can be removed and the body returned to its natural state.

In essence acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles on the body surface to influence the physiological functioning of the body. It can be used in combination with heat provided by burning specific herbs (moxibustion).

There is also a less invasive variety of the practice known as ACUPRESSURE (no needles are used).

History

Acupuncture is probably the oldest of the Traditional Chinese Medical Treatments still in use today. It originated in China (depending on the source you read) between 3,000 and 5,000 years ago and its use was first documented in print in the "Huangdi Nei Jing" or "Yellow emperer's (sic) Classic of Medicine" which was compiled in 475-221 BC. This work describes the use of acupuncture and moxibustion, pathology of the perceived channels of energy, acupuncture points. Acupuncture was a large part of the Chinese medical knowledge at that time.

Acupuncture was banned in China during the Manchurian Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) because the rulers felt that it was inferior to the western medicine coming from the Western cultures. However, the ban was unsuccessful because people already strongly believed that it worked, and it continued to be used widely among both the poor and the wealthy of China.

Acceptance of Acupuncture as a valid medical protocol in the US did not really begin until the 1970's. Because acupuncture is based on Daoist (Taoist) theories like "yin" and "yang", and "the 5 elements" a Chinese diagnosis may seem crude and unprofessional to Western physicians. There is much anecdotal evidence that acupuncture and acupressure are effective on some illnesses. However, Western science has never been able to understand how it works because they can show that in some instances it does works, but because they cannot explain how it works, many western physicians and researchers remain skeptical.

Benefits

The National Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institute of Health has proposed several process to explain acupunctures effect, primarily those on pain. Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to release chemicals into muscles, spinal cord and brain. These chemicals either change the experience of pain or release other chemicals such as hormones, that influence the body's self-regulating systems. The biochemical changes may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.

Procedure

A visit to an acupuncturist includes an extensive medical history based on Chinese theories of disease and health, which may contain questions that, from a Western perspective, seem unrelated to the presenting complaint. In addition, the acupuncturist takes a lengthy series of pulses on the wrists, examines the tongue, and palpates for tender spots along the meridian lines. The patient then lies down and the acupuncturist inserts needles in specific locations.

Sometimes electric currents, laser beams, or moxibustion - a procedure that burns the herb Artemisia vulgaris (mugwort) either directly on or above the skin - may be used to enhance needle treatment. The patient is left alone in the room for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the needles to continue to stimulate the acupuncture points.

A full treatment generally lasts anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes. At the end of the session, the needles are removed and the patient may be given herbal remedies to use at home. Follow-up visits and schedules are determined according to the symptoms, the condition, and the response of the individual.

Source of information: Arthritis Insight | www.wellFX.com