Acupuncture
Posted on | March 13, 2009 | No Comments
Acupuncture is one of the most well known methods of traditional Chinese medicine. Asian practitioners have used acupuncture for thousands of years. Acupuncture spread to Europe in the 1700s, but did not gain popularity in the west until the 20th century.
Acupuncture is a highly effective and gentle treatment for hundreds of health problems. It is a well-respected pain reliever, even used as anesthesia for surgery. Acupuncture can relieve gastrointestinal disorders, chemotherapy nausea, soft tissue problems, headaches, lung congestion, menstrual cramps, backache, asthma, emotional problems, and many other disorders. Acupuncture can also treat obesity, insomnia, and certain types of infertility.
Acupuncture works by restoring and balancing the flow of energy in the body, which is often disrupted by physical, mental, or emotional problems or by environmental circumstances. Called chi (pronounced “chee”), this energy is the vital force behind all life. Stimulating the chi enhances the body’s ability to maintain good health.
The most common method for restoring chi is by inserting very thin, sterile, stainless steel needles into specific points along meridians, which are invisible pathways in the body. Over 460 acupuncture points are located along 12 meridians. The acupuncturist may choose to manipulate the needle in place to further stimulate the points. Needles usually stay in place for 15-30 minutes while the patient rests. The acupuncturist decides which points to stimulate based on observation of the patient (especially the tongue), discussion with the patient, and palpation of the pulses of the left and right wrists. Treatment usually takes place over several weeks or months.
Cupping is another type of acupuncture treatment. The acupuncturist heats a glass cup from the inside to create a vacuum, and then places the cup on acupuncture points on the body. Cupping improves circulation and relieves discomfort from congestion, swelling, or pain. It is particularly effective for easing low back pain; reducing sprains, strains, and other soft tissue injuries; and relieving fluid in the lungs. Cups are left on the body for five to fifteen minutes, resulting in a round bruise that lasts for a few days. While cupping is generally safe (as is acupuncture as a whole), it should not be done over cramps, convulsions, or ulcerated sores; when the patient has a high fever; or over the low back or abdomen of pregnant women.
Tags: Acupuncture
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