Acupuncture

Although acupuncture is over 2,000 years old, it was first documented in the text, "The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine," written between 200 B.C. and 100 A.D. in China.  It is one of the oldest and most commonly used medical practices in the world.

Acupuncture terminology

Qi:  Vital energy or life force

Meridians:  The body's pathways, identical on both sides of the body

Acupuncture points:  The points, numbering over 2,000, that connect the body's meridians

Acupuncture is a component of Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM.  In TCM, the body is seen as a delicate balance between two opposing forces, yin and yang. Imbalance in these forces results in disease.

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Is acupuncture right for you? : what it is, why it works, and how it can help you
Ruth Lever Kidson.
Rochester, Vt. : Healing Arts Press, c2008.
Is Acupuncture Right for You? is regarded by many practitioners as the most concise and useful book to introduce prospective patients to the principles, processes, and benefits of acupuncture. One of the oldest healing therapies known, acupuncture has now become a popular and recognized alternative to Western medicine, particularly for the treatment of chronically painful conditions. While Western medicine manages conditions primarily with drugs and/or surgery, acupuncture focuses on treatment of the person as a whole by identifying and relieving energetic imbalances and blockages throughout the body. Addressing these disruptions in the energy flow, or vital force, of the body treats not only the physical symptoms but also the underlying cause of the ailments.
     
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Acupuncture and the chakra energy system : treating the cause of disease
John R. Cross.
Berkeley, Calif. : North Atlantic Books, c2008.
In this companion to his most recent book, Healing with the Chakra Energy System, John Cross compares the traditional approaches of Chinese medicine and modern Western acupuncture with the chakra energy system of Ayurvedic philosophy and offers clinically proven strategies for treating the causes of conditions, not just the symptoms.
     
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Acupoint and trigger point therapy for babies and children : a parent's healing touch
Donna Finando.
Rochester, Vt. : Healing Arts Press, c2008.
Trigger point therapy releases restricted muscles and acupressure allows energy to flow freely, activating the body #38;#8217;s remarkable healing abilities. Author Donna Finando reveals the importance of touch in both childhood development and healing, and details acupoint and trigger point therapy techniques for most common childhood ailments, including asthma.
     
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The journey to pain relief : a hands-on guide to breakthroughs in pain treatment
Phyllis Berger.
Alameda, CA : Hunter House Publishers, c2006.
  1. "First published in South Africa in 2003 as The Journey to Pain Relief."-T.p. verso.
  2. Includes bibliographical references and index.
     

Acupuncture seeks to restore health by regulating the flow of Qi (pronounced "chee") along the body's meridians, thus restoring the balance between yin and yang.  However, doctors can not explain scientifically how acupuncture works to relieve pain.

It is estimated that Americans receive over 12 million acupuncture treatments each year.
These treatments are used for a variety of illnesses, including:

  • migraine
  • arthritis
  • traumatic muscle/joint injury
  • asthma and bronchitis
  • gallbladder disease
  • hypertension (high blood pressure)

As holistic therapy, acupuncture takes into account a patient's physical as well as emotional well-being.  Frequency and length of treatment varies, but most patients experience lasting relief after 3-6 sessions.

Animal acupuncture

Trained verterinarians are using acupuncture to treat many animals, from dogs to elephants.

Treatment methods:

  • Needles -Stainless steel needles ranging from 1-3" in length are inserted at acupuncture points
  • Moxibustion - Burning herbs are used to heat the needle, causing a sensation of heat at the acupuncture point
  • Cupping - Heated cups are applied to acupuncture points, causing a suction effect                  
  • Acupressure - Manual pressure is used to stimulate the acupuncture point

Of the many forms of alternative medicine, acupuncture is one of the most likely to be covered by health insurance.  To find a licensed acupuncture practitioner in your area, contact a national acupuncture organization such as the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture.

Article by: St. Louis Public Library staff.