Acupuncture is a technique that involves inserting very thin metal needles into the skin at precise points on the body to clear energy channels, with the aim of restoring and maintaining health. The spots of insertion are picked based on a complex network of lines of energy, termed meridians. Meridians are thought to encircle the body like global lines of longitude and latitude. Acupuncture is a mainstay of traditional Chinese medicine, which has been practiced for thousands of years.
The Chinese healing tradition sees the body as a delicate balance of yin and yang. These are two opposing, but inseparable forces. According to traditional Chinese medicine, disease occurs when the forces of yin and yang are out of balance.
Imbalance, it is believed, blocks the flow of qi, a vital energy that regulates spiritual, emotional, mental and physical balance, along meridians. By inserting needles at specific points on the body that connect with these meridians, acupuncture is believed to unblock the flow of qi, restoring health to the body and mind.
Western medicine explains acupuncture's effects within a different framework. Some Western scientists believe that acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system, signaling the body to release various substances including endorphins, immune system cells, opioids, neurotransmitters, and neurohormones.
These may help control pain, change how the body experiences pain, and promote physical and emotional well-being. Some research also indicates that acupuncture influences involuntary central nervous functions, such as blood pressure, blood flow, and body temperature regulation. It can be used as a stand-alone treatment, or alongside more traditional medical treatments like prescription medication or surgery.
The effectiveness of acupuncture is difficult to assess using traditional Western standards of scientific research. If you want to try acupuncture, be sure to choose a licensed acupuncturist. Most states require a license to practice acupuncture. The requirements, education, and training standards for obtaining a license vary from state to state.
If you live in a state that does not require a license, choose a practitioner who is licensed in another state or is certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
It's also important to make sure that the acupuncturist uses only sterilized needles that are disposed of after a single use.
Before your first acupuncture session, prepare a comprehensive list of all of your medical conditions and all treatments or medications you are taking. During your first appointment, your practitioner is likely to ask you detailed questions about your health, lifestyle, and behaviors. The questions will range far beyond the specific symptoms for which you are seeking treatment. This is in keeping with the holistic nature of traditional Chinese medicine. You will also be asked about any medical conditions you have, which may or may not be related to your current symptoms, and about all medications and other treatments you are currently receiving.
Before the acupuncture treatment begins, you will be asked to lie down. You may lie face down, face up, or on your side, depending on where the needles are to be placed. Alternatively the acupuncturist may want you to sit in a chair. You may be asked to roll up your sleeves or pant legs, or otherwise adjust your clothing to allow your acupuncturist access to the required body parts. The acupuncturist will wipe the spots where needles will be inserted with alcohol or another disinfectant.
The practitioner will then begin to place the acupuncture needles are various locations on your body. The needles are metallic, solid, and hair-thin. You should feel no or minimal discomfort as the needles are inserted. Most people either feel relaxed or energized when the needles are inserted. You should not feel soreness or pain during treatment.
Pain and soreness usually result when the patient moves during treatment, if a needle is improperly placed, or if there is a defect in the needle. In a variation of acupuncture known as electroacupuncture, the practitioner may use a device to generate electric pulses along the needles. Considered an enhanced form of acupuncture, electroacupuncture further stimulates the points of acupuncture, or acupoints.
The needles may be left in for only a few minutes, or up to thirty minutes or longer. Acupuncture may be used as a stand-alone treatment. But it can also be used in combination with more conventional, Western medical treatments. Its execution is carried out by a doctor and it is done through fine stainless steel needles, which are introduced in different points of the body, according to the organs to be treated.
An acupuncture session can last between 30 and 40 minutes, even a little more or a little less, as required by the patient. Then, the needles are applied in a certain number of sessions.
Generally, most individuals feel relief from symptoms after the third session. Learn a little more about this interesting technique of healing diseases with our more than 20 books about acupuncture in PDF format , available in this section of our virtual library. D Source: NewYork-Presbyterian Acupuncture Article author Tony Y. Chon, Mark C. Lee Source: Mayo Clinic Proceedings Diehl Source: Atrium Health The meridian system and mechanism of acupunctured.
Acupuncture for Pain Treatment Article author R. Monzani, L. Crozzoli, M. De Ruvo Source: Bentham Open Here ends our selection of free Acupuncture books in PDF format. We hope you liked it and already have your next book!
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