Electro Acupuncture: What Is It?

You may have heard of electro acupuncture. Most people know that acupuncture is an ancient form of medical treatment that has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. This is true and often, it is considered to be an alternative medicine or treatment option. Yet, more and more so, doctors are recommending the treatment as a complimentary tool to your other medications and treatments. But, what is electro acupuncture?

In this form of acupuncture, the needles that are traditionally inserted into the skin’s layers will be linked with a device that works to send out continuous amounts of electric pulses. Usually the process is done with two pairs of needles which are linked together with this device. You may also hear electro acupuncture referred to as Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation or PENS.
Why should anyone use this type of acupuncture over other forms? The belief is that electro acupuncture will work to provide better treatment to the patient. Only some acupuncturists will use this treatment to facilitate their help to an individual. Usually, this type of acupuncture is paired with the most traditional types, and done at various times during the treatment process. The goal is to help restore the quality of life and healthy. Additionally, this method is recommended for those looking to treat intense pain through acupuncture.

In this method of treatment, individuals are treated in the same points as they would be in the most traditional forms of acupuncture. The amount of the pulse, which is always very small, is determined based on the type of condition that is being treated. The frequency of the pulse is also determined in this way. Usually, there is no need for the treatment to be done for more than thirty minutes, though less time can be effective as well.

Electro acupuncture is like any other form of acupuncture in that it triggers specific areas of the body for the treatment of pain and for improving the overall well being of an individual. Like all forms, the quality of care you receive will be dependant on the actual acupuncturist that is doing the work. In many cases, finding a qualified and experience individual to handle this type of acupuncture is necessary.

If you see an acupuncturist on a daily basis, talk to them about this type of treatment. You may find that it is an ideal way to treat your current situation. Electro acupuncture has been shown to be effective in many conditions by acupuncturists. Consider it as another, safe form of alternative medicine to treat your condition.

Acupuncture Weight Loss Help

If you enjoy acupuncture weight loss may be one of the benefits you can receive from this treatment. Many of today’s top acupuncture professionals will tell you that you can achieve improved health in many ways by using acupuncture. Weight loss may not be the only benefit to you, of course, but for those that want to lose some weight and have struggled to do so in other ways, this may be an option available to them.

One of the most important things to remember about acupuncture is that it will work in conjunction to other treatments. When it comes to acupuncture, weight loss is more effective when the acupuncture treatments are done alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise. You will need to improve your diet by eating healthy foods including less saturated fat, whole grains and more vegetables. Compliment your treatment with a good exercise regimen that encourages you to work out at least 20 minutes per day.

With that said, you may be wondering what it will do to help you to drop the pounds. In acupuncture, weight loss is achieved through healthy diet and exercise, but is helped by the acupuncture process itself. It will help by increasing your resilience. It also is an effective way to manage food cravings. More so, acupuncture will also help your body to respond better to the improved diet you are giving it. In other words, acupuncture helps make diet and exercise more effective.

How can you effectively lose weight then with acupuncture? Here are some guidelines to follow.

• Improve your diet by removing saturated fats from it. Replace them with healthier fats.
• Eat less red meat and more lean meats including fish. This will improve your overall diet considerably.
• Go outside for a walk each day. Then, increase this to a run each day. Improving the amount of exercise you get each day will help you to lose weight considerably.
• Improve your overall health by cutting calories. Eat foods that are lower in calories. Also, reduce your portion sizes, which also will help you to lose weight.

Doing these things will help you to lose weight. When you add in acupuncture, weight loss is more effective. See your acupuncturist as often as they recommend. Talk to them about your goals of losing weight through this method. Many will provide you with recommendations on how to accomplish this goal. Most importantly, work at it step by step so that you can see improvements as you go. With acupuncture, weight loss is more effective and long lasting.

Acupuncture: Real or Myth?

There are hundreds of thousands of individuals within the United States and elsewhere who have seemed to embrace the idea and practice of acupuncture as something that is real and can be used to treat a wide variety of issues. On the other hand there are hundreds of thousands of other people who are on the exact opposite of the fence. Some people believe the idea of acupuncture is a myth, while others know to the core of their being that acupuncture therapy is real, not imagined. Whatever the case in your belief system, though, chances are that you have at least heard of the acupuncture myth controversy that some people have started in the United States and throughout the world.

Why Acupuncture is Considered a Myth?

Many people consider acupuncture to be a myth because there are already so many myths in the Chinese culture that have not yet been debunked. Further to that, many people logically process the thought that just because the Chinese considered the acupuncture therapy to be real thousands of years ago does not mean that the traditions were carried on and the affects were real. For many, the idea of acupuncture leads to imagery of ancient Chinese people concocting special recipes that only serve as to buffer the whole myth of acupuncture therapy. Some people say that these people simply don’t know what they’re talking about. Acupuncture professionals in the Chinese culture have rejected those who say that acupuncture therapy is a total myth.

Why Acupuncture is Considered Very Real?

As mentioned, by professional and authoritative Chinese experts in Asia as well as other countries throughout the world reject the idea that the whole concept of acupuncture therapy could be a myth. What is the reason that they reject that notion, though? The main reason, and perhaps the most important reason, too, is the fact that these acupuncture experts have actually experienced the healing properties of the process of acupuncture. For these people, they are confident by the fact that they are able to heal through this very delicate process and are confused as to why anybody would doubt the whole miracle!

Any Middle Ground?

We have heard arguments for the myth side of acupuncture and we have also heard arguments for the reasoning behind believing in acupuncture, but is there any middle ground to the issue? Is it possible that there could be some myths associated with the medicine techniques, but most of the acupuncture therapy is actually a real thing? On the contrary, though, there can hardly be any middle ground to something or some idea that is either false or true. Many acupuncture defenders contend that their way of healing is the absolute right way and they also say that if one is to be too skeptical about the whole issue then the best thing to do would be to try it out for themselves! Indeed, personal experience is what is most important, and the issue of acupuncture certainly warrants the experience!

The Basics of Acupuncture

There are many people who are either fascinated with ancient medicine methods, alternative therapies, or even those who want to learn about other cultures. In addition, non-western medicine approaches and other techniques are also a major interest to many people. Fortunately, acupuncture therapy falls under all of these categories and there is much to be learned from this ancient medicinal technique. The ancient Chinese civilizations started using acupuncture when there was any physical or mental ailment that needed to be cured. There are all sorts of reasons why this ancient method was also moved from the Middle East where it originated, but a whole plethora of countries have definitely benefited from it.

Nevertheless, there will always be those people who are fascinated with the basics and fundamentals of acupuncture. In reality, acupuncture truly is an amazing therapy. For starters, acupuncture isn’t like any other therapy because it doesn’t involve anything that any other traditional Western therapies involve. For example, some traditional Western therapies involve focusing on an individuals interactions with the environment and other people; however, acupuncture deals with the person and the body itself, including bringing the state of the body back to equilibrium where it belongs.

What Does Acupuncture Believe?

Just as there are a great number (and growing, too!) of people who are fascinated with what acupuncture is, those people are the same individuals that need to realize that acupuncture is truly a belief system. In other words, acupuncture just simply isn’t a therapy technique that requires a person to undergo needles in their skin and that’s it. On the contrary, acupuncture is a whole belief system that entails beliefs about the body and the whole healing process.

For starters when it comes to acupuncture, the Chinese believed that there was one basic source in the body that was responsible for the whole body’s energy source. This energy source is called the Chi, and this spot in the body is also responsible for any type of pain that is felt. Knowing all this, however, enables a person to also know that in order to stop pain from being felt then those spots on the bodies must be removed. Thankfully, the Chinese culture figured out that their were pathways that run along the Chi line. In order to combat any number of illnesses and diseases one has to undergo the process of having needles placed in the skin in order for those pressure points on the body to help the process of healing.

The Science of Acupuncture

Even though acupuncture is not an exact science, more doctors and alternative therapy practitioners in the West are using acupuncture as a reference point and study guide to look at the practices of alternative therapies in a different light. Perhaps the reason that traditional Western medicine doesn’t embrace acupuncture as much as the Chinese does is because there are no hard facts to go off of. But those who don’t practice it also don’t realize what they’re missing out on. When it comes right down to it, thought, acupuncture is not only amazing, but it’s also a therapy that everyone should be grateful for!

Acupuncture Provides Diverse Benefits

Acupuncture is now considered alternative or complementary medicine, and there is evidence that these alternatives can be very helpful to people with certain problems or conditions. Acupuncture is originally from China where it is still widely practiced for the health of the Chinese people. These alternative or complementary medicines are now widely used in the United States and Western Europe for specific conditions or problems. Most medical professionals are trained in certain methods for maintaining and restoring the health of their patients. Not many medical professionals are trained in acupuncture. Most doctors do not immediately consider acupuncture as a method for treating their patients, but there is more enthusiasm for using these methods as a complement to modern medical practices.

Many cities and towns around the United States now have professionals who practice acupuncture. These professionals are highly skilled in the practice of alternative methods. Patients usually go to the practitioners of traditional medical treatment first, but many then seek help through acupuncture if they do not find satisfaction with regular doctors and nurses. Some insurance companies will now consider payments for acupuncture treatment. People will not usually seek acupuncture for serious conditions such as cancer or heart disease.

Acupuncture Proves Effective For Many Goals

People often seek acupuncture as a source of complementary medicine. This type of alternative medicine has been used for people suffering chronic pain, nausea and several other troubling conditions. These alternative medicine techniques are also used to help people break bad habits such as smoking. There has also been some success in using these alternative medicines to help people lose weight. The techniques used in acupuncture seem a bit harsh when first described, but the techniques are not painful or uncomfortable.

The professional acupuncturist uses needles inserted at specific points in the body to achieve the goals of the patient. The skilled professional uses needles that are hygienic to prevent any type of infection. These needles are much thinner than the needles that people are used to when they are in need of a traditional shot. The needles are inserted at strategic points chosen for specific benefits. The skilled person will insert the needles in specific points for someone with headaches. The same professional will insert the needles differently for those trying to kick a bad habit. There have been many people who have used these alternative medicines with great success, and the demonstrated success for some conditions has led to more people seeking this type of treatment.

Acupuncture Point: The Right Place Matters

An acupuncture point is the location on the body that is targeted by the acupuncturist. In this Chinese medicine and alternative treatment, tiny needles are placed into the skin at these points. In doing so, it is believed that they can restore the normal flow of qi, or the energy force within the body to its normal state. When that happens, the body can heal and overcome the ailments that it is currently facing.

The term for an acupuncture point is acupoints. It can also be used in similar, though different types of acupuncture including acupressure, sonopuncture, and laser treatments that are now available. In the study of acupuncture, it is believed that the body is connected through various points. These connected points are referred to as meridians. Each meridian can be targeted to a specific organ or area of the body. Other acupuncture point locations are found throughout the body that is not connected to meridians.

When you visit an acupuncturist, or a professional who performs this type of alternative treatment, the first step is to assess your condition by giving you a thorough exam. During this process, they will determine where the potential problems are. Based on their study of your body as well as the specifics of this type of treatment, they can determine the best acupuncture point or points to place needles. In this treatment, needles are placed on the appropriate meridian to trigger the specific condition needing to be treated. In most cases, several locations will be targeted at one time.

An acupuncturist will know the proper acupuncture point based on his or her experience as well as training in this treatment. The locations of these treatments are done the same from one person to the next.

There are also various categories of points throughout the body. For example, there are the Five Transporting acupuncture points. In this category, the qi flows much like a river through the body. In this method, there are several types of treatment administered, each associated with these points. The five methods are called Jing well, Ying spring, Shu stream, Jing River and He sea.

When you visit an acupuncture location, take notice of any charts that they may have on the walls. These are a great reference to learn where the best acupuncture point to treat your condition is located. Yet, also realize that only after the acupuncturist performs an assessment of the body can he assign the proper treatment. You can often ask questions to learn why one area is located over the others.

Acupuncture Pressure Points: How Do They Help?

Acupuncture pressure points are located throughout the body. These are very small areas of the body that will react to stimulations. In the study of acupuncture, it is believed that a life force or life energy called qi flows through the body. When you become ill, face pain or just are not feeling well, this is because the natural flow of qi through the body has been challenged, changed or otherwise broken. In order to restore health to your body, you must remove the ailment and restore the flow. Acupuncture points, acupoints are often used to attain this goal.

Acupuncture pressure points are specific and can not be used randomly. Rather, the science behind them dates back some 3000 years to ancient Chinese medicine and teachings. These points are used in many types of acupuncture including in laser acupuncture, sonopuncture, and even acupressure, each offering a different take on the way that the procedure is done.

In your body there are hundreds of acupuncture points located. These points are located on meridians. Meridians are actually connected points that run across the body and will correlate with specific organs or parts of the body. In addition to these meridian based points, acupuncture pressure points are located around the body otherwise. When you visit an acupuncturist, they will target the appropriate acupuncture pressure points, as based on the area of your body that needs help.

With the proper method of stimulation, acupuncture pressure points help to restore the flow of qi through your body, helping you to overcome the illness or condition that you are facing. Acupuncturists are trained to know how to find these points as well as what benefit they will have when stimulated. For example, if you have a headache, it is necessary to stimulate the right pressure points in order to relieve the pain felt in your head. But, that does not mean that the acupuncture pressure points used will be in your head. Since qi flows in a never ending path through the body, finding the specific stimulation points is necessary though they may be located on the opposite side of the body.

There are many categories of acupuncture pressure points. The categories help to show the ways that acupuncture can be used. One of the most commonly used methods is the Five Transporting Point System. Others include the Five Points Phases, Xi-Cleft, Back-shu, Lou-connecting and many others. Professionals use these categories to give them an idea of how to treat the condition as well as what method to use that will be most beneficial.

The Use Of Acupuncture After Knee Surgery

Acupuncture is a Chinese medical theory dating back to the 1st millennium. It is widely used in all the Asian countries today as a traditional medical practice for many ailments. Acupuncture is being widely used today in the Western world as a non-traditional form of medicine. The World Health Organization endorses acupuncture as long as it is performed by a qualified practitioner. Acupuncture works by normalizing the free flow of vital energy throughout the entire body.

The philosophy is that there are eight meridians of energy which flow through the body and when these meridians are blocked, pain or illness occurs. Illnesses and especially pain are treated by attempting to remedy the local deficiencies of this energy. The feeling of pain indicates a blockage or slower flow of the vital energy; therefore, no pain, no blockage. Acupuncture is used to treat a multitude of ailments in the Western world and is has been proven by several endorsed studies that acupuncture after knee surgery is quite effective.

Painless Remedy

A study conducted with 18 patients having 20 treatments using the traditional Chinese Medicine Technique after arthroscopic knee surgery showed significant improvement at the end of the study. The study concluded that for patient comfort, acupuncture after knee surgery was by far the best remedy for pain. Not only was the remedy itself painless, but there were no side effects resulting with the use acupuncture after knee surgery.

Acupuncture after knee surgery is performed with disposable stainless steel needles of a fine diameter. The diameter of these needles is usually .007 to .020, and .18 mm to .51 mm. They are sterilized with an autoclave or ethylene oxide. The needles used in acupuncture after knee surgeries are much finer in diameter than the traditional needles that are used to administer shots. The acupuncture needles are thicker at the top and are wound with a copper wire or covered in plastic in order to give the practitioner a more stable grasp for insertion into the skin.

The only type of sensation the patient feels is a stimulus known as the Chinese “deqi”, or the arrival of the vital energy. When the patient feels this energy then the practitioner knows that he has effectively located the desired point. The feeling that the patient has experiences when using acupuncture after knee surgery, are feelings of pleasure or relaxation when the needle is inserted. There is no feeling of a prick or sting, as when receiving a shot. The experienced practitioner is very skilled in inserting his acupuncture needles.

The practitioner is trying to relieve the pain using acupuncture after knee surgery; therefore, he is not going to inflict pain to achieve that relief. Not only is acupuncture used after knee surgery, but it is also used frequently when treating ailing knees in general. Acupuncture for the treatment of knees has become very widespread with athletes and the general public. Many trainers and physical therapists will send their patients to acupuncturists in order to relieve their particular symptoms.

Herbal Medicine Chinese

Herbal Medicine Chinese Practices Centuries Old

The traditional herbal medicine Chinese use includes a variety of techniques such as herbal formulations and acupuncture. The Chinese system of growing, processing as well as the clinical usage of herbs is referred to as the Chinese herbal sciences. The herbal medicine Chinese use has a 2,000 year history that includes continual evolution and refinement. It is true there is nothing special about herbal medicine Chinese use because many of them are imported from other countries, what is special is the science behind the herbs. What makes Chinese herbal science unique is that it integrates the patient’s sensations and perceptions with the perceptions of the herbalist perceptions and experience to arrive at a common sense solution. Chinese herbology is considered one of the most sophisticated systems in the world when it comes to analyzing both clinical indicators and patterns of symptoms with repeatability and consistency.

Herbal medicine: Chinese practices make the difference.

Properly trained Chinese herbalists follow several essential techniques which then allow them to tailor herbal formulas to each individual body characteristic in addition to the primary symptoms and chief complaints. For example the palpation of the radial pulse is monitored at several positions and depths on both wrists. The tongue is inspected for overall color, thickness, distribution of the tongue coating as well as color and texture of the tongue tissue. The tongue is inspected using a bright, full-spectrum lamp so the herbalist is sure that they do not misinterpret what they see. Besides inquiring about the patient’s main complaint and the symtoms they are currently experiencing, the Chinese herbalist will also ask about the patient’s metabolic and neuroendocrine characteristics. These characteristics include the patient’s appetite, general energy level, current moods, mental states, thirst, urination and bowel movements as well as their perception of their body heat or coolness. The crucial philosophical and scientific difference between the Chinese herbal sciences and traditional Western medicine is that Chinese herbalists do not recommend herbal formulations that are based solely on the chief complaint. The formulations are not based on the medical condition that a physician may have diagnosed either. When it comes to herbal medicine, Chinese style techniques work to improve the patients overall health by attempting to restore balance to the body. Because all the body’s components are interdependent the entire complex of symptoms and clinical signs must be considered in determining a strategy for restoring health. In the practice of herbal medicine, Chinese herbalists believe that once the body is in balance, the result will be a patient that is healthier in mind, body and soul.

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.