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Acupuncture
The basic foundation for Oriental medicine
is that there is a life energy flowing through the body which is
termed Qi (pronounced chee). This energy flows through the body on
channels known as meridians that connect all of our major organs.
When Qi is abundant and freely circulating throughout the body,
there is health and pain-free living. According to Chinese medical
theory, illness arises when the cyclical flow of Qi in the meridians
becomes unbalanced or is blocked. These channels, called meridians,
are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the
cells, tissues, muscles and organs. An obstruction in the movement
of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up, creating
imbalance and pain.
"Acupuncture is a method of
encouraging the body to promote natural healing and improve
function."
Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the
body to promote natural healing and improve function. This is done
by inserting sterilized and disposable, stainless-steel needles
(that are as fine as a human hair) into specific points located on
the surface of the skin. These points have the ability to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions in order to treat a
wide variety of illnesses.
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Stimulating the acupuncture points can
influence the meridians; the acupuncture needles unblock the
obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow through
the meridians.
A more scientific explanation of
acupuncture is that the stimulation of certain trigger points on the
body by acupuncture needles prompts the body to release certain
hormones and chemicals that can reduce pain, regulate the endocrine
system, and calm the nervous system.
Acupuncture points are areas of designated
electrical sensitivity. Inserting needles at these points stimulates
various sensory receptors that, in turn, stimulate nerves that
transmit impulses to the hypothalamic-pituitary system at the base
of the brain. The hypothalamus-pituitary glands are responsible for
releasing neurotransmitters and endorphins, the body's natural
pain-killing hormones. It is estimated that endorphins are 200 times
more potent than morphine. Endorphins also play a big role in the
functioning of the hormonal system. This is why acupuncture works
well for back pain and arthritis and also for P.M.S. and
infertility.
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The substances released as a result of
acupuncture not only relax the whole body, they regulate serotonin
in the brain which plays a role in human and animal disposition.
This is why depression is often treated with acupuncture. Some of
the physiological effects observed throughout the body include
increased circulation, decreased inflammation, relief from pain,
relief of muscle spasms and increased T-cell count which stimulates
the immune system.
"The Chinese medical diagnosis is
based upon a thorough examination and consultation."
The Chinese medical diagnosis is based
upon a thorough examination and consultation. An acupuncturist will
take a complete health history in order to find out where Qi has
become blocked or why the amount of Qi within the body has changed.
The examination includes the assessment of the pulse and tongue.
Once a diagnosis is made, the
acupuncturist will develop a treatment plan tailored to the specific
symptoms and signs that best reflect the organ and meridian systems
that are out of balance. The goals of such a plan will be to
eliminate visible symptoms, while addressing the root cause(s) and
underlying imbalances.
"The goals of your treatment plan
will be to eliminate visible symptoms, while addressing the root
cause(s) and underlying imbalances."
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How Deep Do The
Needles Go?
Acupuncture points are located near or on the surface of the skin.
Usually needles are inserted form 1/4 to 1 inch in depth. Depth of
insertion will depend on nature of the condition being treated, the
patients' size, age, and constitution, and upon the acupuncturists'
style or school.
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What To Expect an
Acupuncture Treatment to Feel Like.
Acupuncture needles are 25-50 times thinner than a hypodermic
needle. They are so thin that several acupuncture needles can go
into the middle of a hypodermic needle.
There is little sensitivity to the
insertion of acupuncture needles. While some people feel nothing at
all; others experience a brief moment of discomfort as the needle
penetrates the skin that can be followed by a mild sensation of
cramping, tingling, numbness, traveling warmth, or heaviness.
The needles are left in place for twenty
minutes. Most people find the experience extremely relaxing and
uplifting and even fall asleep for the duration of the treatment.
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Acupuncture
Treatments: What to Expect.
The length, number and frequency of treatments will vary. A
consultation with an experienced practitioner about you and your
condition will offer the best guide for the length of treatment.
(Typical treatments last from 20 to 60 minutes, with the patient
being treated one or two times a week.)
Generally, acute problems require less
time and frequency of treatment. For example, an acute sprain may
require only one treatment, whereas more chronic or severe ailments
may require several (or several dozen) treatments. Positive results
are generally seen after the first to fourth treatment.
You will schedule your appointments
further and further apart after you have achieved optimal response.
Many people see their acupuncturist only 2-4 times a year for a
"tune up".
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What
Techniques are Used in an Acupuncture Treatment?
- ELECTRO-ACUPUNCTURE
Electro-Acupuncture is the use of small electrical currents
through the acupuncture needles. Electro-stimulation is often used
in conjunction with acupuncture to enhance a treatment.
Electro-acupuncture has been proven to decrease pain, accelerate
tissue healing, and significantly reduce inflammation, edema and
swelling.
- MOXIBUSTION
Moxibustion is a technique in which a Chinese herb called mugwort
or Artemesia Vulgaris is used to apply heat to an acupuncture
point. It is used to treat certain debilitating conditions as well
as arthritis and pain. Moxa is usually rolled into a stick the
size of a cigar, lit, and held over specific areas of the body.
Moxa can also be placed onto the handle of an acupuncture needle,
allowing deeper penetration of heat.
- CUPPING
Cupping is a technique where a glass cup or bamboo jar is
suctioned onto the body and allowed to sit for about ten minutes.
This technique stimulates circulation, relieves swelling, and
greatly enhances an acupuncture or electro-acupuncture treatment.
Cupping is used for many conditions including; back pain, shoulder
pain, neck pain, common colds and influenza.
- TUI NA
Tui Na is the traditional system of Chinese style physical therapy
or massage. It is used in conjunction with acupuncture to enhance
treatments in a variety of musculo-skeletal conditions.
Adapted from a web
site:
Acufinder.com
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