ACUPUNCTURE’S HISTORY
Acupuncture originated in China approximately three thousand years ago. Despite changing dynasties, modernization, and attempts to eradicate its use, the practice has thrived for one simple reason – it works.
Acupuncture has benefited one quarter of the world’s population as a primary health care system because of its efficacy, low cost, and noninvasive nature. It is increasingly used as a complement to conventional medicine.
WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is a therapy that increases the body’s ability to regenerate and repair itself by stimulating multiple responses in the nervous system, one of which is increasing blood flow to the body’s organs and tissues.
The stimulation is achieved by inserting fine, pre-sterilized, disposable needles into specific points on the surface of the skin. This virtually painless process may elicit a momentary sense of pressure, tingling, or warmth, followed by a deep relaxation that often leads to sleep.
BENEFITS OF ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture stimulates the exceptional healing power of the body and mind. Most people are surprised at the depth of relaxation and the sense of well being from acupuncture.
Patients committed to acupuncture treatments often experience:
fewer illnesses and faster recovery
improvement of vitality and stamina
better sleep and relaxation
more harmonious relationships
reduced long-term health care costs
HOW ACUPUNCTURE WORKS FROM AN EASTERN PERSPECTIVE
Ancient Chinese physicians discovered a network of pathways (meridians) through which the basic life energy (qi or chi) flows. It is theorized that when this energy circulates freely throughout the body, we enjoy health. When the pathways become blocked or imbalanced, we experience lethargy, pain, or illness.
Factors which interfere with the flow of energy and blood in the body are pathogens, emotions, diet, lifestyle, injury, or climate. These disruptions may occur suddenly or develop over a period of time.
Acupuncture points are located on the energetic pathways which interact with organs, muscles, blood vessels and nerves in the body. The stimulation from the needles improves circulation to the tissues and enhances communication among the body systems.
Traditional Chinese Medicine treats both acute and degenerative disorders. It is also effective in preventing illness by strengthening and balancing the body.
HOW ACUPUNCTURE WORKS FROM A WESTERN PERSPECTIVE
Although acupuncture’s processes are not fully understood by Western science, its effectiveness has been acknowledged for many years. With the aid of technology and documented studies, researchers have determined that acupuncture:
releases endorphins to reduce pain and stress
reduces inflammation and relaxes muscles
influences gastrointestinal and hormonal balance
improves circulation and lowers blood pressure
benefits blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels
The World Health Organization has cited acupuncture to treat 43 conditions including:
Respiratory
Common Cold Cough Asthma Bronchitis Influenza
Endocrine
Infertility (men & women)
PMS
Menopause
Menstrual Disorders
Prostatitis
Mouth
Toothache
Post-extraction Pain
Gingivitis
Pharyngitis
Neurological
Stress - Anxiety
Depression
Fibromyalgia
Chronic Sleep Problems
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Facial Tics - Bell’s Palsy
Dizziness
Musculo-Skeletal
Neck and Back Pain
Shoulder Pain
Tennis Elbow
Knee and Ankle Pain
Arthritis
Sciatica
Urinary
Incontinence
Urinary Tract Infections
Overactive Bladder
Gastrointestinal
Acute and Chronic Gastritis
Gastric Hyperacidity
Chronic Duodenal Ulcer (pain relief)
Acute and Chronic Colitis
Acute Bacillary Dysentery
Constipation
Diarrhea
Eyes
Acute Conjunctivitis
Macular Degeneration
Cataracts (without complications)
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the most influential agencies of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, is responsible for health-related research. At a conference in 1997, NIH stated:
“The data in support of acupuncture is as strong as those of many accepted Western medical therapies. One of the advantages of acupuncture is that the incidence of adverse effects is substantially lower than that of many drugs or other accepted medical procedures used for the same conditions.”
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has funded extensive research to advance scientific understanding of acupuncture. Some recent NCCAM-supported studies have investigated:
how acupuncture works for specific conditions such as chronic low-back pain, headaches, and osteoarthritis of the knee;
ways to identify the potential neurological properties of meridians and acupuncture points;
methods and instruments for improving the quality of acupuncture research.