Chinese Acupuncture History

Chinese acupuncture history shows us that acupuncture is an ancient medicine used to promote good health and maintain a healthy body. It is carried out by inserting hundreds of tiny needles into special acupuncture points in the body where “qi”. Qi is reported as being the body's natural energy source, travels through channels around the body.

Acupuncture can be thought of as the oldest, known practice of medicine that is still being used today. Besides knowing that Chinese acupuncture history and it's medical practice, what else do we know?

By following the roots of acupuncture we can see that archeologists have found the Chinese acupuncture history and medical practice going back thousands of years. These remnants were found in the form of Hieroglyphs in cave dwellings and date back to one thousand years before Jesus Christ was born, making them 3,000 years old.

Looking even further than this, there is evidence that acupuncture was used thousands of years prior to the archeological finds mentioned.

A five thousand year old mummy was found in the Alps mountain range and named Otzi. When scientists were investigating the mummy and what it could tell us, they were interested to find that Otzi had several ailments, and what they found more intriguing was that Otzi had tattoos located at the acupuncture points that would be used today for the ailments he suffered with.

It may be disheartening, or interesting to learn that the origins of acupuncture in China are uncertain. The reason this is uncertain is that the first mention of acupuncture in a Chinese medical text dated to three hundred years before Christ but Chinese medical texts found from the first century before Christ, two hundred year later, had no reference to acupuncture in them.

It has been a much talked about debate, but research has shown that the first needles used by those of years gone by were made from sharp Bian stone, this changed through the years to bronze, gold and then silver.

Fast-forward to today and we still use acupuncture. The acupuncture we use is a descendant of that used by Daoism philosophers two thousand years ago; this shows that although the material used for the needles has changed, the actual treatment of acupuncture has not changed through the millennia.

There has been ripples of talk through the scientific and archeological communities that Europe may have had its own version of acupuncture pre Christ but there is no evidence to support this. As far as we are aware, acupuncture did not cross over to the west until the late 1960's and 1970's where it became the interest of people in Great Britain.

Acupuncture has grown in stature and become a widely used alternative treatment in the western world, which shows that there must be some positive affect from the treatment.

This is a complete history of acupuncture to date; it will be interesting to see what will lie in the future use of acupuncture. If acupuncture can last through centuries of war, illness and famine, through times where publication of material was not as easy as it is done, then it is clear that it will last for many years to come.

Mike Herman

Blood Pressure: Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy and Acupuncture

The temptation with herbal medicines is to think that because they are natural substances they must therefore be safe. It is easy to forget that plants can do harm. Some herbal remedies may raise blood pressure or may interfere with the effect of conventional drugs. Liquorice and other herbal remedies used as diuretics promote sodium and water retention and thus raise blood pressure. Lily of the valley resembles digitalis - too high a dose can cause heart failure. Horse chestnut taken together with anticoagulant drugs may cause bleeding. As well as often unidentifiable plant alkaloids, traditional oriental herbal remedies often contain heavy metal salts, which may be very dangerous when taken over long periods.

Obviously, no reputable herbalist is going to offer you treatments which they know will do you harm, but the risks can be considerable if you consult someone who is inadequately trained or if you try to treat yourself after gleaning some basic information from a book. You should remember that the drug industry is extremely efficient at exploiting any active substances found inn plants and in synthesizing and testing them for use as drugs. As with other alternative therapies, there is little published scientific evidence proving that herbal treatments are effective. If you have borderline high blood pressure, where the need for active medication is arguable either way, some of the simpler herbal infusions (drinks made in a similar way to ordinary tea, but probably not tasting as pleasant) suggested by herbalists will probably not do you any harm (although if your doctor has prescribed blood pressure lowering agents for you, you should continue to take them). Herbs which can be used in this way include hawthorn, guilder rose, linden and yarrow.

Two other famous aspect of alternative medicine are homeopathy and acupuncture, which are both reputed to help in high blood pressure.

Homeopathy is completely safe, because the remedies are so dilute. It is based on the principle that 'like can be cured by like'. The word homeopathy comes from two Greek words that mean 'similar' and 'suffering'. The remedies contain very dilute amounts of a substance, which in larger quantities would produce similar symptoms of the illness being treated. The problem here is that no scientific explanation for what is going on. There is no specific homeopathic remedies recommended for high blood pressure - the treatments a practitioner would suggest would simply be those thought to have general strengthening effect on your constitution. Homeopathic doctors are all trained in orthodox medicine and so usually reserve their alternative treatments for minor, self-limiting, or emotional illnesses.

Acupuncture, which involves inserting needles into the skin at particular sites on the body, has been a standard form of medical treatment in China for 5000 years. In the past 20 years it has become more widely used in the United States, usually for conditions such as a painful back where orthodox medicine often fails to help. We should know fairly soon whether or not it is effective as a treatment for high blood pressure, as a properly controlled trial is currently being carried out and the results are due to be published anytime soon. In the meantime, a course of acupuncture treatments will certainly do you no harm and you may find it helpful to aid relaxation.

Michael Russell

Acupuncture - What's The Point?

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical procedure, in which needles are inserted into the patient along well-defined meridian points. Stone needles have been discovered that date back over four thousand years. Later needles were made of bronze, silver, or gold, while the modern needle is usually made of stainless steel.

There are more than 360 known stimulation points. These points are, according to the theory, direct access to stimulate the meridians, which are thought of as channels where vital energy flows. The insertion of needles, or other stimulation of these points, is said to interrupt, or to stimulate, the energy flow. This will then cause either an analgesic effect to reduce or eliminate pain, or will stimulate stronger energy flow to heal various conditions.

A variation of this is called acupressure, where the practitioner uses physical pressure to stimulate the meridians. This pressure is applied with the hands, fingers and sometimes the elbow or even the knee. This treatment is very popular in Japan and has many enthusiasts in the United States as well, where it is commonly called shiatsu.

The use of acupuncture is very common in Chinese hospitals for the blocking of pain during surgical procedures. Most Chinese doctors will agree that this is very effective for about thirty percent of patients, while western doctors studying this phenomenon put the number closer to ten percent. Today, applying a small electric current into the needle often provides the stimulation, as opposed to twisting and shaking it by hand. It has been shown quite effective for brain surgery and is claimed to be superior to drug induced anesthesia as it does not disrupt the bodies' normal functioning and thus leads to fewer side effects.

Doctors in China have recorded good success using acupuncture to treat heart disease. In one study of six hundred patients suffering with chest pain due to decreased flow of blood to the heart, almost all were able to significantly reduce their need for medication and a large majority was able to return to active work. Other conditions, such as high blood pressure, appendicitis, asthma and ulcers have also been shown to respond well to this treatment.

In 1998, the United States National Health Institute, (NIH), reviewed several studies of the effectiveness of acupuncture and concluded that it is quite helpful in the reduction of nausea caused by chemotherapy, as well as that caused by pregnancy or drug induced analgesia. NIH also found it an effective treatment for post-dental surgery pain.

How this works from a scientific standpoint is not yet clear, but is undergoing continued study. An experiment conducted by both western and eastern scientists, which produced analgesic effects in rabbits, indicates that this is not just due to the power of suggestion as some had postulated. Enkephalins and endorphins are the body's natural painkillers and were discovered in 1978. Many doctors now feel that acupuncture may increase the production of these substances and therefore produce the pain killing effects.

This is an area of study that should continue to be well investigated for the fantastic possible benefits to people.

Michael Russell

The Alternative Therapy of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a method of curing sickness that began in China possibly as long ago as 3000 B.C. It is established on the idea that there is a neural link between the organs of the body and some particular areas on the body's surface. Sensitivity in any of these areas, codified long ago as acupuncture points, indicate the existence of disease. In current practice, stainless steel needles as thin as hairs are inserted at these predetermined points - no way identical with the source of the pain -and turned very quickly by hand or by electrical current. The needles may be left in place for only a few seconds or for as long as five minutes. Because they are inserted only a few millimeters into the skin, the process is not painful.

The customary Chinese explanation for the helpfulness of acupuncture can be summed up as follows: The hundreds of acupuncture points are classified into twelve groups, and the points that are part of one of these twelve groups are connected by an imaginary line on the outside of the body. This line is called a meridian. The twelve most important meridians control most of the body's organs. The body's life forces are said to flow along these meridians, and all diseases are credited to a disturbance in this process. The rotating needles are presumed to release energy that has been obstructed, thus restoring the body's recuperative balance.

Although there is no indisputable scientific evidence to confirm the physiological presence of acupoints or meridians, several important research efforts into the nature and mechanism of pain have pointed out the there is a surprisingly high degree of correlation between acupuncture points and the trigger points for pain. Although the acupuncture points were discovered and labeled centuries ago, and the trigger points as recently as the 1970s, many researchers believe that they represent the same phenomenon, explainable by an fundamental process of the nervous system.

Several decades ago, investigators into what makes acupuncture work as a treatment for pain proposed that the action of the needles stirred the release of endorphins. It has also been suggested that acupuncture activates a particular part of the brain that has a strong inhibitory command over the pathways along which pain signals are transmitted.

While acupuncture has been attaining some success as a treatment for addiction to nicotine and other drugs, there is little doubt about its success in easing pain originating in a variety of conditions. Success rates in cases where other methods have failed, or where patients prefer not to be treated with strong medications, range from fifty to eighty percent. Facial pain (trigeminal neuralgia), low back pain, some types of arthritis, tension headaches, dysmenorrhea, and post herpetic neuralgia (the acute pain that follows a shingles attack) are among the conditions in which varying degrees of success have been reported. Because acupuncture is an invasive procedure, it is extremely essential to look for a well-qualified practitioner, preferably a doctor who uses disposable needles rather than needles that are cleaned and used again.

Michael Russell

Acupuncture Used As A Treatment

Acupuncture can be used to treat certain symptoms and assist in the recovery from certain conditions, or the recurrence of those conditions. It can be used to reduce complications and to alleviate the need for further surgery or pharmaceuticals. Generally, the purpose of Acupuncture is to restore or jump-start the circulation of energy in a person’s body. In Chinese medicine this energy is know as “Qi” (pronounced “chee”). Qi is a concept of Chinese living and relates to “air” or the “life force” and “spiritual energy” of every living being.

According to ancient beliefs, Qi is constantly transferring between the Qi of the body and the Qi of the environment. One of the functions of Qi within the body is to prevent harmful Qi from entering. If the protective Qi is strong, resistance is high and disease is prevented. Before the discovery and use of microscopes - whereby man discovered individual cells - and before autopsies revealed the intricate workings of the human body, doctors and academics could only compare it to the visible world outside of the body. One aspect of civilisation, which was well developed, was the system of water courses, canals, streams, rivers, irrigation systems. They were considered as the givers of life and the human body was accepted as operating in the same way, moving the life-giving fluid in the same way. The fluid was the Qi and the canals and pathways where it flowed were termed the meridians.

There are known to be 500 acupuncture points along the body’s meridians, or pathways of energy flow. These areas are stimulated to enhance their receptiveness either by the insertion of needles, which is the common perception of what acupuncture involves, or via massage, herbs and even suction cups. Acupuncture can be used as a treatment or a cure for dozens and dozens of illnesses, diseases and conditions. Some of these conditions have been effectively controlled or cured by acupuncture and others still need to be proven. Notwithstanding this, the benefits to the patient’s state of mind can only be positive.

Initial consultation for acupuncture would typically involve an interview where the patient’s medical history, current treatments and symptoms can be explored. The next step would involve the taking of the pulse from both arms and an inspection of the patient’s tongue. The appearance of the tongue gives the practitioner a good indication of what is going on inside the patient’s body. A diagnosis and treatment plan follows. The treatment can last anywhere between 5 minutes and 60 minutes.

The treatment may consist of any or all of the following:

Needling - The insertion of needles into acupuncture points.

Moxibustion - The application of the herb mugwort to produce heat at the acupuncture points. Auricular therapy, which is the insertion of needles into acupuncture points on the ear and can often be worn for a couple of days.

Electropuncture - The introductions of an electrical current through the needles.

Laser therapy - The use of laser light at the acupuncture points for those people who are intimidated by the thought of receiving needles.

The treatment can also entail a dietary supplement using foods with therapeutic properties, the use of an herbal formula, exercise therapy or internal therapy such as massaging.

Costs for Acupuncture Therapy can vary depending upon the practitioner, but generally between $10 and $100 would be considered average. Dietary and herbal supplements can be extra. Some Health Insurance companies do have rebates for this type of treatment.

Michael Russell

A Brief Description of Acupuncture

Acupuncture, which can be used to treat a broad range of conditions and is a treatment which encourages the patient's body to cure itself, is one of the oldest medical procedures in the world. It had its origins in China, more than 2500 years ago; some even believe it to be as long as 4000 years ago.

In acupuncture, the nerves in the skin and muscles are stimulated by the penetration of thin, metallic, solid needles at anatomic points also known as acupuncture points or acupoints and this produces a wide variety of effects. It causes the system to increase the release of natural painkillers. These natural painkillers, endorphin and serotonin, are released in the pain pathway of the brain and the spinal cord causing the pain signals which are received to be modified.

In acupuncture the Chinese terms jing luo means meridian or channel and qi (chi) means natural energy or vital energy and xue mean acupuncture points or acupoints. It is believed that qi or energy circulates throughout the body through the jing luo or the channels or meridians of which there are about 12 main ones and about 8 minor ones. The acupuncture points are the locations of the meridians or channels found close to the surface of our body. There may be about 2000 of these acupoints used for various treatments.

There are two common terms in the traditional Chinese medicine system. They are yin and yang. Yin is thought to be the cold, passive or female principle whilst yang is thought to be the hot, active or male principle. They are two opposite forces. A state of harmony is said to be achieved when these two opposing forces are in balance. If there is an imbalance of the two, the flow of vital energy or natural energy is blocked and it is believed that disease and all other ailments come about as a result of this imbalance. This imbalance can occur when a person is depressed, due to grief, anger or fear, stressed or when it is very cold, very hot, humid, windy or dry. Factors such as an improper diet, exhaustion, overwork and too much sex can bring about this imbalance as well.

Acupuncture can restore this imbalance of energy. It is done by piercing these acupoints with the needles which then causes a stimulation causing it to counteract the imbalance.

There are relatively few complications using acupuncture but there are certain risks involved if acupuncture is not used by trained and qualified acupuncture practitioners. Improper use of needles could result in certain organs being pierced, fainting, convulsions, nerve damage and also the onset of infections and also allergic reaction. If the needle is not placed properly, it can cause soreness and pain. If the needles are defective, blunt or if the patient moves, this could also lead to pain. If you have acupuncture when you are pregnant, there is possibility of harming the fetus as stimulation of the production of the hormone adrenocorticotropic and oxytocin which affects labor may take place.

Stimulation of the immune system is said to be brought about by acupuncture. It also has an effect on the release of various hormones that take part in helping the body to react to injury and stress. In cases where the use of Western medicine is said to be very limited, like chronic pain management and drug addiction, acupuncture has shown encouraging results.

Michael Russell

Cupping - An Alternative to Acupuncture

Cupping has been a part of Chinese medicine for thousands of years and is practiced today by many acupuncturists and herbalists. It is often used as an alternative to acupuncture and can be applied to most of the same acupuncture points and meridians although some points may be too small for cupping. It is used in China today primarily to treat respiratory ailments such as asthma and bronchitis but is also used for arthritis, low back pain, depression, gastrointestinal problems and many types of pain in large soft tissue areas. Sometimes cupping is used after acupuncture to further stimulate the flow of blood and qi to the area.

The general idea is to create a partial vacuum inside a cup, which is then placed on the skin. The suction on the surface of the skin from the cup stimulates blood flow in the area, relieves congestion and inflammation in the muscles and opens up pathways to eliminate toxins. In ancient Chinese practice, the cups were made of bamboo, animal horns or pottery. Today the cups are most often made of thick glass so that the acupuncturist can see the skin under the cup. The most common way of creating a vacuum inside the cup is to burn something inside the cup, often a cotton ball soaked in alcohol or a candle. The burning consumes the oxygen inside the cup, which lowers the density of the air inside thereby creating a partial vacuum. The cup is then quickly turned upside down and the open end is placed on the skin. The partial vacuum holds the cup in place but, if necessary, oil can be placed on the skin before hand so that the cup can be moved around. This method is called gliding cupping and can be used to cover a fairly large area of skin. However, more often many cups are used at once to cover a large area such as the back or abdomen. Cups are usually applied to acupuncture points but can also be used on specific areas of pain. In a normal cupping session, the cups are left in place for 10 to 15 minutes.

Burning something inside the cup, referred to as dry or fire cupping is only one way of creating the suction. A more modern technique is to use a vacuum pump or flexible suction cup attached to the glass cup to draw out the air after the cup has been placed on the skin. This method is called air cupping. In some cases, the skin is pricked with a needle before the cup is applied. This is called wet cupping and is believed to help remove toxins from the body. Usually only a few drops of blood are drawn out by the pressure during wet cupping.

Cupping is considered to be fairly safe but should not be used on rashes or on people who bleed easily or have a high fever. There is no sensation of pain from cupping although you will definitely feel the pulling on your skin. Occasionally a minor skin bruise can be seen after cupping but it usually clears up after a few days. As an alternative to using acupuncture needles, cupping avoids the pain and puncturing of the skin and does not demand an experienced practitioner. There is no danger of needle injury or infection.

Michael Russell

Are You Skeptical About Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a well-established health therapy, which has been safely and effectively used for thousands of years. The hype around acupuncture has only been growing over the past several decades and in the past few years it has virtually exploded. Acupuncture has been promoted alongside all of the many other holistic therapies out there. Along with acupressure, chi gong, aromatherapy, herbal medicine and homeopathy, acupuncture is seen as a more natural way of healing ailments. Many people today are familiar with the shortcomings of modern medical treatments, with expensive and dangerous drugs and surgeries often being prescribed for ailments. But in spite of the flaws of modern medicine and the popularity of alternative health movements, some are still skeptical about acupuncture.

There are many reasons for this skepticism and it is easy to understand why some people feel this way. One of the most obvious reasons people are skeptical of acupuncture is the procedure itself: placing needles into various points on the skin. Many people are squeamish, nervous, or even downright terrified about the prospects of having needles inserted into their bodies. From childhood many people have frightening memories of going to the doctors office and being injected with a needle. For these people the fear has probably carried on into adulthood and they now hold the same fear about acupuncture. If this is the case for you, you should reconsider your apprehension.

The needles used in acupuncture are actually surprisingly thin. Unlike the hypodermic needles used by doctors, acupuncture needles are not large, hollow instruments. The insertion of acupuncture needles is reported by most patients to be surprisingly painless. Even those who were at first frightened at the prospect of acupuncture often find the process not uncomfortable in the least.

There are other reasons why some people avoid acupuncture. One example of this would be the fact that some people simply see this type of therapy as frivolous and pointless. Some simply consider acupuncture and other similar holistic therapies to be silly wastes of time. These skeptics regard acupuncture as nothing but nonsense and hocus pocus, on the same level as voodoo or parlor tricks. Such people would be surprised to hear that the efficacy of acupuncture has been established in numerous famous peer-reviewed studies in medical journals. Therefore, skepticism about how effective acupuncture is simply misguided.

A final reason that some avoid acupuncture is financial. There are many people within the country and around the world who work demanding jobs full of hard, physical labor and make little money in spite of this. For these people, the seemingly exotic technique of acupuncture sometimes seems as though it would be expensive. Many such people would be surprised to learn that the cost of acupuncture is not as prohibitive as often presumed. In fact, many common surgical procedures and pharmaceutical medicines are far more expensive than the attention a qualified acupuncture practitioner would be.

As has been shown, most of the many reasons (or excuses) given by people as to why they should not try acupuncture fall flat when closely examined. As such, there is no reason why people should not use acupuncture to treat their illnesses.

Michael Russell

Acupuncture and Autism

Autism is on the increase around the world, with current estimates ranging from one in a thousand to one in five hundred children affected. No one knows exactly why the numbers are going up. The old theory of vaccines causing the problem has been largely discounted, while other theories encompassing viruses, antibiotics, nutrition and environmental pollution wax and wane.

Because autism is a baffling and difficult problem to treat, many parents are turning to alternative therapies to try and help their children. The western orthodox approach to treating children with autism has ranged placing them in care to working on improving their social and communication skills. There is no ‘cure’ as yet for Autism, leading some parents to try alternative therapies for symptomatic relief and possible improvement in the condition of their children. One popular recent approach is acupuncture, even though autism as defined by western medicine is not recognised by Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Anecdotal and preliminary medical evidence suggest that children with autism can benefit from acupuncture. While a cure is not to be expected, acupuncture seems to give symptomatic relief to children.

Though it may be a challenging experience for the child and the parents in the beginning, the results seem to suggest that it is helpful in the long run. Traditional acupuncture requires the patient to lay still for long periods, to endure the close contact of a stranger and the invasive insertion of needles, all of which could prove to be exceptionally difficult for a child, particularly one on the severe end of the autistic spectrum. But Paediatric acupuncture addresses some of these issues. Acupuncture for young children doesn't require them to lay still as with adults. It's just a quick prick (with super thin needles) at pressure points. Acupressure is an alternative for those who would prefer a less invasive treatment.

A study was done in the US to observe the effect of acupuncture on the brains of children with autism. The acupuncture treatment was given once every other day, for four months. After acupuncture treatment; of the 22 cases, 20 had remarkable improvement and 2 had significant in cerebral blood flow. Before the treatment there were significant differences in blood flow between the left and right cerebrum and between the left and right frontal lobes, however, after treatment, no differences were found between them

Preliminary clinical trials have been conducted in Hong Kong to establish the effectiveness of tongue acupuncture – a relatively new treatment method that is thought to be particularly effective for children on the autistic spectrum. Traditional acupuncture has been practiced in China for over 5000 years, but tongue acupuncture has developed only over the last two decades.

Based on the traditional Chinese view that the tongue and heart are connected through meridians that spread to all the organs of the body, it is believed that points on the tongue influence the state of the body’s organs and it is through this that relief of autism’s symptoms occurs.

Most agree that a combined approach to diet and alternative therapies can offer symptomatic relief to suffers of autism, improving mood and communication skills in children. Though it will always be on a scale of improvement, rather than cure.

Michael Russell

Acupuncture and Treating Infertility

It may seem like fertility treatment is a by-product of our modern, technologically advanced world. The very frontiers of high-tech science are pushed by the challenges of fertility treatment: hormones injections and IVF. And as wonderful as the advances are in helping couples to achieve their dream, the success rate is far from perfect, leaving many turning back to much older technology – the ancient Chinese art of Acupuncture.

Acupuncture is gaining acceptance as a complementary therapy to other fertility treatments, where it has proven to be especially beneficial. Studies have shown that acupuncture definitely increases the rate of pregnancy in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).

A well-known German study done in 2002 followed 160 women who underwent IVF, 80 of them received acupuncture as well and 34 of those women got pregnant: a success rate of 42.5%. Of the other 80 women, those who received IVF without any acupuncture treatments, only 21 women (26.3%) became pregnant.

Another study, American, of 114 women showed that 51% of the women who had acupuncture and IVF treatments became pregnant compared to 36% of women who had IVF alone. Further analysis of the data revealed a much lower rate of miscarriage for the women who had acupuncture as well as IVF.

No one can agree on how or why this therapy works. The traditional Chinese practitioner’s explanation involves concepts such as ‘Qi’, imbalance and a restoration of harmony to the body, but according to Western medicine, the explanation is more likely to lie in brain chemistry.

However, a slightly more Western way of looking at the effects points less to the mystical Qi and more towards the solid science of brain chemistry. It has been noted that acupuncture increases production of endorphins, the body's natural "feel good" brain chemical that also plays a role in regulating the menstrual cycle, egg production and possibly ovulation.

It has also been found that acupuncture treatment for infertility increases blood supply and flow to the reproductive organs, leading to speculation about increased egg follicles and elevated hormone levels around the ovaries.

It is also possible that acupuncture could help when the lining of the uterus is too weak to maintain a pregnancy - a problem associated with miscarriage. Increased blood flow may lead to a stronger lining in the uterus better able to sustain an implanted embryo.

Unfortunately, acupuncture will not help everyone. Good candidates have functional rather than structural reasons for infertility. Where there is a structural problem - such as a blocked fallopian tube or a fibroid tumour - acupuncture is not likely to help. And, past a certain age, acupuncture has little chance of being effective.

If you are looking at acupuncture as a first or complementary treatment, make sure you find a respected practitioner, preferably one known to and in contact with your fertility doctor. Be aware that treatments can vary dramatically in length and method, as can the costs. And be sure to check that you are covered for acupuncture by examining your insurance policy carefully.

Michael Russell

The Oriental Approach to Acupuncture

What is acupuncture? It is healing through the insertion of fine needles into certain points in the body. This alleviates certain symptoms like pain and stress. Today, in Western medicine, acupuncture is used to relieve menstrual cramps, post-operative pain, etc. What it does is to stimulate certain specific points that relate to certain specific ailments. This is done when the needles are inserted into these points. The needles are made of metal and are extremely thin and fine so when they do get inserted, you hardly feel a thing, especially when the acupuncturist is good and experienced. All you probably will feel is a slight warm or pleasant sensation. You sometimes need a series of sessions to relieve symptoms and sometimes you get relief almost immediately.

Let's first look at the Oriental or Eastern view of acupuncture. In the East, it is a 2000-year tradition. What they say is that when the energy in the body circulates and functions at its optimum best that is when everything works as it ideally should in the body. When this happens, the body is said to be in harmony or in perfect balance. A balance between the two opposites force in the body - the Yin and the Yang. The Yang is the masculine force and is active, energetic and pertains to the actions and organs that are assertive. The Yin is the feminine force and is cool and relaxed, pertaining to emotions and organs that are passive. Together, they form the energy called Qi which goes around the body maintaining equilibrium. Whether it is mental, physical, spiritual or emotional. When this is blocked or loses its vitality for whatever reason, the body gets into a state of disease. Then the symptoms of illness start making their presence felt.

Why does an acupuncturist agree to treat any kind of illness even if it is psychological? It's because for him, it all boils down to getting the Qi back and working perfectly again. So it doesn't really matter whether it is a physical injury or pain or whether it is depression - he will treat all according to the symptoms with his fine needles and his knowledge of the acupuncture points. So whatever the illness, the diagnosis is based on a lot more than just the physical symptoms.

According to the Western system, there has been ongoing research into acupuncture for a number of years now, at least two decades. Research has thrown up so much success and they have been carefully documented. But though the cures have been seen and experienced, there is still a grey area of how to explain the incredible effect these little needles have. The logical realm of western medicine finds that hard to do, in spite of the empirical evidence. What it does do is try and explain it by saying that it probably affects the nervous system, which when stimulated, produces certain chemicals to heal, relieve pain or strengthen immunity.

This is quite like how the body behaves according to the western viewpoint. Endorphins when released, reduce pain and the system is made immune with the white blood cells. But the process by which a needle can trigger the production of these biochemicals still eludes us. Certain studies have shown that acupuncture actually alters the chemistry in the brain. It is hoped that more studies will throw light on this wonderful healing technique and reveal to us how it works.

Gary Smith Jr

Methods in Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a method of curing illnesses through the insertion of needles in targeted points in the body for improved stimulation. The needles used for acupuncture are very thin. They are only a little thicker than a human hair. The main purpose of acupuncture is actually to normalize the flow of blood and balance the yin and yang in the body but, because it is very effective in curing certain diseases, it is now used as an alternative healing method.

It is actually very difficult to find the cause of certain diseases through acupuncture alone, because you will have to observe how a person responds to treatments and stimuli very closely. Therefore it will take a very talented and experienced acupuncturist to correctly diagnose an illness. You should also note that acupuncture is not only used to cure diseases, it can also be used to relieve back pain, muscle pain, or to just stimulate the flow of your blood so you feel energized. For example, a symptomatic treatment is a very difficult procedure because it requires that the acupuncturist remove the symptoms of an illness. The acupuncturist must know the critical acupuncture points he should stimulate and he must be knowledgeable about how the point relates to other parts of the body.

Many people have the misconception that acupuncture is quite painful; this concept is false, because undergoing acupuncture is actually painless. Most of the acupuncture being performed on television is also misleading because the normal needles used to acupuncture are so thin that it is difficult to see with your eyes alone. The needles as big as injection needles that are used in television are merely for demonstration purposes.

There are various methods in using acupuncture, because curing different forms of illness through this procedure requires different acupuncture techniques. But generally different acupuncture methods share the same concept, which is to cure illnesses through the insertion of needles in acupuncture points in the body. One method of acupuncture involves the use of moxa which is a Japanese herb used for treating certain conditions such as arthritis, bronchitis and diarrhea. This method is particularly effective in removing coldness from the body. Another method of removing the cold is cupping. This method makes use of a glass cup with a burning paper inserted into it to create a vacuum and makes the cup attach to your skin. Cupping increases blood flow in the area being treated, so this is effective in treating fibrositis and bronchitis.

You should also not be surprised if your acupuncturist uses different techniques in treating you in every single session. An acupuncturist's techniques may vary because if one particular area is stimulated too often, that area may become desensitized and the treatment won't be effective anymore. You can also note that an acupuncturist will use different variations in inserting the needle at different stages of the treatment. For example, the acupuncturist may insert the needle in one area for a few seconds then insert the next needle in another area for several minutes. But ultimately, acupuncture will only be effective in that it becomes successful in balancing the flow of energy in your body.

Michael Russell

Acupuncture Without Puncture - Is it Better?

Alternative medicines are becoming increasingly popular by the day, a recent NCCAM survey showed that approximately 38 percent of adults in the United States aged 18 years and over and nearly 12 percent of U.S. children aged 17 years and under use some form of complementary and alternative medicines. However, there are also concerns about effectiveness, and the safety of some treatments.

Acupuncture is an age-old traditional Chinese therapy that's helped millions of people over centuries. And now even animals benefit from acupuncture. But it seems that scientists have begun exploring newer renditions of this traditional complementary medicine - "Acupuncture without needle penetration."

Acupuncture Sans "Puncture"

Recently, studies involving cancer patients suffering from nausea during radiotherapy were conducted to see if the patients were relieved by "acupuncture without insertion" just as they were with "acupuncture with penetration."

All of the four studies conducted at the Department of Medicine and Health Sciences at Linköping University and the Vårdal Institute in Sweden. One of the studies involved 215 patients who were undergoing radiation treatment to undergo one of these two acupuncture types.

While, 109 received traditional acupuncture, with needles penetrating the skin in particular points, the other 106 patients got only a simulated acupuncture with telescopic, blunt placebo needles barely touching the skin.

The results were startling, about 95 percent of the patients in both groups felt that the acupuncture treatment had helped relieve nausea.

Unlike many other forms of alternative medication, acupuncture scores better on proven efficacy in relieving several maladies. However, it's also well-known that when it's not administered properly, it can cause serious adverse effects, including infections and punctured organs.

But with this new study showing acupuncture without penetration being just as effective as it's traditional counterpart, there's hope that some of the risks such as that of infections, can almost be eliminated at source.

Freddic Clay

Acupuncture Chinese Moxibustion - The Chinese Way to Health

Chinese acupuncture moxibustion technique is an ancient Chinese way to good health. It has a long history and has been used by the Chinese for a very long time.

Not many people are aware of this. Generally, many thought that acupuncture involves only the needles. However, there is another part to Chinese acupuncture, and that is the use of fire. The use of needle and fire helps make acupuncture a more potent force against illnesses.

As you may have guessed, acupuncture Chinese moxibustion has to do with curing illnesses with fire. And it pretty much refers to the Jiu in Zhen Jiu (the Chinese name for acupuncture).

Two extremely famous legends about acupuncture are Huang Di invention of Chinese acupuncture and moxibustion and FuXi creation of the illness curing stone needles. Of course, there are also other lesser known legends.

If you were like me, you may find it hard to believe that the acupuncture Chinese moxibustion method was in a way founded by a housewife. As she was cooking, she found her aches not being as painful as before. The heat from the stove had somehow relief her of her pain. Since this Eolithic age, this method has evolved and herbs with medical properties were added to smoke the body back to normal health.

In moxibustion, the common methods used are moxa cone and cupping. The basic idea is the usage of a glass jar to cover a body part and to allow it to suck the body by putting fire in the jar.

The intricacy of heating the jar is really due to the fire heating up the air. This action forces the air out of the jar. This results in a suction vortex much like a vacuum cleaner which has the jar sticking onto the body. Blood circulation improves and the internal organs of the patient also enjoy a nice massage. The moxa cone also has the same impact.

Do note that the placement of the jar for acupuncture Chinese moxibustion is important. It must target the relevant acupuncture points or meridians of the body so that the targeted illness can be cured.

To enhance the effectiveness of moxibustion, ginger, mashed garlic or even certain herbs are used during treatments. Generally, the treatment of the cupping of the jar over the body will last between fifteen to twenty minutes. In addition, it is important that the treatment be made over a certain time period so that the effect can be felt.

The acupuncture Chinese moxibustion methodologies have improved tremendously over the centuries. It is not uncommon to see new equipment usage that include electronic needle moxibustion, acupoint injection, microwave needle moxibustion and acupoint magnetotherapy, and many others.

G. Peters

Infertility Treatment - Acupuncture Can Work Wonders If You Show Faith

Acupuncture is actually a Chinese infertility medicine or some also say it Chinese acupuncture medicine that involves nonstop pains from pricking of needles. However, the perception made on acupuncture for its "not-so-effective" and painful nature is not correct, as it offers absolute relaxation and even cures from unexplained infertility.

Acupuncture seeks its origin from China, and is based on the belief of Chinese people and their methods. The Chinese people immensely believe in energy concept and its relation with body, and assume a balanced flow of energy all through the body to remain healthy. They also believe that any obstacle in the flow of that energy leads to inflammations, and it consequently paves way to ruthless pains and numerous types of diseases in the body.

It's believed that energy stream through the meridian points, thus acupuncture puts in needles in diverse parts of the body for smooth flow of energy. Inserting needles this way unblocks the energy points, and offers comfort from particular type of disease.

The infertility treatment of this nature tends to give different results for individuals and depends from person to person. For not being the natural fertility remedy, people have some misconceptions for infertility acupuncture. It is always suggested to know the right acupuncture fertility treatment and ways of acupuncture pregnancy by visiting an acupuncture clinic.

To solve infertility problem of any nature, like male infertility, female infertility or even unexplained infertility, you should visit the doctor for having the acupuncture method meant to treat you in the best possible way. Acupuncture can give you relief from all your problems like low sperm count, bad quality egg, miscarriage et al. Acupuncture brings fine results for those who have tried lots of infertility drugs with no any effective results. The therapy also goes down well with those not willing to be treated by infertility specialists at high-end cost.

Auricular, electrified or manual treatments are there in acupuncture for infertility treatment. Electrified uses electric needles while the auricular treatment makes use of needles' pricking in the ears and earlobes for female infertility. One of the herbal medicines from China, Hachimijiogan also works wonder as an acupuncture infertility treatment. The herb lessens serum prolactin level and leads to normal ovulatory cycle and pregnancy.

Overall, acupuncture infertility is a secure, simple, trustworthy and unproblematic method with almost no pains that also assures fast relief from infertility. The remedy involves the same inserting of needles in the eyebrows, earlobes, ears, eyelids and tips of the fingers. After the treatment, a relaxation period for 30 to 45 minutes follows, and such 3-4 regular sessions do wonder to your infertility problem.

Smit Mathur

Common Tinnitus Remedy - Acupuncture Tinnitus Treatments

There are plenty of problems that many of us have to deal with on a regular basis which can be corrected to a certain extent with a natural cure. Many times, there is some kind of food that is available to help us with these problems but at other times, it may require some natural procedure in order for you to get beyond it. A perfect example of this is if you are suffering from tinnitus. Although people have tried a wide variety of means in order to overcome this problem, frustrating as it is, one of the only real natural solutions is to use acupuncture.

One of the reasons why it is so difficult to treat tinnitus is because it is very rare that doctors are able to identify exactly what is causing the problem. Many people simply give in to the fact that they are going to have to deal with the problem for the long term. Although there are some pharmaceutical medications which claim to help in many cases, most of us are not really interested in taking a pill which could cause side effects that are actually worse than what they claim to treat. Not only that, there is not a tinnitus medication, it is antidepressants that seem to help squelch the ringing.

Although there are a lot of different explanations as to why acupuncture Tinnitus treatments work, one of the main thoughts is that it has a lot to do with the balance that exists within our body. According to traditional Chinese medicine, all of us have energy within our body that is known as Chi. It is possible to manipulate this energy through the use of acupuncture and to bring our body back into a balance that it may have lost somewhere along the way.

Many people that treat their Tinnitus with acupuncture are very successful at doing so and they even have some side benefits which may not be immediately recognized. Many people experience a sense of well-being that is difficult to describe while they are undergoing acupuncture and that feeling typically lasts well into the day. This can be especially comforting to those people who have had a problem with ringing in their ears for a considerable amount of time. It's a natural type of healing that is worth taking into consideration if you are dealing with this frustrating problem.

If you're a victim of Tinnitus or ear ringing, there are many treatment options available to you - from holistic treatments to medicinal options.

Kristiana Jones

How Safe Are Acupuncture and Other Forms of Chinese Medicine?

Chinese medicine including acupuncture is gaining in popularity as an alternate form of medicine in the Western world for therapy resistant diseases. Chinese treatment methods are ancient and have been practiced for more than 2000 years.

These methods are belief based in contrast to the scientific based traditional medicine of the Western world. The belief that a cosmic energy or Chi flows through the body and disease and pain is caused by this flow being blocked or taken out of balance in one way or another has been held for centuries along with the use of this therapy.

Chinese medicine requires the use of herbs to restore the flow of Chi while acupuncture uses needles to restore this flow and cure illness. The insertion of needles into specific points in the skin and external ear are carefully and skillfully done by an acupuncturist as a way to treat ailments.

These forms of treatment have been challenged as being a farce and possibly not as safe as they claim to be. Scientific studies have been done to prove the efficacy.

Risks Involved with Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Treatment

The risks associated with acupuncture are greatly tied to the handling of the needles. If the needle is not placed with care the needles can cause fainting, infections, bruising and other risks. Care prior to placement is also important; if the needles are not clean, disease can be spread instead of cured. Hepatitis B and AIDS as well as other conditions can result from using needles that aren't sterile. Skin disease and nerve damage can be a result of using a poorly trained acupuncturist. It is important to check the credentials of your acupuncturist; studies have shown this treatment method to be free of these risks when it is performed by a trained physician.

Standards

The FDA has not fully approved the standards of Chinese medicine and acupuncture. The needles used are recommended as single use only. Although many hold a certification of acupuncture very few have the ability to practice it safely; others are out to make money and aren't concerned with the people who are hurt along their road to riches.

Acupuncture has been declared an unproven means of treatment with primitive and false means of healing by the National Council Against Health Fraud. The positive effects from acupuncture are considered to be mostly a placebo effect.

Researchers are finding favorable results with Chinese herbal medicine. Studies have shown that Chinese herbal remedies rarely have adverse reactions and are highly effective. The safety of these herbs is much greater than the pharmaceuticals that are being used by traditional Western medicine. Traditional and Modern Chinese herbal formulas are available commercially in America.

Chinese herbal medications are used to treat disease and disorders including gynecological, psychological, addictive and other disorders, along with pain, respiratory disease and allergies.

Pregnant women, children and other people of all ages and physical conditions can take some Chinese herbal medicines without risks. Prior to taking any remedies you should always discuss it with your medical care team or physician to make certain to avoid any reactions with remedies and medications you are already taking.

Christopher W Smith

Acupressure - Is More Than Just Massaging

Acupressure is one the oldest Chinese traditions used to cure many of our health problems. It involves use of pressure by your hand, elbow and other means. This form of healing has been in existence for more than 5,000 years. A technique recommended by many and has been used world over. It is a simple method if you know how to do it. Acupuncture is another practice wherein needles are used on the pressure points to cure ailments.

How does Acupressure work?

Acupressure is a plain and simple science which has helped many people. Our body has many different pressure points. By applying pressure on these points, it energizes the necessary organs, which leads to healing of the ailing body. The idea behind acupressure is harmony of mind and soul. The relief it provides by the simple touch and pressure can be turn around in their life.

It helps in resurfacing the lost and blocked energy in the curvatures of your body. There is a belief that our body gets charged by the 'Qi' pronounced as 'Chi'. The energy moves along the surfaces of our bodies known as 'meridians'. Applying pressure does all trick sending energy to places where it has been stuck for a very long time.

Two common ways of doing acupressure are the 'Shiatsu' and the 'Jin Sin'. Shiatsu is the common therapy which uses immense pressure, whereas Jin Shin is the gentler form of acupressure that uses soft touch and gentle strokes. Irrespective of the techniques of acupressure, the basic aim is to create a relaxed atmosphere.

Benefits of Acupressure

It is a very easy process and can be learnt without much difficulty. The best way to learn acupressure is to try it on oneself. Some of the common benefits which acupressure provides us are:

1. Relaxes your mind and body
2. Increases blood circulation
3. Relieves from stress related problems like fatigue, insomnia
4. Heals injuries
5. Helps with Menopause and PMS
6. Helps in relieving joint aches and pains
7. Acts as a first aid in case of injury
8. Builts in vigor
9. Reduces labor pain
10. Cures common illnesses like cold, sinusitis, migraine
11. Relaxes the muscular tension
12. Helps in improving muscle strength and tone

Precautions

• Learn acupressure from a thorough professional
• While practicing on yourself, have someone around you
• Avoid open wounds, surgery, broken bone, skin infection and other problems
• Prevent specific pressure points during pregnancy
• Avoid acupressure on full stomach
• Avoid cold drinks especially during winter
• Wear comfortable clothes
• Do acupressure for a limited period of time do not overdo it

Sharon Hopkins

How Acupuncture Can Help With Candida

The practice of acupuncture can be a good idea for many health reasons and many people in Eastern and Western medicine are extolling its virtues. If you're thinking about looking further into acupuncture procedures, you can find a wealth of information and may find it as a great solution to many health problems.

In terms of candida solutions, acupuncture is increasing in popularity as part of a holistic approach to getting rid of unhealthy candida bacterial levels. While we all have levels of candida in our body it can create havoc when levels rise above normal and acupuncture might be the answer.

Many people who suffer from yeast related illnesses are frustrated with their inability to prevent recurrences of the yeast infection and because acupuncture can positively affect your immune system, it can be very worthwhile to do in conjunction with other treatments. It’s possible that an immune system boost could help you get rid of yeast infections much more easily.

Instead of taking prescription medication regularly, you could find holistic approaches that work very effectively because they help train your body to fight back.

You know that your immune system is something that’s vital to your health and wellness. Many things impact its ability to keep you healthy and in turn it can impact many facets of your health as well. In terms of repeated yeast infections and candida problems, the immune system is a direct link. If your immune system is unhealthy, you can have candida problems and if you already have candida problems it can weaken your immune system. It can become an endless circle of illness and troublesome symptoms.

Because acupuncture provides a great boost to your immune system it can help you fight off the bacteria living in your digestive system. Because your digestive system is where your immune system predominantly lives, you can see a direct impact on immunity from acupuncture treatments. There are many case studies showing fewer cases of yeast related health problems after an acupuncturist treatment.

Because yeast can live everywhere within your body and makes its home most often in the body of someone with a poor immune system, it stands to reason that doing whatever you can to increase your immune system is going to be beneficial. Symptoms you have that you believed were unrelated to candida could suddenly disappear.

Your immune system is impacted by what you eat and drink and by your exercise and lifestyle. It’s also impacted by medication you take and many drugs may be beneficial for some reasons but cause yeast bacteria to flourish. Once candida bacterium become overgrown, they can be difficult to rid yourself of and if your immune system is weak, it’s all that much more difficult.

Various measures can be taken to naturally cure your body of candida including areas such as acupuncture along with herbal remedies and a candida diet. By creating an inhospitable environment for candida albicans with a revved up immune system you can effectively eradicate candida bacteria from your body.

Matthew Bredel

Acupuncture For Cellulite?

Are you terrified every time you put on your swimsuit? Do you feel like hiding under a rock at the beach? Or burying yourself in the sand every time somebody passes by? How about when you go to the pool or wearing shorts in public? You just know that everyone is looking at your cellulite infested legs.

The worst thing is you are also embarrassed even around your husband or boyfriend, the people that love and know you best. You’ve got to do something about your cellulite problem. Stop hiding and face it once and for all.

Thousands of women are plagued with this unsightly condition. While we’ve never heard of someone whose life was threatened by cellulite, it does affect one’s image and well-being. Women all over the world are bothered by cellulite as evidenced by millions of dollars that are spent each year on treatments that claim to reduce cellulite

For those who want a less invasive treatment, acupuncture may be a good alternative. Acupuncture is based on certain principles of Oriental medicine. The process involves inserting hair-thin needles into certain points on the body to target problem areas.

The Chinese medical approach to this problem involves strengthening spleen energy with acupuncture and herbs. But the treatment must be tailored individually since each person requires a different balancing of energies.

A combination of dieting and exercise is a good strategy to eliminate cellulite. But fat deposits are locked away and cannot be readily used as fuel. This is why acupuncture is an important solution in fighting cellulite.

The good thing about acupuncture is that it improves metabolic function and detoxifies tissues. It also promotes elimination of fat and cellulite and helps eliminate the "orange peel" appearance of the skin.

There are several solutions on the market for those who want to decrease or prevent the appearance of cellulite. Topical creams like Celluthin work by directly targeting fat and cellulite with every application. Celluthin’s potent active ingredients are quickly absorbed by fat cells and work by reducing the appearance of stubborn fat and cellulite.

Sharon Bell

Acupuncture For Infertility

In the past decade, acupuncture has gained wide acceptance in the United States as a safe and effective treatment for infertility. Major research projects have shown that acupuncture can increase the chances of conception and decrease the chances of miscarriage. Modern studies have shown that acupuncture can increase blood flow to the uterus while decreasing blood flow impedance. Despite these groundbreaking studies, many women remain uneducated and misinformed about how acupuncture can help them. In this article, I hope to explain how acupuncture can benefit women who suffer from infertility and how it can be used in conjunction with traditional treatments such as IVF.

Acupuncturists and Western doctors take a similar approach to treating infertility. They must first ask questions, examine the patient, and from this information deduce why the patient is infertile. Acupuncturists often rely on results from Western diagnostics to help them arrive at the correct treatment. For example, a patient may have been diagnosed with endometriosis and irregular FSH levels by their doctor. Armed with this information, the acupuncturist can aim to reverse the effects of endometriosis and take steps to correct FSH levels. Acupuncture has been proven to be effective for many of the major causes of infertility and has also been proven to be able to regular chemical balances in the human body. Where many western treatments often focus on reducing symptoms, acupuncture aims to fix the root of the problem.

One of the greatest advantages of acupuncture treatment is that it is especially effective when used in conjunction with traditional western treatments for infertility. Many women receive acupuncture treatment in conjunction with IVF and ICSI. A research study showed that women who receive acupuncture in conjunction with IVF doubled their chances of conception from 15.6% to 33.6%. In the same study, it was found that in the women who became pregnant after IVF treatment, those who received acupuncture treatment had a smaller chance of miscarriage.

In my personal experience, acupuncture brings many intangible benefits as well. Infertility is stressful, embarrassing, and frustrating. Many of the patients I have seen have found acupuncture to not only be an effective tool in overcoming infertility, but also to reduce stress. The endorphin inducing abilities of acupuncture help patients relax and ultimately provides better conditions for conception. Below are some testimonials from my patients:

“My husband noticed changes in my body during the first month of acupuncture, and we both felt more able to enjoy making love, and less stressed about "that time of the month” (ovulation). I drank the herbs regularly that Dr. Chen recommended. I saw changes in my basal body temperature at each cycle. In that I would not respond well to medications, based on my past history and medical test results. But I did respond well to the daily injections, produced a number of mature eggs, and got a positive pregnancy test. I feel of course extremely grateful to both Dr. Chen and to the IVF program and doctors at New York Hospital for my pregnancy. In my case the combination seemed to be essential, and opened my mind in a very positive direction about both acupuncture and the possibilities of western medicine.” -J.Y

“In July 1998, I was diagnosed with severe dysplasia of the cervix; to rule out any possibility of cervical cancer I had to go through surgery, a procedure called cone biopsya, where basically, a cone-shaped piece of my cervix was removed.

After that, my chances of getting pregnant were reduced. My cervix was not producing enough of the mucus where my husband’s sperm was supposed to survive prior to conception. At the same time we also learned that John has a very high percentage of ‘immature’ sperm, making things even more complicated. My doctor recommended to start a fertility treatment right away after we saw the results of a post-coital test: five hours after sex, there were no surviving sperms.

We wanted to have a baby very much, but we also wanted to try to conceive ‘naturally’ first. My gynecologist thought that would be a waste of time. Then, I went to visit Dr. Zhao Yang Chen, who I met a year before when she helped me to quit smoking. That was October, three months after surgery. Her diagnosis was that, at that point, I would not be able to get pregnant because my "pelvis was too crowded, there is no room for baby.”

We started a treatment based on acupuncture, massages, pelvic exercises and herb infusions. In the meanwhile, my first Pap-smears after surgery came back normal, with no sign of dysplasia. It was about December when she finally announced that my body was in a ‘perfect condition’ and ready for pregnancy.

In January, three months after starting treatment, we got pregnant (and we should not count December, as my husband was in a two-week business trip during my ovulation). Indeed it has been a stress-and-frustration-free fertility treatment. Dr. Chen helped us to ‘pleasantly’ conceive this baby and we can only be grateful to her.”
-J.G

Eileen Chen

Acupuncture Course - Sign Me Up

Having the ability to treat suffering individuals for chronic illness or simply relieving them from stress with the proper touch of your hands is a gift that few posses. However, acupuncture is one such healing method that with proper training, anyone can learn to relieve others from pain and suffering.

Acupuncture - What Is It
China is the birthplace of acupuncture as well as many of the natural healing methods available today. Acupuncture is believed to have been practiced for more than 2000 years and in the past, was taught predominantly through observation. No wide-spread structured classes were taught because it was believed that only a privileged few were worthy enough to hold the knowledge behind the healing powers of acupuncture.

Acupuncture works through stimulation and/or relaxation of the nerves in order to obtain the desired results. The nerves are stimulated through the use of extremely long fine, yet strong needle, when in the right hands works wonders at stimulating the body to attack any disease and to heal itself.

Modern Acupuncture
Due to the fact that acupuncture has shown that it can heal both chronic and superficial disease, interest has continued to grow not only in being treated by those suffering from illness and pain but in getting trained as an acupuncturist. As a result, many schools have been founded where acupuncture is being both practiced and taught. These acupuncturist schools will train you to become a therapist and so you can start healing people.

In addition to acupuncturist schools many acupuncture clinics have established classes for wannabe therapists. Most medium sized cities will have some type of school or clinic that offers training.

For those who already possess a medical background acupuncture courses / training / degrees are usually two years in length but for those who don't the training is normally longer. Acupuncture courses can be found in the traditional classroom as well as online. However, you still need to ensure you practice at a center recommended by your academy, which has been certified to practice acupuncture.

Why Acupuncture
Obviously the reasons to enter into the field of acupuncture and natural healing are unique for each individual but in essence once you've mastered the art and techniques of this ancient method you'll be able to heal others with the proper touch of your hands without surgery or drugs - you'll be a doctor without the school loans the bureaucracy of hospitals.

Because acupuncture is natural you treat patients without the fear of side effects. An acupuncturist has the ability to combine the best of a modern acupuncture clinic with ancient traditional Chinese medicine.

Brian Winkels

Acupuncture Vs Fibromyalgia

Acupuncture is another alternative treatment, like cupping therapy, which has been effectively used to provide some fibromyalgia patients relief from painful symptoms. However, unlike cupping therapy that has been adapted from traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is traditional Chinese medicine.

What is acupuncture? Acupuncture has existed for more than three thousand years and originated in China. It is an ancient Chinese practice that has been used throughout time for treating painful symptoms that occur from a variety of health ailments. Its purpose is to improve the overall functioning of the body by restoring balance to the body’s natural life force known as “chi”.

Chi flows through 14 meridians (unseen channels within the body), and each meridian is connected to various trigger points (known as acupoints) throughout the body. Thus, everything is interconnected, which means when specific acupoints related to the health problem are stimulated, this helps to bring balance to the body as a whole.

How is it performed? Acupuncture is a treatment that involves inserting short, solid hair-thin needles into specific acupoints on the body. There are numerous acupoints located all over the body. The ones that are focused on during a session are related to the health problem suffered by the patient.

Usually, before an acupuncture session begins, the acupuncture therapist with ask a fibromyalgia sufferer specific question related to the symptoms they experience, and if there are any other treatments they are currently using. The therapist will then check the pulse and the texture and color of the tongue in order to determine which acupoints should be targeted. A therapist may target as many as 15 acupoints in one session.

Once the acupoints are decided, the needles will then be inserted. The insertion of the needles is not and should not be a painful experience. Many people describe it as a slight pinch or a dull ache or tingling feeling in the affected area. Needles are usually left in the body for 20 minutes.

After the session, some people find they are totally relaxed, their limbs feel heavy, or that they are energized. However, bear in mind that everyone responds differently to treatment.

Are there any side effects? Some individuals experience side effects such as fainting, fatigue, headache and nausea, but this is extremely rare and usually only occurs in those suffering from complications, and when treatment is performed by someone who is not qualified. However, it’s a good idea to talk to you doctor about acupuncture treatment before perusing it.

How does acupuncture benefit fibromyalgia? Medical studies have found that acupuncture is quite successful at relieving fibromyalgia symptoms for up to one month after treatment. The symptoms it effectively relieves include:

• Decreases and relieves pain
• Reduces feelings of depression
• Increases energy and reduces fatigue

It is believed that acupuncture needles help to increase blood flow in fibromyalgia sufferers, and the increase in circulation helps decrease the number of sensitive points and improve overall muscle health. It is also believed by Western medicine that the reason acupuncture is so successful at reducing and relieving pain is because it increases the level of endorphins (natural painkillers in the body) and may block pain impulses to the brain.

How can you find an acupuncture therapist? Ask your…

• Health care provider
• Physical therapist
• Neurologist
• Hospital
• Fibromyalgia support group

You can also do an online search using the keywords “acupuncture” or “acupuncture therapy” and your city name.

Make sure you receive acupuncture therapy form a qualified and experienced acupuncture therapist. If a therapist does not have a license find out their educational background and how long they have been practicing acupuncture. It also doesn’t hurt to ask for referrals. Remember, acupuncture can be painful, cause bleeding, organ puncture, and lead to side effects if not performed correctly.

Jane Thompson

Ibs And Acupuncture

Acupuncture is becoming one of the more popular alternative and complimentary therapies used by IBS sufferers to help alleviate symptoms. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine that is designed to restore health by improving and bringing balance to qi - the body’s natural energy flow. Acupuncture works to restore the proper function of organs, muscles, glands, nerves and vessels.

How can acupuncture improve IBS symptoms? Acupuncture is recognized as being an effective therapy for treating the following conditions which are often symptoms of IBS:

• Muscle cramps
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea

In addition, acupuncture effectively reduces stress and other negative issues that often cause IBS symptoms to occur. Some of these include:

• Nervousness
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Menstrual cramps

As was previously mentioned, acupuncture is based on improving and brining balance to qi that flows through all of the 14 unseen channels in the body known as meridians. A person with IBS usually has a deficiency of qi in the spleen, lung, liver, kidney and large intestine meridians, so these are the areas that will likely be targeted during an acupuncture session. That being said, you need to understand that each person is treated differently depending on where their discomfort is located.

In order to help improve the qi flow within the targeted meridians, tiny, solid, disposable needles are individually inserted into specific acupoints within the body. How deep the needles are inserted depends on the thickness of the muscle. Acupoints (trigger points), are precise points of the body where the meridians surface has deeply penetrated into the tissues and organs.

The insertion of the needle is usually painless and is a sensation often described as a mosquito bite. Most people only feel a slight achy or numbing feeling in the targeted area.

After the needle has been inserted, they may be twirled or connected to an electrical current to help stimulate the targeted meridian. Needles may be left in between 20 – 60 minutes. All sensations that are experienced during an acupuncture session disappear with the removal of the needles.

Aside from acupuncture needles, another popular technique that acupuncturists use for IBS is moxibustion. This is a method in which mugwort herb is burned over precise acupoints. Moxibustion is used because it is believed to penetrate deeper into the body than the needles.

Although Chinese medicine believes that acupuncture is successful at relieving symptoms due to reestablishing balance to qi, Western medicine believe that acupuncture treatment causes inflammation in the body, which causes it to release natural pain killing hormones - endorphins. Despite what the actual truth may be, it is clear that for many IBS sufferers, acupuncture has provided them relief from abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, constipation and diarrhea.

Acupuncture is a safe alternative treatment for most people, but you should discuss acupuncture treatment with your doctor first before engaging in the therapy. You should also know that it often takes several acupuncture sessions before a person begins to feel relief from their symptoms. Finally, make sure you seek treatment from a qualified and experienced acupuncturist.

Susan Reynolds