Acupuncture 101

This ancient Chinese healing technique has been practiced for thousands of years. It can be accompanied with herbal remedies or modern Western medicine for the treatment of many disorders which the World Health Organization (WHO) has amounted to nearly 47, such as neck and back pain, arthritis, sports injuries and headaches.

How does it work?

Acupuncture requires inserting fine, hair-thin, hygienic, disposable, individually-wrapped needles into specific parts of your body to stimulate healing. The needles are painless, but what may cause slight discomfort is the use of damaged or faulty needles, or the inapt placement of needles.

Once the special needles are inserted correctly, you may feel slight pressure, tenderness, or numbness in various areas - it’s completely normal.

These sensations are the needles energizing the sensory receptors under your skin at precise acupuncture points.

Acupuncture points have a high concentrated number of nerve endings, lymphatic vessels, capillaries and mast cells which all have the power of triggering physiological and biochemical changes in the body.

When one of these points is triggered via an acupuncture needles, a chain reaction is set off:

1. Sensory receptors are stimulated.

2. Activated sensory receptors spark nerve endings.

3. Nerves transmit impulses to a network of hormones and glands, known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system.

4. Neurotransmitters and endorphins (a major component of the hormonal system and the body’s natural pain-killer) are released, helping treat and moderate many illnesses.

5. Serotonin (one of the body’s natural ‘feel good’ hormones) is also released, allowing the body to relax, boost its circulation and reduce inflammations.

Acupuncture is a holistic treatment, meaning it deals with the body as one entity; mind, body and spirit. So, instead of focusing on the back to treat back ache, acupuncture delves deeper to find the source of the pain, and treats the whole body, not just the back.

This procedure helps regain the body’s natural energy, Qi (pronounced chee), and re-calibrate the meridian system, which consists of 12 energy passageways that run throughout the body, creating a system of connections.

When your energy doesn’t flow freely or the meridians are blocked or out of balance, you experience pain which can manifest itself physically, mentally or emotionally, making you more prone to diseases, injuries and mental anguish.

Who can benefit from acupuncture?

Acupuncture is for everyone, regardless of age or health history. If you’re suffering from any type of disease of illness, acupuncture can help alleviate aches and soreness, and if you’re not suffering from anything, it can help you maintain your good health.

It’s also proven itself to reap a wide assortment of beauty benefits, such as clearer skin, minimized wrinkles and fewer breakouts.

Basic acupuncture sessions last from 45 minutes to a full hour. While the number of sessions may vary according to each individual’s case, basic cases require 2 treatments no more than 7 days apart.

Whatever your ailment, there are positive side effects to be gained from acupuncture. Your sleep will improve; you’ll have more energy, better cognitive functions, and better digestion and reduced stress.

Choosing a certified acupuncturist

Acupuncturists need to complete a minimum of 2000 hours of training in both Traditional Oriental Medicine and Western medicine from an accredited school of acupuncture before acquiring a license to practice, followed by a written and practical exam.

The highest degree is the doctoral degree, the Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (D.A.O.M.).

When deciding on an acupuncturist, don’t be afraid to ask questions regarding their training and work experience.

Since acupuncture is a complementary healing technique, it’s not meant to replace a physician's treatment, nor will it interfere with it.

Part of their training is knowing how to collaborate with MDs to integrate treatment for the best possible outcome, so discuss it with your doctor and acupuncturist for getting the right treatment for you.

Heal Your Body With Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine has been around for thousands of years. There are many elements to traditional Chinese medicine.

Some of the most well-known aspects of these ancient practices include acupuncture, tai chi, and herbal tinctures.

Today, many western societies are turning to these ancient practices to help heal a variety of issues. The National Institute of Health Medicine recognizes the need for traditional Chinese medicine and has published a fact sheet about its various types.

Acupuncture

Used to alleviate pain and treat other medical conditions, acupuncture is a great source of complementary medicine. Acupuncture involves stimulating different points on the body to treat different conditions.

Sometimes the stimulation of these spots on the body involves sticking small needles into the skin.

Live Science notes that there are many well-conducted studies that show acupuncture is effective at treating chronic pain. Acupuncture is often used in Europe and the United States to treat both chronic pain and nausea.

Acupuncturists believe that the effectiveness of treatment comes from unblocking the flow of energy (qi) through the body. The acupressure and acupuncture points release the blocked flow of energy allowing the healing process to take place.

Western scientists believe that neurohormonal pathways stimulated during acupuncture allow the release of specific hormones, which produces a euphoric feeling.

Tai Chi

Descended from Qigong, Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that uses movement to help with healing.

Medicine Net notes that some records of Tai Chi date back 2500 years. This series of slow, methodical movements can help align the body’s energy and help alleviate stress.

While Tai Chi can be used for martial arts, it is also used to help bring into line the energy of the body. Tai Chi can strengthen the body as well as increase flexibility; it is also helpful in treating heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, depression, and even digestive disorders.

One of the greatest benefits of Tai Chi is fall prevention through muscular training and balance. Repeated studies show that people who have just eight weeks of Tai Chi had improved function and balance tests.

Herbal Medicine

Traditional Chinese herbal medicine has been used to treat everything from the common cold to reproductive health.

The Institute for Traditional Medicine notes that many western remedies for conditions like hepatitis have come from the study of traditional medicines from china.

Traditional methods for taking herbal medicines were teas and honey bound pills. Today many herbalists use extracts or gel capsules filled with ground herbs.

Herbal medicines are quite effective for the conditions they treat. Many thousands of people across the globe rely on these forms of medicine daily.

Herbal medicines are just that, medicine. If you are seeing an herbalist, you should let your doctor know about any medications you are taking along with herbs and supplements.

Sometimes the traditional herbal medicines can have serious interactions with western medications. These interactions range from mild stomach upset to death.

In the United States, herbal medicines are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. It is important to know the source of your traditional Chinese herbs is reliable and reputable.

Traditional Chinese medicine is used throughout the world to treat a variety of conditions. Whether using Tai Chi to build balance and stamina or acupuncture to treat chronic pain, Chinese medicine has earned its right to stand beside western treatments.

Many people prefer to seek out complementary medicines like traditional Chinese herbs before they seek western medicine.

While not everyone will benefit from traditional Chinese medicine, like all medicine, it is a great resource for those struggling to overcome chronic conditions.

The benefits of Chinese medicine have been seen for centuries. Now, with open trade and dialogue, western culture is beginning to reap the benefits of these sacred and traditional treatments.

Did you find this post fun, informative and useful? If so, please share it with others!

If you have a comment, question or suggestion, please leave a comment below!

Cheers, Helene Malmsio


Related Reading: https://www.discoveryhub.net/Alternative-Health-Practices.html

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