What do we know about acupuncture and its use in medical treatment
Acupuncture is an ancient practice of medicine. It originated over 2,500 years ago in China making it one of the oldest and most commonly used medical procedures in the world. The procedure of acupuncture has been used to treat and relieve symptoms of a wide range of diseases and conditions.
What is actually the definition of Acupuncture procedures?
Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that has been practiced for centuries. It’s based on the theory that energy, called Qi (say “chee”), flows through and around your body along pathways called meridians.
Acupuncturists believe that illness occurs when something blocks or unbalances your Qi. Acupuncture is a way to unblock or influence Qi and help it flow back into balance.
Acupuncture is done by putting very thin needles into your skin at certain points on your body. This is done to influence the energy flow. Sometimes heat, pressure, or mild electrical current is used along with needles.
What happens during Acupuncture?
Your acupuncture provider will give you an exam and ask questions about your pain and how well you are functioning. He or she will also ask about your overall health.
Then your provider will look for the places (called points) on your body to access the Qi that is blocked or not flowing right. Each of the points relates to certain health problems or body functions.
He/she will look for landmarks on your body-using certain muscles or bones, for example-to find the points so that he or she can place the needles.
In most cases treatment lasts for 15 minutes to an hour. You may have several visits to complete your treatment.
When to use Acupuncture?
There are up to 400 different acupuncture points, which are specific for different diseases and disorders. Acupuncture has been seen to be effective in over 40 diseases and disorders such as:
Musculature conditions (of the bones and muscles) and pain conditions, including:
- Headache and Migraine
- Chronic pain, including neck and back pain
- Joint pain
- Dental pain
- Post-operative pain
- Post-operative nausea and vomiting
- Allergies, including hay fever and eczema
- Depression and Anxiety
- Digestive disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)