Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese health procedure dating back 5,000 years. It traditionally had a preventative focus. The highest form of acupuncture treatment was given to enable the patient to live a long, healthy life. These days in the Western world the emphasis seems to be more towards relieving pain.
Acupuncture literally means 'needle piercing', which describes the practice of inserting very fine needles into the skin in order to stimulate specific points. The stimulation of these 'acupoints' balances the movement of energy (Chi) within the body. Chi flows around the body in invisible channels known as meridians which form a network of energy channels around the body. Each meridian is related to a body organ or function (eg. lung, kidney, stomach). There are 365 acupoints situated along the 12 main meridians.
When Chi flows freely through the meridians, a healthy and balanced body results. However when the energy flow is blocked or weakened it can result in physical, emotional or mental ill health. External factors like heat, cold, dampness or dryness as well as emotions like anger, grief and fear or incorrect diet, overwork or too much sex, can all upset the balance of Chi.
The acupuncturist stimulates the acupuncture points that will counteract that imbalance. For example, if the Chi is stagnant, or the flow is blocked, the acupuncturist will choose specific points to stimulate it. So acupuncture can be used to re-balance the body's energy system thereby restoring health or preventing the development of disease. It is important to realise that the acupuncture points stimulated are not necessarily in the same location as the symptoms. The acupuncturist will determine the organ causing the problem and then stimulate the appropriate acupuncture point located anywhere along the corresponding meridian. So a needle could be inserted in the foot of a patient with a headache, if this is best acupoint to use in that situation.
Korean hand acupuncture is a variation on typical Chinese acupuncture. Although the needles are only placed in the hands and fingers, the entire body can be treated since all the meridians can be accessed from here.
Auricular therapy is a specific branch of acupuncture which focuses on the ear. Once again there are specific points on the ear associated with different parts of the body. Either very small needles, tiny magnetically charged ball bearings or electrical and light stimulation therapies can be used. In some cases patients are able to self administer by pressing on the point when they feel the need. It is an effective form of pain control with an immediate calming effect. Auricular therapy has been found to be particularly beneficial in drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs.
Shiatsu (or acupressure) is related to acupuncture but instead of using needles, pressure is applied by fingers, palms, elbows etc during a massage by the Shiatsu practitioner. Basically the same acupoints and meridians are stimulated by this method but it also incorporates the benefits of massage.
Whether for pain relief, treatment of illness or just to get your Chi flowing evenly and promote a long, healthy life you can't go past acupuncture.
No comments:
Post a Comment