Introduction to Acupuncture

Acupuncture is part of traditional Chinese medicine and is acclaimed as one of the oldest forms of healing throughout the world. The concept that lies underneath acupuncture is the belief that a disruption in the flow of qi and imbalances within the forces of both yin and yang cause disease. Using a combination of herbs, meditation, massage and acupuncture are believed to restore the balance of yin-hang and the flow of qi and thus aid the healing process. The process of acupuncture involves stimulating specific points in the body in order to remove blockages in the flow of qi and thus restore and maintain health. In the United States acupuncture falls into the area of alternative medicine, which means it is not accepted as part of conventional medicine.

Although acupuncture is not part of traditional medicine, there are several points that we have to consider about this procedure:

• The Chinese and other Asian people have used the procedure for thousands of years.

• Scientists are currently studying the effectiveness of the procedure for treating many different conditions.

• Very few complications are known as a result of acupuncture although there can be serious side effects if the procedure is not performed by someone qualified to perform the procedure.

Although the procedure has been in existence in China and other Asian countries for many years, it has only been in use in the United States since 1971. Since it was first introduced, many people have chosen to use acupuncture for many different conditions including post-surgical pain, arthritis, chronic pain, and even migraines. Some people cringe at the thought of needles being injected into their skin while others swear by the benefits of acupuncture. Many people who cringed at the thought in the beginning chose to try it after all traditional medical procedures failed.

There is no need to be afraid of acupuncture as long as you visit a qualified practitioner. In the United States, the FDA has regulations for the use of the needles up to and including the requirement for one time use. The problems develop when a provider does not follow proper safety procedures or a patient chooses to visit someone who is not a qualified practitioner. You would not visit a medical doctor who did not have the proper qualifications to care for you, so you should exercise the same precaution when choosing an acupuncturist.

By understanding the key concepts of the procedure and making certain you choose a competent practitioner, you will have a better understanding of acupuncture and will be able to make an informed decision regarding the benefits it may provide for you. Never choose a practitioner based upon the recommendation of anyone unless you conduct your own research first.

What Is Acupuncture: A Look At How It Works

What is acupuncture is actually one of the most asked questions today.  There are many ways to describe this method of healing but it is important to know that when you ask what is acupuncture, you may find various answers to your question.  The reason for this is simple.  There are many forms of acupuncture, all of which can be effective to different levels.  As you work with a professional acupuncturist, you will want to consider what methods they use and how they can help you.

What is acupuncture, then?  It is an ancient form of Chinese medicine that has been used for over 3000 years, some even believe longer.  In this method of healing, it does not work and is not based on any area of western medicine.  Rather, it is based on restoring the flow of qi through the body.  Qi is the energy force or the life force in the body.  When qi is unable to flow smoothly as it should, you feel pain or become ill.  Acupuncture works to allow the flow to be restored so that the pain subsides and improves greatly.

When you ask what is acupuncture, consider the method used to restore qi.  The term itself means “needle piercing” and it actually is like this.  To restore the flow of qi, the acupuncturist, or professional trained in this medicine treatment, will insert very thin needles into your skin.  They do this along specific anatomic points on the body.  Each point, called an acupuncture point or acupoint, delivers a specific treatment to some area of the body.

In addition to inserting needles into these specific points, in many forms of acupuncture, the needles are combined with other aspects including heat, small impulses of electromagnetic energy, friction or even suction.  Pressure acupuncture is also a common type.  They do this in an effort to stimulate the points to cause a specific reaction.  In other terms, by stimulating the acupuncture points, the body’s balance in the movement of the qi is restored to good health therefore improving your health in the process.

While a half century ago people would ask, what is acupuncture, and be met with an answer about distance medicine, in today’s world it has become a common and regularly used method of treating illness.  You should not stop taking medications assigned to you by a standard doctor, but you can and should use acupuncture as a method of healing that works alongside these other methods.  Acupuncture is widely encouraged and highly respected around the world.  Consider what it can add to your healing and well being.

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