What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture was developed by the Chinese and has been in use for more than 3000 years. The practice is part of a larger integrated system, the Traditional Chinese Medicine system. Simply put, acupuncture is performed by stimulating designated points on the body—through the insertion of needles, finger pressure, the application of heeling through Magnets & combination of Acupressure treatments.
Whenever anybody came to know about acupuncture, the first thought that comes in his/her mind is that "They will be treated with long niddles, which will be inserted in their various body points with hand and it will be very painful". The answer is "NO", now days many modern equipments are used and the niddles which is used in this treatment are as light as your hair. Its does not pain, and it mostly applied on hands and feets, not on whole body, so one does not need to worry about it.
Network of energy
According to the Chinese, there is a network of energy (called chi ) that flows through the body and connects acupuncture points through different channels called meridians. These channels are related to specific internal functions, and any imbalance in the flow of energy will cause a disease process. Therefore, the purpose acupressure and acupuncture assessments is to detect energy imbalance. Acupuncture assessments are made according to diagnostic categories of energy (chi) flow, as measured by a complete medical history—examination of pulse, tongue, and other organs, as well as other observations. In this therapy doctors can even find out the problem of patients just by checking these points, which are meridians to that organ or disease. Any imbalance of energy detected through these comprehensive assessments is then corrected by application of acupuncture at carefully selected points. This restores the human body to normal health.
According to the Chinese, there is a network of energy (called chi ) that flows through the body and connects acupuncture points through different channels called meridians. These channels are related to specific internal functions, and any imbalance in the flow of energy will cause a disease process. Therefore, the purpose acupressure and acupuncture assessments is to detect energy imbalance. Acupuncture assessments are made according to diagnostic categories of energy (chi) flow, as measured by a complete medical history—examination of pulse, tongue, and other organs, as well as other observations. In this therapy doctors can even find out the problem of patients just by checking these points, which are meridians to that organ or disease. Any imbalance of energy detected through these comprehensive assessments is then corrected by application of acupuncture at carefully selected points. This restores the human body to normal health.
In its first encounters with acupuncture, Western medicine was understandably suspicious, since explanations of exactly how the procedure works are bound up in seemingly mysterious concepts formulated 3000 years ago. However, in light of recent advancements in understanding the neurophysiology of pain—and scientific explanations of how acupuncture relieves it—suspicion is giving way to tolerance and acceptance.
Findings emerging from both basic science and epidemiological research have been encouraging, since many studies have shown the potential usefulness of acupuncture. Some studies, however, have provided equivocal results because of methodological problems in conducting acupuncture research.
The way acupuncture works neurologically is also rapidly becoming apparent, speeding up its acceptance into traditional medicine. Needles used in acupuncture activate small nerve fibers in the muscle, which transmit impulses to the spinal cord and activate centers in the central nervous system, releasing a variety of neurotransmitters. Pain relief, for example, is mediated by the release of opioid-like substances. Although much still needs to be learned, the emergence of biological plausibility for the therapeutic effects of acupuncture is certainly encouraging.
While skeptics argue that acupuncture mediated response might be due to placebo, several reviews have concluded that it is more effective than placebo, indicating that it has a genuine physical effect.
In 1996, after careful review of acupuncture knowledge and research, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) removed acupuncture needles from the category of “experimental medical devices.” This means that acupuncture is no longer considered to be experimental in nature.
In my practice, I see patients who suffer from chronic painful debilitating medical problems. Many view the conventional health care system with skepticism and wonder why they could not be helped. Eventually, they turn to acupuncture to find relief from pain and other troublesome symptoms.
Supporters of acupuncture claim that this remedy is more accessible, and less expensive, than conventional medicine. Also, the effectiveness of conventional treatments is limited in treating chronic health problems. Chronic pain is a case in point. Those patients who are suffering from chronic diseases like asthama, piles, B.P. problems, heart, lever or kidney problems...basically those diseases which can be prevented by medication for little time but can not me eliminated, in such cases acupuncture in really very effective & problems related to joints pain or muscular stress acupressure in combination with acupuncture is the best treatment without any medicines.
Patients who seek acupuncture are mainly those who suffer from long-standing chronic problems such as back and neck pain, headaches and migraines, arthritis, cancer, neurological disorders, anxiety, and depression. These problems strike women more than men, which could certainly explain why currently more women are using acupuncture than men.
Conventional healthcare providers are beginning to view acupuncture as an effective complementary modality to conventional care, and its use is being recommended more and more. Acupunture is also gaining a reputation for efficacy, and as an attractive drug- and surgery-free option for many patients. An extensive review of studies has shown that acupuncture is effective for the following conditions:
- Pain. Examples of pain producing conditions that respond favorably to acupuncture include arthritis, myofascial pain syndrome, dental pain, neck and low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and fibromyalgia.
- Headache and migraines.
- Nausea associated with chemotherapy.
- Substance abuse problems, such as those related to cocaine, heroine and nicotine.
- Menopause and PMS related symptoms.
- Asthma and allergies.
- Stroke.
Acupuncture is done with extremely thin, flexible needles made of steel metal alloy. There is nothing special about the needle itself; it is merely a tool used to correct the energy imbalance in the body (or to release neurotransmitters). There is often a brief pricking sensation when the needle passes through the skin. As the needle begins to work and effects begin to occur, the patient may feel numbness, heat, dull aching or a tingling sensation in the vicinity of the needle insertion. Generally, the needles are left in place for about 15 to 30 minutes. They may be rotated by the practitioner or stimulated by electricity or heat. Most side effects associated with acupuncture are minor and transient. They include occasional dizziness, light-headedness, and very slight bleeding after needles are withdrawn. Infection and other serious side effects such as lung puncture are rare. Patients should always insist that the acupuncturist use sterile and disposable needles to avoid the risk of infectious diseases such as Hepatitis B and AIDS thats why, To avoid such diseases, needles and equipments used are always sterilises before using & if in case patient do not use his/her needles for long time like for month then new needle are used for treatment always.
It is reported that several thousand people receive acupuncture treatments each year. Access to qualified practitioners is of paramount importance. The health care systems should facilitate and allow for effective communication between acupuncturists and conventional health care providers, since integrating acupuncture with conventional care will better serve the interests of our patients.
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