A Quick-Start guide to Acupuncture



Using needles to adjust bodily functions to optimum levels is the principle behind acupuncture. Both ancient Chinese and modern Western practitioners have used this technique to relieve many sufferers of chronic disease. Needling is a relatively safe, beneficial treatment strategy that can be used to reduce pain, improve healing, and increase general well-being. But exactly how is this procedure done and what sort of benefits can be obtained?

Procedure for Needle Puncture

There are two broad categories of acupuncture practice today, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and medical acupuncture. Both have their merits, so the choice is individual. The decision for most people hinges upon which philosophy appeals more to them and which technique holds the least apprehension.

In TCM, practitioners adhere to the concept of Qi, or energy flow, and the meridians in which they travel. They use longer needles and insert them deeper in order to reach the acupuncture points. Modern science has found little evidence to prove the existence of these energy channels, but this is the technique that has been used effectively for thousands of years.

In medical acupuncture, the practitioners are graduates of western medical schools. Their application of needles is not based on the traditional acupuncture points, but on anatomic data. These acupuncturists use shorter needles and the insertions are shallower. They also tend to use fewer needles and leave them inserted for shorter periods of time. Adherents to TCM feel this is a watered-down version of the real thing. Nevertheless, many patients have felt relief of symptoms through this method.

Conditions for Puncture Application

There is a broad and extensive list of ailments which can be treated with acupuncture. The conditions run the gamut from asthma to constipation, anxiety to weight loss. Most TCM practitioners believe that any health condition results from an imbalance in Qi flow, therefore amenable to needle therapy. Western acupuncturists tend to have a more limited list of indications, the most common of which is undoubtedly control of pain.

Control of pain is the most well researched of all of the indications for acupuncture. There is a definite beneficial effect for a majority of patients using this method. Migraines, premenstrual syndrome, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and neuralgias are but a few examples. The theory behind its effectiveness is also medically accepted and well researched, called the gate-control theory of pain. It states that the needles can stimulate nerves so that they block the impulses from pain triggers.

Expected Puncture Session Result

It is important to emphasize that acupuncture is used only on top of existing medical therapy. At no time should a patient discontinue medication or ignore medical instructions in favor of needle puncture. After undergoing a needle puncture regimen, the primary care physician can make an evaluation with regards to decreasing dependence on other therapies.

A course of acupuncture therapy will last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. This depends upon the complexity of the particular medical condition. Results also vary, so it is important to have a frank discussion with the acupuncturist regarding expected results and their time frame. In general, the patient will begin to feel beneficial effects after three or four session. Certain specific conditions will actually get a little worse before improving so keeping informed is key.

In modern medicine, the use of traditional techniques with proven results has become a widely accepted practice. Acupuncture has proven its worth time and again. Modern practice guidelines make it effective, reproducible, and safe. It is a gift of healing form ancient sages that has the potential to bring relief to millions of people.




Comments

*Name:
*Email:
Website URL:
Title / Subject:
Hide my email
*Comments:
*
 



Menu


My Articles

Acupuncture Degrees

Acupuncture Could Help You Finally Manage Your Stress Levels

Acupuncture Can Help You Quit Smoking

Quitting Smoking For Good With Acupuncture

Things You Should Know About Acupuncture

Eight Myths About Acupuncture

A Quick-Start Guide To Acupuncture

The Do’s And Don’t Of Acupuncture

The Soothing Effects Of Acupuncture

Acupuncture For All Those Simple Aches And Pains

Acupuncture And Weight Loss

Is Acupuncture The Remedy For You?

Acupuncture For Effective Weight Loss

Acupuncture And Autism

Acupuncture Closely Revealed

The History Of Acupuncture

Types Of Acupuncture

Acupuncture Is An Example Of Holistic Healthcare

The Effectiveness Of Acupuncture

Acupuncture Can Help Treat Migraines

What Do Acupuncturists Do

Facial Acupuncture

How To Look For A Good Acupuncture School







My Articles


Facial Acupuncture Looking beautiful both inside and out is something we all want..


What Do Acupuncturists Do The acupuncturist is the specialist who conducts acupuncture. He or she may..


Types Of Acupuncture There are different types of acupuncture. Whichever you..



Related Videos: About Acupuncture

Related News:

 
Acupuncture Patient Claims She Was Forgotten In Clinic - MyStateline.com

    

Sky News

Acupuncture Patient Claims She Was Forgotten In Clinic
MyStateline.com
(Bellingham, WA) -- An acupuncture patient in Bellingham, Washington spent a lot more time in the clinic than she'd bargained for recently. ...
911 caller says she was pinned down in acupuncture officeKansas City Star (blog)
Woman 'Calls 911 After Acupuncture Mishap'Sky News
Acupuncture clinic 'forgets about patient'Digital Spy
KOMO News -BreakingNewsOnline. -KIRO Seattle
all 227 news articles »



Alaska crash...Phoenix shootout...Acupuncture goof - 9&10 News

    

Alaska crash...Phoenix shootout...Acupuncture goof
9&10 News
(AP) — A woman in Bellingham, Wash., says workers at an acupuncture clinic forgot about her, and locked her in the office while she still had needles in ...

and more »