|
|
|
Acupuncture
|
|
Today in most western cultures it is considered a "new
alternative" medicine. In reality Acupuncture is practiced
medical treatments that are over 5,000 years old. Very
basically, Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine
needles on the body's surface in order to influence
physiological functioning of the body. |
|
History |
 |
The first record
of Acupuncture is found in the 4,700 year old Huang Di Nei
Jing (Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine). This
is said to be the oldest medical textbook in the world. It
is said to have been written down from even earlier theories
by Shen Nung, the father of Chinese Medicine. Shen Nung
documented theories about circulation, pulse, and the heart
over 4,000 years before European medicine had any concept
about them.
|
|
As the basis of Acupuncture, Shen Nung theorized that the
body had an energy force running throughout it. This energy
force is known as
Qi (roughly pronounced
Chee). The Qi consists of all essential life activities
which include the spiritual, emotional, mental and the
physical aspects of life. A person's health is influenced by
the flow of Qi in the body, in combination with the
universal forces of Yin and Yang. If the flow of Qi is
insufficient, unbalanced or interrupted, Yin and Yang become
unbalanced, and illness may occur. Qi travels throughout the
body along "meridians" or special pathways. The meridians,
(or channels), are the same on both sides of the body
(paired).
top |
|
Needles |
 |
Acupuncturists can use as many as nine types of acupuncture
needles, though only six are commonly used today. These
needles vary in length, width of shaft, and shape of head.
Today, most needles are disposible. They are used once and
discarded in accordance with medical biohazard regulations
and guidlines. There are a few different precise methods by
which
|
|
acupuncturists insert needles. Points can be needled
anywhere in the range of 15 degrees to 90 degrees relative
to the skin surface, depending on the treatment called for.
In most cases, a sensation, felt by the patient, is desired.
This sensation, which is not pain, is called deqi
(pronounced dah-chee).
top |
|
Acupuncture
Meridians |
 |
|
top
How Acupuncture
works? Scientists have no real answer to this,; as
you know many of the workings of the body are still a
mystery. There are a few
prevailing theories.
|
|
1.
By
some unknown process, Acupuncture raises levels of
triglycerides, specific hormones, prostaglandins, white
blood counts, gamma globulins, opsonins, and overall
anti-body levels. This is called the "Augmentation of
Immunity" Theory.
2.
The "Endorphin" Theory states that Acupuncture stimulates
the secretions of endorphins in the body (specifically
Enkaphalins).
3.
The "Neurotransmitter" Theory states that certain
neurotransmitter levels (such as seratonin and noradrenaline)
are affected by Acupuncture.
4.
"Circulatory" Theory states that Acupuncture has the
effect of constricting or dilating blood vessels. This may
be caused by the body's release of vasodilaters (such as
histamine), in response to Acupuncture.
5.
One of the most popular theories is the "Gate Control"
Theory. According to this theory, the perception of pain is
controlled by a part of the nervous system regulating
an impulse, which will later be interpreted as pain. This
part of the nervous system is called the "Gate." If the gate
is hit with too many impulses, it becomes overwhelmed, and
it closes. The nerve fibers that carry the impulses of
pain are rather small nerve fibers called "C" fibers. These
are the gates that close during Acupuncture.
top |
|
Will it be
covered by my insurance? |
Acupuncture is
one of the therapies that are more commonly covered by
insurance. However, you should check with your insurer
before you start treatment to see whether acupuncture will
be covered for your condition and, if so, to what extent.
Some insurance plans require preauthorization for
acupuncture.
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/acupuncture/
top |
|
What to expect |
|
On your first
visit to an acupuncturist, you will probably be asked to
fill out a questionnaire regarding your health history and
lifestyle habits. You might be asked to describe any
digestive problems, sensitivity to temperature, urine color,
eating and sleeping patterns, and stress. After reviewing
this information with you, the acupuncturist will decide
upon the most appropriate treatment. He or she will dab some
rubbing alcohol on each point where the needle--as fine as a
strand of hair--will be inserted. The number of needles and
their length, as well as the depth they are inserted vary
depending upon the practitioner's assessment of your
condition. Generally, 10 to 12 needles about two inches long
are inserted about one inch into the acupuncture points.
While many
people say they barely feel anything, some describe a slight
tingling or a sensation resembling a mild electric shock.
Others have reported a vague tugging or aching feeling that
usually lasts no longer than a few minutes. A sense of
fullness and heaviness in the muscles or limbs is also
common. There may be minor bleeding from the needle prick.
The needles are usually left in place between 15 and 60
minutes, and the acupuncturist may twirl them to enhance
stimulation of the acupuncture points.
top |
Conditions Recommended for Acupuncture
by the World Health Organization (W.H.O.)
List
top |
|
Acupuncture printer friendly document |
|
