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Acupuncture is a Chinese art of medicine.
Chinese medicine holds that any symptom or illness is a imbalance
in a person's energy. This energy is called Qi (pronounced "chi" in
Chinese, "kee" in Japanese). Qi travels in pathways known as
channels from the surface of the body to very deep in the body. It
is the imbalances in the energy which produces the symptoms.
Acupuncture balances the imbalance in the person's energy.
History of
Acupuncture
The history of acupuncture can be traced back to
the stone age. It has been practiced in China for at least five
thousand years. In the 6th century A.D, it was introduced in Japan
and other countries. At present there are forty countries
practicing acupuncture. Modern (western) medicine is only one
hundred and fifty years old. In 1928, the Chinese advocated the use
of acupuncture and modern medicine. In 1949, research organizations
and colleges specializing in acupuncture and Chinese medicine were
established. In 1958, acupuncture anesthesia was achieved combining
Chinese medicine and western medicine. This was a great success
toward the science of acupuncture.
How does Acupuncture
Work?
Acupuncture works by stimulating the various
points in the body which are pathways for "Chi" to flow. There are
different mechanisms of action of acupuncture. Commonly used
explanations are:
- Acupuncture alters body chemicals including stimulation of
endorphins.
- Acupuncture sensations effect nerves and cause beneficial
reflex response.
- Acupuncture affects the body's natural electro-magnetic
fields.
Do the Needles
Hurt?
Acupuncture needles are very thin and not hollow
like injection needles. They are pre-sterilized, individually
packed, disposable, and used once and discarded. With proper
placement techniques, the needles do not hurt and are painless
after the placement. A feeling of tingling or heaviness may be felt
after the placement, and occasionally after the removal for a few
minutes. Some people notice a feeling of relaxation, well being,
and find themselves either sleeping or smiling.
What Conditions Can it
Treat?
The rule of thumb is that acupuncture can treat
anything that has not caused gross organ changes. This is, however,
not a hard-fast rule. In the western medicine circle, acupuncture
is best recognized for its role in pain management. It may be used
as the only treatment against pain or as part of a program
involving other approaches. The types of pain that can respond well
to acupuncture include long standing chronic types such as
arthritis, scar pain, and back pain, in addition to acute pain such
as sciatica, shoulder, neck, back, and muscular pain. Other
conditions in which acupuncture has been studied with good results
include:
- Stress and Sleep Disorders
- Addiction, Withdrawal, and Immune System: - Prevention of Cold,
Flu, Arthritis, Chronic Fatigue
- Cardiovascular
- Palpitations: - High Blood Pressure, Poor Circulation, Cold
Feet
- Respiratory: - Allergies, Sinusitis, Asthma
How Often are the
Treatments?
The response to acupuncture varies from person
to person. The number of treatments needed and the frequency
depends on the person's response. In general, long standing
conditions, such as pain of many years, will require two to three
treatments a week for the first few weeks. As a response develops
and holds, treatment will be spaced at only once a week for several
months. Acute problems such as sprains usually require fewer
visits. The number and frequency of treatments are decided on
individual basis following consultation of your condition, and on
going response.
Are There Any Side
Effects?
Most people experience no unpleasant side
effects, however any time a needle is placed in the body there is a
risk of bleeding or infection. With the use of disposable needles,
the risk of infection is remote and in the hands of good
acupuncturist the risk of bleeding is minimal. Occasionally, a
small vessel under the skin maybe pricked resulting in a black and
blue mark. Occasionally people may feel dizzy, especially at the
start of first treatment and more commonly when haven't experienced
acupuncture before.
Can Acupuncture Be Used with
Modern Medicine?
Yes. Acupuncture does not interfere with
existing drug therapy. Asthmatics can continue their medication.
People seeking physiotherapy and chiropractic treatment can combine
these with acupuncture, however you should not cease conventional
medical treatment without consulting your doctor.
Acupuncture is like any other kind of medicine -
it suites some people better then others. When administered by a
qualified acupuncturist the success rate is high (around 90%).
Acupuncture can be used to treat the condition itself, or in cases
where the condition is incurable it can be used to vastly reduce
the symptoms without the use of drugs. Even if a complete cure is
not achieved, a 90% improvement will permit the patient to return
to a basically normal life style.
Acupuncture treats some conditions better then
others. The conditions which will be most effectively treated with
acupuncture are:
- Muscle sprains/sporting injuries
- Arthritis and similar ailments
Acupuncture can treat the following conditions,
but for there to be a vast improvement many sittings are needed and
at regular occurrences:
- Chronic pain
- Long drawn out problem (had for a long time)
Most conditions can obtain relief of symptoms from acupuncture
if not be cured completely.
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