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An Introduction To Acupuncture

In this article we look at some introductory concepts, tips and helpful information about the ancient healing practice of acupuncture ...

Chinese Acupuncture – The Great Alternative

Chinese acupuncture is something that you normally don’t think about when you feel bad. But you would be surprised at how fast acupuncture is gaining ground. The fact is that more people are considering alternative medication. It’s not that there are more individuals warming up to Chinese philosophy. It’s because science is beginning to discover that some of the claims about Chinese acupuncture can be verified as true and can be explained in scientific ways.

Chinese Acupuncture – How Does It Work?

Acupuncture is grounded in Oriental philosophy. While this no longer serves as the reason for its efficacy, most practitioners are, nevertheless, required to study its origins. Besides, learning the key acupuncture points, as well as the pathways of supposed life energy or meridians, are now known to be accurate regions where stimulation induces the release of endorphins.

Acupuncture is done by inserting very thin needles into specified regions. These needles are specially made for acupuncture. They are disposable and about twenty times thinner than regular hypodermic needles. They must be FDA-approved to be used by a licensed acupuncturist. They are inserted into the skin and left for about fifteen minutes or less, depending on the initial assessment of the acupuncturist. Sometimes an acupuncturist will insert a needle, remove it, and reinsert in another location.

The idea of inserting needles into the body may be a frightening idea. But the fact is that acupuncture hardly feels anything. The most you can feel is a slight pinch. For those who are truly afraid of the sight of pins, laser acupuncture is the latest thing. It works on the same premise as acupuncture but uses lasers instead. Many patients who have tried both claim that laser acupuncture is an adequate replacement.

Aside from stimulating the life force in you with needles and lasers, many acupuncturists are also trained in herbal medicine, massaging, and other oriental treatments. A little known treatment, moxibustion, is frequently provided in acupuncture clinics. It uses the mugwort herb. It is burned near the acupuncture point to stimulate the area. Cupping is another relatively unknown procedure which is used in Chinese acupuncture. It uses suction disks instead of needles. 

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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.

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