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Acupuncture
From WikiVerde
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical system. It is considered to be among the oldest and most commonly used medical procedures in the world. Archeological evidence points to the presence of acupuncture system of medicine to the period from 202 B.C. to 220 A.D., the period of Han dynasty. Several centuries ago, the system spread to many parts of Asia and variations of the system are present in Korea called “Chimsul.” The traditional medical system of Japan – Kampo too has some of the elements of acupuncture. Needles, pressure, or heat is applied to sensitive parts of the body – known as “acupuncture points” or “xue” in the Mandarin Chinese language.
Acupuncture
The Theory of Acupuncture
According to the traditional Chinese medical view, treatment through acupuncture involves the human body as a whole and involves a number of systems of function that in many cases are associated with, but may not be identified on a one-to-one basis with physical organs. According to the science of acupuncture, when the body loses its natural regulatory mechanism, disease results. To treat the disease, the system attempts to modify the activity of one or more systems of function. This is achieved by applying needles, heat, or pressure on the acupuncture points, which are sensitive parts of the body.
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How Acupuncture Works
The traditional Chinese Medical Theory embodies that the function of acupuncture is to normalize the balance of “vital energy” present throughout the human body. Illness or pain is treated by an attempt to remedy the local or systemic accumulations or deficiencies of “gi.” It is considered that pain or disease is caused by the blockage or stagnation of the flow of “gi”and an interesting axiom found in the medical literature of acupuncture says “no pain, no blockage; no blockage, no pain”. Several patients claim to have experienced “degi” (“obtaining the gi”) - or the sensation of stimulus. Historically, this sensation is reckoned as the evidence of having located the desired point. In modern times, some electronic devices are available which gives out a beep when the gadget encounters the correct acupuncture point according to a predetermined program incorporated into the device. An acupuncturist will thoroughly question the patient and use his diagnostic skills to determine the acupuncture points to be treated.
A Simple Elucidation
Most of us are familiar with electrical circuits. Let us examine the case of a light and light switch. While the switch is located on a wall, the light on the ceiling is controlled by the switch on the wall. This is made possible through the wires from the switch running up to the light. When you turn the switch off there will be no light, and when you turn the switch on the light comes on. Same principle is employed by acupuncture wherein, several switches are perceived to be present all over the human body to control different functions. These “switches” are recognized as acupuncture points.
Interestingly, some of these acupuncture points function exactly like a light switch, For example, certain points excel at relieving pain. Pain can often be turned off just like a switch when the right points in combination are used.
Another example is the thermostat which controls temperature. The thermostat allows you to set a temperature level that is most comfortable for you, and the heater goes on or off according to the temperature attained in the room. Stress response, energy, insomnia are some of the ailments where a similar approach is employed by the acupuncturist.
Acupuncture Needles
The modern acupuncturist employs stainless steel needles, though the antique ones were either sharp pieces of bone or flint called “bian” stones. In olden times, acupuncture needles were made from copper, bronze, iron, and even gold or silver. Metal acupuncture needles came into existence during the Iron and Bronze Ages. However, some contemporary acupuncturists employ gold needles for the treatment of certain specified diseases. Generally, acupuncture needles comprise a stainless steel shaft with a copper or steel handle. Nine types of needles are employed by the acupuncturists, though only six are in common use.
In relation to the skin’s surface, needles are inserted at points from 15 to 90 degrees. The stimulation and sensation are achieved by a number of techniques after the needles are inserted, corresponding to the ailment being treated. The procedure is essentially painless, with some people experiencing a pinch at most. The needles remain in place for 20 to 30 minutes after they are inserted into the various points.
In 1996, the FDA approved acupuncture needles under class 2 of “medical tools” which were earlier classified under class 3, representing “experimental devices.” This would mean that acupuncture needles would be subjected to FDA approval for quality control and “single use” labeling. This change in classification is expected to make acupuncture treatments eligible to be covered under insurance policies, which otherwise exclude alternate medicines. The FDA further indicates that acupuncture is a safe and effective medical treatment. Modern acupuncture needles being disposable and of the “single use” type do not carry the risk of transmitting diseases.
Common Ailments Where Acupuncture can be Beneficial
Arthritis
The World Health Organization has cited Acupuncture as a natural cure for arthritis symptoms. The acupuncturists insert tiny needles in strategic locations of the body and these points are known as acupuncture points, or high energy points. These needles in turn provide stimulation which imparts physical and psychological benefits to arthritis patients.
Smoking Cessation
Back Pain
A research conducted in 2002 states that about 80% of the world’s population would suffer from one form of back pain or the other and lower back pain has been mentioned as the most common one. Back pain is said to have a high rate of incidence, and if that is not enough a high rate of recurrence too. Naturally, patients would try everything from OTC drugs to physiotherapy, for relief. Acupuncture can be a welcome change to such patients and it is indeed heartwarming that the mind boggling number of patients can seek relief through this system.
Controversies Within the System
The concept of “gi” is employed by the traditional view of acupuncture as a definition to the process of acupuncture treatment. The nature of “gi” however, is highly controversial within the Chinese philosophy and the controversy continues.
