An Introduction To Acupuncture
In this article we look at some
introductory concepts, tips and helpful information about
the ancient healing practice of acupuncture ...
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine – A Resurgence Of
Interest
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are making a comeback. In a
world suddenly obsessed with all-natural remedies and organic
products, ancient Chinese healing techniques are becoming
popular. Chinese healing has traditionally been eyed with
suspicion. To be quite honest, acupuncture and Chinese healing
have their roots in Taoism – ancient Chinese philosophy rather
than evidence-oriented Western medicine. Still, a great many of
its treatments do work. This has caused many medical experts to
find out how acupuncture and Chinese medicine works in the
scientific model.
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine – Its
History
Whereas Chinese healing has begun making inroads in the
West, it has always been big in the East. Acupuncture and
Chinese healing is a part of the professional medical landscape
in China and Taiwan. It is practically practiced alongside
Western medicine. It is usually viewed with preference there if
the ailments are non-life threatening. In the West, Chinese
healing has the status of alternative medicine. However,
perceptions are slowly changing.
Central to the art of acupuncture and oriental medicine is
the concept of Meridians. Chinese philosophy states that energy
flows throughout the entire body. This is called Chi. Diseases
and ailments are symptoms of disruptions in Chi. The purpose of
acupuncture and herbal medicine is to try to bring back the
correct flow of Chi. Despite the mystical origin, science is
actually finding out that many health claims made by Chinese
healing are provable.
Acupuncture is believed to induce the release of endorphins
which cause better blood circulation. This helps individuals
boost their immune system and heal faster. Endorphins also help
people relax more which helps reduce stress-induced
ailments.
Chinese herbs constitute much of oriental medicine. There
are practically thousands of herbs used in Chinese medicine.
Practitioners usually use herbs in various combinations to
treat patients. Whereas the selection of herbs used to be
guided by Chinese philosophy, the approach now is modern. Herbs
are selected based on their chemical properties and interaction
with the body.
The threat of artificial chemicals and its effects on the
body have bought acupuncture and Chinese medicine to the
spotlight. Added to this, many people are finding out that it
is way cheaper compared to other treatments. Because treatments
are natural and medicine is organic, there are hardly any side
effects.
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Acupuncture
Overview - Evidence
As bizarre as it
may seem to the Western mind that sticking a
needle into the web between thumb and
forefinger can relieve headache, there is a
great deal of evidence that acupuncture works.
There have been dozens of studies done that
show positive results for acupuncture in
treating conditions as diverse as asthma,
migraines, diabetic neuropathy, arthritis,
lower back pain, depression, painful
menstruation and menopause. The National
Institutes of Health have concluded that there
is enough evidence of the value of acupuncture
to support further research of its clinical
value.
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For more information about acupuncture, see our
health resources section, or go to more
articles about acupuncture.
DISCLAIMER:
This information is not presented by a medical
practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes
only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for
professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always
seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health
care provider with any questions you may have regarding a
medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice
or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.
Since natural and/or dietary supplements are not FDA
approved they must be accompanied by a two-part disclaimer on
the product label: that the statement has not been evaluated by
FDA and that the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat,
cure or prevent any disease."
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