About Accupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that has been practiced for thousands of years. It involves inserting thin needles into specific strategic points throughout your body to alleviate pain and to treat medical conditions. It has yet to be fully accepted by Western medicine but its growing popularity in the United States is a testament to acupuncture's benefits and effectiveness.

History

• The practice of acupuncture dates back to about 200 B.C. However there have been discoveries of sharpened stones in Inner Mongolia that date back to 3000 B.C. and are believed to indicate an early use of acupuncture. Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century were the first to report the use of acupuncture to Western medicine practitioners.

Traditional Chinese Medicine - Qi

• Chinese medicine is based on the yin and the yang and the balance of qi or chi. Qi is commonly referred to as the vital energy of the body. Health is represented by a balance of the yin and the yang. Qi is the yang because it is immaterial, while blood, which is material, is the yin. Acupuncture improves qi by promoting its free flow where there is blockage or stagnation in the body.

Acupuncture Points

• There are over 350 acupuncture points that comprise what Chinese medicine calls the 14 meridians. Each meridian is considered a channel for the qi that is related to all the vital organs of the body. Illness occurs when there is an imbalance of qi. Acupuncture practitioners believe that by inserting needles at these points you can maintain a balance of flow through these meridians. The acupuncture points are places to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue and the needles boost the blood flow and your body's natural pain killers such as serotin and endorphins.

Does it work?

• According to the Mayo Clinic, scientific studies generally use a placebo to test a treatment's effectiveness; however, it is difficult to conduct a valid scientific study of acupuncture. Attempts to create a placebo affect with acupuncture have found the placebo is as effective as the acupuncture treatment. While a comprehensive list of conditions that acupuncture will treat has not been developed, acupunture has proven to be effective at offering pain and nausea relief and helping ease a variety of diseases and conditions, including but not limited to fibromyalgia, side effects of chemotherapy and osteoarthritis.

Pros and cons

• Acupuncture has few side effects. It is relatively safe when practiced by a knowledgeable practitioner. It helps alleviate pain. It is widely available in medical settings and is a useful complement to other medical treatments.

Choosing an acupuncturist

• Ask friends for referrals. Check the practitioner's credentials and inquire about her methods and procedures. Consult your physician, as he may be able to tell you the effectiveness of acupuncture with regards to the condition you are trying to treat. Check with you health insurance company to see if acupuncture is covered by your plan.