WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT?
Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and improve functioning. This is done by inserting and withdrawing needles from the skin. Acupuncture is mainly attributed to the Chinese, but other cultures practice it. It is now popular in the U.S. because people are looking for a more natural, less invasive medicine. Acupuncture is flourishing because it works.
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
The basic principle of acupuncture is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and on its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up the flow in one part of the body and restricts it in others.
The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and restore the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and 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, and brain. These chemicals will decrease pain or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system.
The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in the body's natural healing abilities, and promoting physical and emotional well-being.
WHAT IS THE SCOPE OF ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is a system which can influence three areas of health care:
• Promotion of health and well-being
• Prevention of illness
• Treatment of various medical conditions
While acupuncture is often associated with pain, in the hands of a well trained practitioner it has much broader applications. Acupuncture can be effective as the only treatment used, or as the support or adjunct to chiropractic adjustments.
The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems including but not limited to:
DIGESTIVE TRACT DISORDERS:
Nervous stomach, Nausea, Indigestion, Acid reflux, Heartburn, Flu, Spastic colon, Irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's, Colitis, Constipation and Diarrhea.
RESPIRATORY DISORDERS:
Colds, Sinusitis, Sore throat, Bronchitis, Asthma, Recurrent chest and ear infections, Smoking cessation.
NEUROLOGICAL AND MUSCULAR DISORDERS:
All types of headaches, Neck and arm pain, Hand pain and carpal tunnel syndrome, Painful rib syndrome, Low back and leg pain, Sciatica, Hip and knee pain, Failed back and other surgeries, Numbness, Neuritis, Neuralgia, Fibromyalgia, Bursitis, Tendonitis, Trigeminal neuralgia, Bells palsy, Arthritis.
MENSTRUAL, URINARY AND REPRODUCTIVE DISORDERS:
Premenstrual tension, Menstrual cramps, Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual flow), Infertility, Menopausal changes, Incontinence, Problems associated with pregnancy, such as breach baby and morning sickness.
Acupuncture also helps in relief of acute and chronic pain, stress reduction, detoxification, and maintenance of emotional balance. Acupuncture helps the body adapt to its environment and helps the body resist illness.
The information for this article was obtained from the American Academy of Acupuncturists, World HealthOrganization, Dr. Davis' and Dr Grant's educational background and 25 years acupuncture experience.