More and more people are turning to Acupuncture where traditional western medicine alone has failed.  Still, many find this ancient Chinese medical technique mysterious.  Below is a concise introduction to Acupuncture which will help anyone who is interested to learn about it.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an important part of a Traditional Chinese Medicine system with a history of over 2500 years.  Already used widely throughout Asia and Europe, Acupuncture is considered one of the newest primary health care modalities in the US.  So far over 12 million Americans have turned to Acupuncture for help, and many western physicians as well as medical researchers have experienced its powerful healing effects.

The concept behind it

The main concept behind Acupuncture is an energy force called “Qi” (pronounced chee) which circulates throughout the human body using specialized pathways called Meridians or channels with “Acupuncture points” where the energy is most concentrated.  It is believed that free flowing of the Qi keeps a person healthy.  If the flow of the Qi is blocked for any reason, illness results.  Acupuncture restores the proper balance and flow of the Qi, returning health to the patient.  (more about Qi and Qi Gong)

Healing effects of Acupuncture

One of the most common uses of Acupuncture is pain relief.  This includes migraine, backache, period pain, arthritic and rheumatic pain, post-operative pain, and post-injury pain. 

The World Health Organization has declared Acupuncture successful treats a variety of medical conditions:

-Ear, nose, and throat disorders:  common cold, sinusitis, tonsillitis, hayfever, rhinitis and tooth pain.

-Respiratory disorders: acute bronchitis and bronchial asthma.

-Gastro-intestinal disorders: gastritis, indigestion duodenal ulcer, hiccoughs, colitis, constipation and diarrhea.

-Eye disorders: Acute conjunctivitis, central retinitis, juvenile myopia and mild cataract.

-Neurological and Muscular-skeletal: Trigeminal neuralgia, headache, stroke syndromes, Meniere's disease, neuralgia, bladder dysfunction, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, sciatica, lower back pain and osteoarthritis.

Other conditions treated include menstrual, menopausal and pregnancy related conditions, stress, depression, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, sports injuries, and drug withdrawal.

Acupuncture is more than just inserting tiny needles into your body.  It is a complex system combining other complimentary techniques which can include:

-Moxibustion (warming)
-Cupping
-Massage
-Herbs
-Electro-Stimulation
 

Herbs are usually taken in addition to Acupuncture to enhance its healing effect.

Response to Acupuncture

After a person receives Acupuncture, he or she will experience a sense of general well-being and relaxation.  It is reported that an individual feels an improvement in sleep, digestion, and overall energy levels.  Since Acupuncture heals the body through natural techniques, side effects are very rare.  Mild exacerbation may be felt after first treatment, but subsides with additional treatment.  Acupuncture is safe for person of all ages including children and the elderly, although treatment for the elderly is usually done to reduce discomfort and management of the condition.

Conclusion

In short, Acupuncture can strengthen the physical body, prevent disease, control pain, enhance health, assist in sports performance, addiction withdrawal, and achieve longevity. 

The Background of TCM

Santa Monica Acupuncture and Wellness

Laurel Binder, Doctor of Acupuncture (RILB)

1322 2nd Street Suite #36

Santa Monica, CA 90401

(310) 564-4325

Copyright 2008 Laurie Binder