What Is It? - How can it HELP YOU? - FAQ's
Acupuncture - What is It?
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese art of healing
that has been used for centuries. It evolved possibly as long as
3500 years ago, although that is difficult to verify. Acupuncture
actually involves the placing of small needles into your body. It
sounds a lot worse than it actually is.
Chinese medicine believes that the body should be in balance between
opposing forces called yin and yang. Yin is the female or passive
force, while yang is the male or dynamic force. When the body gets
out of balance then the energy flows may be blocked, restricted or
opened excessively. The acupuncturist attempts to diagnose the cause
of the imbalance and then through the correct placement of needles
restore the body to balance.
Today acupuncture is fairly well known in the western world with
many medical doctors using acupuncture as an alternative treatment
rather than prescription drugs. Worldwide studies have shown that
acupuncture can and does release endorphins, a natural opiate or
painkiller. Rather than prescribe pills for the patient, doctors may
perform acupuncture themselves or refer the patient to an
acupuncturist.
Western treatments tend to be more in line with treating pain
associated with arthritis & back pain though not exclusively.
Acupuncture has been reported to help many people suffering from
many ailments including angina, bronchitis, colitis, stress,
tiredness, ulcers, digestive disorders as well as helping people
going through withdrawal symptoms after giving up smoking.
The needles are very fine and the acupuncturist is skilled in
placing the needles into the body so no blood is drawn.
The acupuncturist places the needles into your body & then with his
or her thumb and fore finger turns or rolls the needles. This is
meant to release the blockage, increase or decrease the flow of
energy called Qi or Chi. Some acupuncturists may use needles that
have an incense type of coating at the top of the needle. After
rolling the needle, the acupuncturist may light the top of the
needles to aid in the diagnosed treatment. Several treatments may be
necessary before the body is back in balance.
Needles are not simply placed anywhere the acupuncturist feels is a
good place to put them. There is methodology. That is, there are
fourteen meridians or body lines linked to the main organs of the
body. Along these meridians are points where the needles are put.
Traditionally there were 365 acupuncture points, today there are
approximately 2000 displayed on modern meridian charts. The
diagnosis of the acupuncturist will determine which acupuncture
points the needles will be placed & on what meridian line.
Today acupuncture needles are thoroughly sterilized or in many cases
are disposable. This was not always the case in the past, but with
the threat of transmitting any blood type diseases such as HIV or
hepatitis this is very much standard practice.
Acupuncture has become in the western world very much accepted as an
alternative medicine. There are now training colleges worldwide
where acupuncture students can become accredited with an acupuncture
certification.