Acupuncture

    Depending on which texts you read, Acupuncture is somewhere between 2,000 - 5,000 years old. It has survived the vast cultural and political changes in China over the centuries, making it one of the oldest forms of medicine today. While modern medicine struggles to explain it in western terms, Acupuncture continues to thrive and grow world wide. To say it is nothing more than a placebo affect is to admit ignorance. If it is only a placebo affect it stands as the longest working placebo in human history!

    Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles into the body at very specific points that were mapped out centuries ago by Chinese and possibly Indian doctors. Originally it was noticed on the battlefield that by stimulating certain areas on the body, pain was relieved. It was also found to treat arthritis (known in Chinese as Bi syndrome). Over the years it has been modified and expanded to treat a variety of disease conditions.

   In an official report, Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of Reports on Controlled Clinical Trials, the WHO (WHO) has listed the following symptoms, diseases and conditions that have been shown through controlled trials to be treated effectively by acupuncture:

    The foregoing list is absolute concerning acupuncture's effectiveness; however the report continues with three more categories:

1. Diseases, symptoms and conditions for which the therapeutic effect of acupuncture has been shown, but further proof is needed (68 specific conditions). These conditions are effectively treated as in the first category; it's just that more trials are necessary to establish the proof scientifically.

2. Diseases, symptoms and conditions reporting some therapeutic effects for which acupuncture is worth trying (nine conditions).

3. Diseases, symptoms and conditions in which acupuncture may be tried, provided the practitioner has special modern medical knowledge and adequate monitoring equipment (eight conditions). 

    How Does Acupuncture Work?

    Energy, referred to as Qi (pronounced “chee”) in Chinese medicine, circulates throughout the body along well-defined pathways known as meridians. Acupuncture points located along these pathways are energetically connected to specific organs and body structures.  If this energy becomes disrupted or blocked, it results in pain or illness. Needling points along these meridians balances the Qi, positively influencing the organs, and structures. Acupuncture does not treat disease per say, but allows the body to heal itself naturally by correcting the flow of Qi. In Western medical terms, needling acupuncture points has demonstrated the following:

1)      Stimulates the release of endorphins (the body’s own pain-killer)

2)      Alters levels of neurotransmitters in the brain such as L-Dopamine, serotonin & norepinephrine

3)      Regulates hormones such as corticosteroids and insulin

How are Treatments Performed?

    Acupuncture is performed by inserting very fine, surgical stainless steel needles into points located on the surface of the body, arms, and legs and in the ear. Manipulation of the needles is applied to affect the flow of Qi. Other forms of treatment may be cupping, electrical micro-current stimulation or  moxibustion (a form of heat therapy).  The type of treatment utilized will be determined by the health issues to be resolved.

    During treatment, many patients report sensations of gentle warmth, heaviness, dullness, pressure or an electric sensation moving up or down the meridian. Patients comment the feeling is pleasant and relaxing. Frequently, patients experience falling asleep, much like that during a massage.

How many treatments are Necessary?

    Each person is unique, and the number of treatments may vary.  Generally, five to fifteen treatments are necessary for the majority of chronic disorders. Many acute conditions may only require one to three treatments. Some severe, more chronic degenerative conditions may entail several series of treatments over time. The number of treatments can be discussed with your acupuncturist after an initial consultation.

What To Do Before a Treatment

1.       Maintain good personal hygiene

2.       Eat a meal, not a snack, 1-2 hours before a treatment

3.       Do not wear jewelry

4.       Wear loose clothing. Women should not wear one-piece dresses and 

       avoid tight stockings

5.       Do not have a treatment when emotionally upset, fatigued, hungry 

       or full

What To Do During the Treatment

1.       Relax. Ask any questions you have before and, if need be, during 

       the treatment

2.       Do not move suddenly or change position. If you are   

       uncomfortable, tell the practitioner.

3.       Some may experience dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, cold 

       sweat or the feeling of fainting. Tell your practitioner immediately 

       so adjustments can be made. If you do feel any  pain or burning 

       sensation this must be noted also.

What Can I Expect After a Treatment?

Patients may experience total or partial relief of pain or symptoms. Others may not see 

immediate relief but might find pain and symptoms diminished over the next few days following 

treatment. The relief may extend for several days while in others it may return within a shorter 

time. Irregardless, one can expect to feel better.

The information on this web page is for educational and information purposes only. The ideas and opinions expressed herein are published

 under the Freedom of Speech, guaranteed by the 1^st Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America . The author does

 not assume responsibility for decisions made by the reader regarding their health. The author does not diagnose or treat illness. If the

 reader decides to pursue natural or alternative treatments, they should consult with their health care practitioner.

This article/web page is Copyright 2010. All Rights Reserved. No reproduction of this article/page in it entirety or in part is permitted without written permission by Mark Rojek.