Acupuncture

A couple of months back, a close friend of mine went on vacation and kept ranting about acupuncture and how relaxing and painful it is'' in fact we no fit drink water drop cup for her''. I decided, anytime me to travel for vacation i go try am but after the research done i don't fink that kin old Chinese therapy me is ready for it because of the needles and all don't work well for me.

Anyways i decided to share some of the findings here so sit back and enjoy the write up.


 What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient healing and complete medical system which originated in China more than 3000 years
ago. It utilizes Traditional Chinese Medicine theory to diagnose and treat illness, prevent disease and improve well
being by inserting acupuncture needles at critical points throughout the human body. Due to its proven
effectiveness, it has become more and more popular throughout the world.

Acupuncture is a treatment method of Chinese medicine, which can not only relieve pain and but also cure
diseases. The procedure involves the insertion of needles into various points of the body. Acupuncture has been
used to treat various conditions such as asthma, deafness, migraines, ulcers, infertility, etc. and some types of
mental illness including addictions.

According to Chinese philosophy, disease or pain occurs because of an imbalance between two principal forces of
nature-Yin and Yang. Acupuncture is thought to restore this balance. Acupuncture influences a life force that flows
along 12 paired and 2 unpaired meridians, channels of energy that run longitudinally in the body. Acupuncture is
based on the principle that our health depends on the balanced functioning of the body energy, known as Qi
pronounced as “Chee”. When we are in perfect health all the energy runs harmoniously throughout our body.
When an illness arises the flow of energy becomes disturbed and this can manifest itself in a diverse array of
symptoms. Based on the medical problems a patient has, the acupuncturist inserts fine needles at a few specific
points along the meridians to correct the flow of energy and by doing this the symptoms will be eliminated.

Scientists have proposed three major theories of how acupuncture works. One theory suggests that the meridians
actually exist and connect the body's organs in a special manner. According to this theory, acupuncture increases
activity along the meridians and thus influences organ function. Scientists have also theorized that acupuncture
works, at least in part, by increasing the brain's production of natural painkillers called endorphins. These
substances are morphine-like chemicals that influence the body's awareness of pain. Scientists also theorize that
acupuncture may work through the nervous system by triggering signals that interrupt pain messages sent to the
brain. This hypothesis is known as the "gate theory" of pain.

Since the late 1950's, Chinese doctors have performed surgeries by using acupuncture as a local anesthetic; the
patient remains fully conscious during the operation. Acupuncture's practitioners say the anesthetic is effective for
complicated operations on the stomach, chest, neck, and head.

Acupuncture isn’t just about using needles, and some other therapies may also be used such as acupressure,
cupping or moxibustion. Nowadays, Acupuncture is frequently used in the United States and other Western
countries, please check on http://www.who.int/mediacentre/fs134/en/ for details.

What can you get from Acupuncture?
Since acupuncture promotes the body's natural healing ability, many conditions can be corrected or improved.
Also, it is being recognized that acupuncture is a comprehensive system of preventive health care and health
maintenance.  The effectiveness of acupuncture extends far beyond the conception that it is only useful for chronic
pain management or as an analgesic. It has been discovered by many athletes that acupuncture treatment helps
them to reach optimum performance levels. Recently acupuncture detoxification treatments have been recognized
as a valid form of therapy for chemical dependency problems such as drinking, drug and smoking. Throughout its
long history, acupuncture has established a solid reputation as an excellent alternative for health care.

The greatest advantage of acupuncture is waking & restoring your natural healing power by inserting sterile,
disposable needles in designated points in the body. Acupuncturists stimulate and balance the flow of Qi, which is
the body's natural energy and life force. You can expect a whole new experience that unlocks your body's natural
healing power. This unique treatment promotes physical and emotional well-being, consequently curing various
diseases.

How does Acupuncture work?


There is no simple answer to this question. In the Orient, suffice it to say that acupuncture stimulates and regulates
our energy to balance patients’ Qi, Blood, Yin & Yang. Within the West we are always looking for another
explanation that more easily fits into our concept of what medicine is and how medicine works. Unfortunately no
one can firmly say, acupuncture works by such and such method.... The problem is that there are many different
styles and techniques of acupuncture and they do not fit any one particular model. We do have some
understanding about how acupuncture works, but we do not have the complete picture.

Conventional Western medical sciences still cannot explain how acupuncture works. But some research about
acupuncture conducted in China, Japan, Europe and USA, has indicated the effect of acupuncture might come
from the nervous system and other systems within human body. When the needle is inserted into the patient's
body, it stimulates the body's nervous system and causes some reactions, which will balance the problems inside
the body. Some research found there were some chemical materials detected in the patient's body after the
treatment of acupuncture. In a word, there is still a long way to go for modern sciences to completely explain about
acupuncture.

Traditional Chinese acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of Qi (Human Energy) and Xue
(Blood) through distinct meridians or pathways that cover the body somewhat like the nerves and blood vessels
do. According to ancient theory, acupuncture allows Qi to flow to areas where it is deficient and away from where it
is in excess. In this way, acupuncture regulates and restores the harmonious energetic balance of the body. In
Chinese there is a saying, "There is no pain if there is free flow of Qi and blood; if there is pain somewhere, that's
because Qi and blood flow are blocked there." When the Qi, Blood, Yin & Yang imbalance occurs, the patient
could manifest pain or other symptoms such as insomnia, headache, constipation, etc. based on where the
imbalance is.

In short, there are many theories about how acupuncture works but there is no one conclusive answer. There are
two kinds of explanation about how acupuncture works. I would like to give a traditional explanation. In Traditional
Chinese Medicine, there exist meridian systems through the human body and more than 360 acupuncture points
are located at these meridians. Qi, or life force energy, flows through these meridians internally connecting the
organs named such as the Lung meridian or the Liver meridian and externally linking to specific body surfaces
named acupuncture points. When the Qi is obstructed in certain meridians, or acupuncture points, the function of
tissue, muscles and organs will be impaired. By inserting acupuncture needles into acupuncture points it helps the
release of Qi flow and corrects imbalances at the organ level to improve your energy and internal processes.

 Does acupuncture really work?
"Yes" is the very simple answer! Thousands & thousands of people can testify to the very dramatic results that can
often be obtained through acupuncture. In the USA most people have either experienced acupuncture or known of
someone who has had acupuncture... so ask them! Based on Acupuncture Today in January 2003, nearly 1 in 10
U.S. adults has tried acupuncture. The number of people who have tried acupuncture is powerful evidence to state
that acupuncture really works. Please click on http://www.acupuncturetoday.com for details

Does acupuncture hurt?
Prior to their first treatment, many people do not believe that acupuncture can be painless. After the needle is
inserted you may feel nothing, or you may feel some different sensations such as soreness, numbness, distending,
warmth, pressure, tingling or either around the needle or traveling up or down the affected meridian, or energy
pathway that may be felt, but the energetic sensation differs from pain. Any of these sensations should be
considered “good sensations”, yet the treatment is effective whether something is sensed or not. People often
comment that the feeling is unfamiliar but pleasant and relaxing.

Some people will tell you that acupuncture is a sublimely relaxing event such as sleeping during treatment and you
don’t feel the needles at all, and others will tell a totally different story. Generally speaking, acupuncture will not
produce any experience that you cannot bear. All the sensations of acupuncture are subtle.

Acupuncture needles are very fine and thin, and are often described as being not much thicker than a human hair,
unlike hypodermic needles that are much bigger and hollow inside. They are solid and nothing is injected through
them. Over the centuries, refined needle insertion techniques have been developed which enable the skilled
acupuncturist to place needles with little or no sensation. Insertion through the skin is not painful like an injection or
blood sampling. The risk of bruising and skin irritation is much less than when using a hollow needle. If you have a
real fear of needles, discuss it with your acupuncturist. An appropriate treatment strategy can always be agreed
upon or other TCM therapeutic procedures may be used such as Chinese herbs, cupping or moxibustion, etc.
Please refer to the relevant sections on the this website for more information about these methods

 What problems does acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture can be very helpful in treating a variety of acute or chronic conditions. It is also interesting to note
that acupuncture can treat conditions that may not have a western diagnosis. It is not unusual for people to visit
their GP for a general feeling of un-wellness but they do not have a specific diagnosis. This can be frustrating
since the patient feels unwell but does not have any direction in terms of diagnosis. Acupuncture is part of
Traditional Chinese Medicine and offers a different outlook to Western medicine. Chinese medicine identifies
patterns of disharmony that explain what is going on from a Chinese Medical perspective. In many cases, it may be
possible to identify a disharmony and correct it before it develops into something more serious that is identifiable
within Western medicine. This is the essence of preventable medicine as well. The list of conditions is as follows.

Muscular-Skeletal & any Pain problems:

It is well proven that acupuncture can treat many types of painful conditions such as any pain like TMJ, Sciatica,
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, neuralgia, any headaches or migraine, neck pain, tendonitis, back Pain, knee pain,
frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, arthritis, fibromyalgia, heel problems, trauma or sport injuries, toothache, paralysis,
stroke rehabilitation, bell's palsy, etc.. Most patients felt a remarkable improvement of their conditions. Various
syndromes that are difficult to treat using Western medicine, such as the various fibromyalgia syndromes, also
respond significantly to acupuncture.

Neurological Disorders:

Such as Parkinson’s disorder, Multiple Sclerosis, numbness, neuropathy, etc.

Respiratory Disorders:

Such as common cold or flu, cough, Asthma, Bronchitis, Pneumonia, etc.

OB/GYN disorders:

Such as Menopause, hot flush, PMS, all menstrual issues (long, short, scanty, heavy or irregular), infertility,
leukorrhea, morning sickness, prolonged labor, insufficient lactation, prolapse of uterus, etc.

Digestive Disorders:

Such as abdominal pain, parasite problems, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), acute or chronic constipation or
diarrhea, heart burn, nausea or vomiting, hemorrhoids, ulcerative colitis, digestive ulcer, gastric & intestinal
bleeding, dysentery, etc.

Urinary/Kidney disorders:

Such as urinary stone, Urinary Track Infection (UTI), cystitis, prostate disorders, etc.

Ear, Eye, Nose & Throat disorders:

Such as hay fever, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, sty, optic atrophy, myopia, glaucoma, cataract, upper eyelid droop,
deafness or tinnitus, sore throat, tonsillitis, etc.

The Disorders of Reproductive System:

Such as low libido, impotence, genital herpes, infertility, genital itching, etc.

Skin disorders:

Such as eczema, Psoriasis, urticaria, etc.

Emotional disorders:

Anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, panic attack, irritability,

Cardiac-Vascular issuses:

Palpitation, Hypertension, coronary angina,

Miscellaneous diseases:

Insomnia, excessive sleepiness, quit smoking, weight loss, loss of hair, tumors, CFS-Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,
drug addiction, high cholesterol, stroke, dizziness, etc.


 How long does each session take?
Normally, each session takes 20 to 30 minutes. It depends on the sensitivity of each individual and the kind of
diseases and conditions being treated.

Generally speaking, the quality of acupuncture treatment relies on the experience and skill of the acupuncturist. It
is a combination of diagnosis of the symptom, accuracy of acupuncture points, timing, the depth and angle of
insertion, and techniques of manipulation, etc.


 What sensations will I experience during treatment?
Usually, there is a pleasant state of calm, which develops during the treatment and may persist for some time. You
may even nearly fall asleep during the session. In areas that have been treated, a sensation of heaviness or
swelling may persist for up to an hour or so after treatment.

You may find that the pain or discomfort of the condition may be reduced by 20 or 30% or even completely
eliminated. Frequently, the relief will persist, though in some situations the pain will return after a few hours or days
to its former level. In certain conditions, a worsening of pain is to be expected before improvement is seen.

For some disorders, no effect is noticed immediately and the condition takes a few days or a series of treatments
to respond. Be sure to tell us of the response to treatment at the next appointment so that necessary changes can
be made to your treatment

Why have acupuncture treatment?
There are many possible reasons for considering acupuncture treatment and of course everyone has their own
motivations. I will list a few of these reasons.

•          Acupuncture is a safe and effective form of medicine.
•          Acupuncture is holistic and aims to regulate the energetics of the body and bring it back into balance.
•          Acupuncture treats both the symptoms and the root of pathological issues.
•          Traditional Chinese Acupuncture can identify imbalances in the body at a very early stage.
•          Acupuncture can treat signs and symptoms that may not have a clear Western medical diagnosis.
•          Traditional Chinese medicine has been practiced over 3000 years, offering a well-established medical       
system which has developed from observation and practice.
•          Acupuncture can help you come off certain prescription drugs (with your GP's consent).
•          Acupuncture can be a useful alternative if you do not wish to take prescription drugs for whatever personal
or medical reasons.
•          Offers a unique perspective of how we view the body and therefore can often give more understanding
about a disease process and how it may have developed.
•          Acupuncture may be the last alternative after trying everything else! It is not uncommon for patients to
come to the clinic as a 'last measure'.
•        Acupuncture is a preventive medicine as well.

It poses a lot of benefit to the human body since it elevates your chi and all, but me personally will have a rethink about it and may be when God bless me i fit travel and have it done.

XOXO

Kathy.