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Chinese medicine believes that
one’s health is dependent on the body's
motivating energy known as Qi (Chi), which should be constantly
and smoothly moving through a series of channels beneath the skin called meridians. Acupuncture is one of the therapeutic
methods used by TCM to influence this flow. Acupuncture
stimulates the body’s own healing response power and helps
restore its natural balance. The principal aim of acupuncture is to reinstate
the equilibrium among the physical, emotional, and spiritual
aspects of the individual.
Conditions Commonly Treated by Acupuncture
- Arthritis and Rheumatism and Fibromyalgia
- Back Pain, Headache, Knee Pain, Neck Ache,
Swelling Feet, Poor Circulation
- Lumbago, Sports Injury
- Hypertension
- General Fatigue
- Immune Deficiency
- Stress, Depression, Anxiety Disorder
- Insomnia
- Digestion Disorders
- Women's Problem
-------and-------
- Smoking
- Weight Gain
- Facial Beauty
The reason why these
conditions can be treated by acupuncture lies in the basic cognition
of Chinese medicine: all physical activities depend on Qi circulation
throughout the meridians, which are viewed as 'traveling sources
of life energy'. A disease is a kind of state in
which Qi circulation has been disturbed by certain factors, and this disturbance is manifested in
certain areas.
An acupuncturist is able to influence the status of Qi circulation
and help the body to restore health by using fine, slender needles to
stimulate various points
along those meridians. Additional forms of stimulation
include herbs, electricity, magnets, and lasers, any of which may be
used to serve the same purpose: to adjust "vital energy" so
that the proper volume reaches the proper place at the proper time,
thus helping the body to heal itself.
Procedure & Sensations of Acupuncture
The first visit may last 40 minutes
to an hour or so, to allow for a complete check-up of medical
history. The acupuncturist may inspect the complexion,
body build, color and shape of the tongue, quality of the pulses,
and feeling of diagnostic areas like abdomen and back. Devices
that measure electrical activity of acupoints may be used for
testing. Other therapies such as moxabustion, acupressure massage,
and exercises are often incorporated with the acupuncture treatment.
Follow-up visits are shorter, and may last 15 minutes or more, depending on
the needs of the individual.
Sensations from acupuncture are described as
virtually painless, or far less painful than plucking a hair out,
vary from nothing at all, to mild tingling, slight numbness,
and electrical pulsations in areas distant from the site of insertion.
All sensations subside once the needles are removed from the body.
Usually people leave in less discomfort and
with more functionality than when they walked in. Sometimes the
effects are too subtle to perceive, especially for beginning treatments.
However improvements gradually become more and more distinct
after five to ten treatments. A sense of relaxation and well-being
often occurs during and after treatments.
Side Benefit Rather than Side Effect
Many people worry about possible harmful effects
from acupuncture. As a matter of fact, acupuncture is safe and effective,
free from adverse or addictive side effects, if performed by a properly
trained and licensed practitioner.
An acupuncture needle is solid, and much smaller
than a standard hypodermic needle, which is hollow. Bleeding rarely
occurs, unless in some specific situations where the acupuncturist may cause
it on purpose. But the amount of bleeding is always little, and far from dangerous.
While undergoing acupuncture therapies for an
ailment, other problems may be resolved concurrently. This is a
very common side benefit of acupuncture, and shows the value of
balancing the quality and quantity of "vital energy" within
the entire person.
Acupuncture
evolved over 2,000 years, is based on unique principles, and the philosophy
of Oriental Medicine. It is part of a complete symphony of Chinese
medical systems that includes Herbology, Tuina massage, and
special exercises such as Tai Chi and Qi Gong. Although rooted
in China, today this art and science of Acupuncture has been
widely applied in Asia, Europe, and America. It continues to
gain worldwide popularity and acceptance simply because
of one fact: it works!
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