Acupuncture in Chinese medicine
Acupuncture is a type of Chinese medicine that dates to more than 3,500 years ago. It works by inserting very fine stainless-steel needles into specific points located near or on the surface of the skin. This form of therapy will reinstate the free circulation of Qi to re-establish balance and activate the body’s natural healing power.
Qi (pronounced chee). Is the foundation of Chinese medicine is that there is a life energy flowing through the body This energy flows along specific pathways, called meridians that connect all of our major organs. According to Chinese medical theory, occurs when the flow of Qi in the meridians becomes unbalanced or is blocked it’s like water getting stuck at a dam.
There are as many as 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body, which are connected by 20 pathways (meridians). Acupuncture therapy can release blocked qi in the body and stimulate function, evoking the body’s natural healing response through various physiological systems. Modern research has demonstrated acupuncture’s effects on the nervous system, endocrine and immune systems, cardiovascular system, and digestive system. By stimulating the body’s various systems, acupuncture can help to resolve pain, and improve sleep, digestive function, and sense of well-being.
Acupuncture needle are as fine as fine as human hair they will not cause any pain, they are also inserted no more than half an inch. So if you experience any sort of pain during the process of acupuncture this means that it’s not done properly. The cost of this treatment will vary from one acupuncturists to another, but in general the session fees are between £60-120.
The World Health Organization recognized that acupuncture and Oriental medicine are effective in treating a wide range of conditions, including Injury, Trauma, Repetitive strain conditions like tennis elbows and carpal tunnel syndrome, Headache, Rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, Back pain and sciatica, Fibromyalgia, Dysmenorrhea and other gynaecological conditions, Asthma, Post-operative and, chemotherapy nausea, Stroke rehabilitation, Patients undergoing recovery from addiction and substance abuse.
Possible side effect of acupuncture
Fatigue. Most people will fell energized after acupuncture, however in some cases it may cause tiredness and fatigue, this is a warning sign from your body telling you to rest. This should not worry just get a good night sleep and you will feel like you wore born again.
Soreness. If you have tight muscle knots, known as a Trigger Point, your acupuncturist may release it using an acupuncture needle. While this gives relief, it can also lead to a feeling of soreness in the area either immediately following or up to a day after your session.
Bruising. This one of the most common side effect of this therapy, a small bruise or hematoma where one of the needles was inserted. Acupuncture is completely safe as we mentioned however small bruising still happens from time to time.
Muscle twitching. A lot of people report that they experience involuntary muscle twitching during or after acupuncture.
Lightheadedness. Acupuncture can be a physically and emotionally intense experience, so it may take some time before your body fully recovers from the treatment.
Emotional release. Acupuncture may cause some people to cry not because of pain but their emotion release, this is a positive thing, but it can be surprising, especially for people who tend to be more emotionally stoical.
Different styles of acupunctures
Traditional Chinese Acupuncture (TCM)
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the most common form of acupuncture studied and practiced in the United States.
Japanese Style Acupuncture
Japanese style acupuncture takes a more subtle route than TCM. Fewer and thinner needles are used with less stimulation.
Korean Hand Acupuncture
Points in the hand correspond to areas of the body and to certain disharmonies.
Auricular Acupuncture
Points in the ear correspond to areas of the body and to certain disharmonies. This system is commonly used for pain control and drug, alcohol, and nicotine addictions.
Medical Acupuncture
When a Western Medical Doctor performs Acupuncture; it is defined as Medical Acupuncture. Acupuncture requirements for Western doctors are generally more lenient than for non-MD’s. Choose a physician who also a licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac.). If there are none near you be sure that the M.D. or D.O. is a member of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture; it requires a minimum of 200 hours of training for membership.
Veterinary Acupuncture
Today, veterinary acupuncture is an acknowledged and respected field of medicine which requires formal training and certification in order to practice.
In most countries, veterinary acupuncture is considered a surgical procedure that, legally, may ONLY be performed by a licensed doctor of veterinary medicine.