Acupuncture; History And Techniques
Acupuncture; History And Techniques
By Leanne Kemp
Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical
procedures in the world. Originating in China more than 2,000
years ago, it is used extensively in Traditional Chinese
Medicine and has proven to provide pain relief, ease suffering,
and reduce tension and stress. Looking at the popularity of
acupuncture, many insurance companies have started to recognize
it as a Complimentary Alternative Medicine and are offering this
treatment within their health plans.
Today the world is moving at a very fast pace and there is very
little to no free time available for the individual. To remain
fit and healthy has become a real challenge. Most of us often
suffer stress related problems like the nausea, back pain,
lethargy etc. There are prescribed medications available to
assist with the symptoms but the available medications are not
free from their own form of side effects. It is not always
practically possible to go to work suffering from drowsiness or
lethargy caused by the commercial medications for example. To
avoid this situation there are only two ways available, one take
time off work which is not possible on regular basis or the
second is to bear the sufferings of the pain or the disease and
keep on working, which is not possible for long periods. For
these very reasons people started hunting for the alternative
remedies and thus gained its relevance and
importance in the modern world.
In the Chinese language is known as zhen jiu.
Acupuncture is actually the technique of restoring the health
and treating pain and diseases by inserting tubular needles into
the different vantage points of the body known as the
acupuncture point. works on the principle that
nature flows within the human body and it is controlled by the
vital life energy termed as Qi (pronounced chee). This energy,
or life force, circulates around the body through invisible
channels called meridians.
If the flow of Qi in the meridians is disrupted, then disease
may follow. By inserting fine needles into particular
acupuncture points, the disruption can be corrected and the flow
of Qi restored. To begin with, the acupuncturist questions the
patient about the ailment and various other relevant facts and
also performs a physical examination of the patient before
starting the treatment.
Acupuncture needles are metallic, solid, and hair-thin. People
experience differently, but most feel no or minimal
pain as the needles are inserted. Some people are energized by
treatment, while others feel relaxed. Depending on the location
of the treatment, the patient will either sit or lie down.
Properly done, is painless because the needles are
very fine (around 0.2mm in width). Once inserted, the patient
may feel mild tingling around the site, warmth or heaviness, or
even nothing at all.
An acupuncturist may use other techniques including:
1. Cupping - suction designed to bring Qi and blood to the
acupuncture point.
2. Chinese herbs - either mixed by the acupuncturist or in
pre-prepared tablet or granulated form.
3. Laser - used
instead of the needles to activate acupuncture
points.
4. TCM remedial massage - techniques applied to specific
acupuncture points or meridians.
5. Moxibustion - burning herbs held over or applied to
acupuncture points.
Does hurt? That is the most common question asked.
The whole process may be termed as a painless process but the
degree of pain bearing differs from person to person. Most of
the patients have stated that there is virtually no pain at all
or it is very minimal, like the pain you suffer while plucking
hair.
The other thing to keep in mind is that the treatment as a
whole also depends upon the expertise of the acupuncturist. It
should be made clear that may not provide instant
relief from the ailment or that only one visit to the
acupuncturist would suffice. Factors to consider is the severity
of the ailment and also that the degree of recovery differs from
person to person.
Acupuncture is an alternative remedy so many people do not rely
on the procedure completely. Some patients do report a
noticeable difference with one visit to the acupuncturist, but
usually it takes many visits to get satisfactory improvement.
Pharmaceutical companies are churning out drugs and medicines
for possibly all ailments and diseases to meet the requirements
of the people wanting a “quick fix”, but where is the warning
about the dangerous side effects that these drugs and
medications bring along with them? We have mentioned the side
effects of the commercial drugs and other medications so it is
practically correct to ask about the side effects of
acupuncture. There is a risk of negative side effects from
acupuncture, but the quantum of the risk is very low compared to
the alternate commercial remedies. The main side effects of this
process is due to the improper sterilization of the used needles
or placing the needles too deep in the body which can cause
small bleeds, dizziness etc. These things happen when any poorly
trained acupuncturist handles the patient. Therefore it is very
important for you to go to a qualified acupuncturist and for the
purpose it may require you to research as you do before going to
the physician or the dentist.
Whether or not you believe in the philosophy of Qi makes no
difference to the effects of acupuncture. Scientific trials
around the world have found that is a safe and
useful treatment for many different disorders. is
certainly worth a try. It offers relatively very low risk of
side effects and may assist in reducing independence from the
load of the commercial drugs and medications available. It is
definitely worth a try.
About the Author: Leanne Kemp is the managing Director for
Wotaboutme at http://www.wotaboutme.com.au/. Look online to find
a day spa, haircut, aromatherapy massage anywhere in Australia.
Perfect for gifts for him or a gifts for her.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link:
http://www.isnare.com/?aid=181052&ca=Medicines+and+Remedies
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