What Is Acupuncture?

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes acupuncture, the ancient healing art of inserting thin needles into predefined spots on the body as a viable alternative medicine. Licensed practitioners treat patients seeking pain relief and other health concerns. According to SpineUniverse.com, acupuncture is safe and relatively painless when professionally administered.

History

• Thought to have originated in China during the Ming Dynasty, the use of acupuncture spread to other parts of Asia in the 16th century and found a popular following in the United States in the 1970s.

Tools

• Sterile, filliform needles are disposable and come from the manufacturer prepackaged in individual wrappers to ensure patient safety.

Basics

• Acupuncture revolves around the eastern concept of Qi energy fields that run through the body on invisible meridians. Acupuncture needles, inserted into the meridians at specific points, block pain or stimulate energy to the corresponding organ or body part.

Additional

• Practitioners may combine a complementary medicine to enhance the effects of acupuncture. Moxibustion is the application of heat to the skin before inserting the needle and cupping is a method by which suction is applied to acupuncture points.

Conditions

• Among the 47 medical conditions approved for acupuncture treatment by the WHO are back and leg pain, labor pain, morning sickness, acne, insomnia asthma, infertility, obesity and irritable colon syndrome.