Acupuncture the ancient chinese art of healing has a known history spread over some five thousand years. A popular explanation offered for the discovery of Acupuncture is the story of a warrior wounded by an arrow.The arrow was removed and the wound healed.It was observed that a disease in an unrelated part of the body was cured.
Whats is Acupuncture ?
Acupuncture is the ancient Chinese practice of inserting thin needles in to specific points of the body to improve circulation & reduce pain. It is believed by practitioners of Acupuncture that ‘qi ‘ or ‘vital energy’ is redirected by the Acupuncture process thereby helping the body to heal itself.
How does Acupuncture work ?
The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body & over its surface. These energy channels are called meridians. These meridians can be influenced by needling the Acupuncture points, the Acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions & reestablish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body’s internal organs to correct imbalance in their digestion, absorption & energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians.
The modern scientific explanation is that needling the Acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord & brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals & hormones which influence the body’s own internal regulating system.
The improved energy & biochemical balance produced by Acupuncture results in stimulating the body’s healing abilities & in promoting physical & emotional well-being.
Acupuncture Needles
Acupuncture needles are metallic, solid & hair-thin. People experience Acupuncture differently, but most feel no or minimum pain as the needles are inserted. Some people are energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed. Because your doctor carefully sterilizes the needles using the same techniques as for surgical instruments, or uses disposable needles, there is no risk of infection from the treatments.
Does Acupuncture Work ?
In November of 1997, a national institute of health (NIH) consensus panel was convened to examine all available research on the ancient Chinese therapy, The mere fact that the panel was convened by the central pillars of the U.S. research establishment, demonstrates how much respectability Acupuncture has gained among Western scientists & wipes Acupuncture of anyone’s “quackery” list. The consensus statement concludes that Acupuncture; clearly works to treat a number of conditions including nausea from chemotherapy, surgery (including dental surgery)
May also be effective therapy for a number of other conditions & has substantially lower incidence of adverse side effects than that of many drugs or other accepted medical procedures used for the same condition.
The World Health Organization recognizes the use of Acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems, including :
Digestive disorders : gastritis and hyperacidity, spastic colon, constipation, diarrhea.
Respiratory disorders : sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, recurrent chest infections.
Neurological and muscular disorders : headaches, facial tics, neck pain, rib neuritis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, various forms of tendonitis, low back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis.
Urinary, menstrual, and reproductive problems.
Acupuncture is particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to tension and stress and emotional conditions.
Are There any Do's and Dont's for me on the Day of Treatment ?
Yes. To enhance the value of a treatment, the following guidelines are important:
Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your treatment.
Do not over-exercise, engage in sexual activity, or consume alcoholic beverages within 6 hours before or after the treatment.
Plan your activities so that after the treatment you can get some rest, or at least not have to be working at top performance. This is especially important for the first few visits.
Continue to take any prescription medicines as directed by your regular doctor. Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol) especially in the week prior to treatment, will seriously interfere with the effectiveness of Acupuncture treatments.
Remember to keep good mental or written notes of what your response is to the treatment. This is important for your doctor to know so that the follow-up treatments can be designed to best help you and your problem.
Side Effects of Acupuncture
Severe injury from Acupuncture is extremely rare, well- trained and experienced acupuncturist are likely to injure a patient. Occasionally the original symptoms worsen for a few days, or other general changes may occur this is the indication that Acupuncture is starting to work & requires a bit of rest to overcome.