What is acupuncture?
When most people think of acupuncture they think of needles. Acupuncture is more than a technique, it is an ancient system of healthcare used to treat pain, illness and dysfunction within the body. It is the art, philosophy and science (as of October 1997 when the National Institute’s of Health gave it scientific status) of treating health conditions as the Chinese have 5,000 - 7,000 years. Acupuncture is not the exclusive domain of the Chinese though.
One of the most important ancient Egyptian treatises on health, the papyrus Ebers of 1550 B.C. Some Eskimos use sharp stones in the utilization of some simplified acupuncture techniques. The Bantu of South Africa scratched certain areas of the body to cure diseases. Some Arabs cauterize a part of the ear for the treatment of sciatica.
How does acupuncture work?
According to the principles of acupuncture, pain, illness and dysfunction occur when there is an imbalance or blockage of Chi (Qi) at some point along a meridian. There are twelve meridians that are on each side of the body, meridians are named for the organ for which they influence or course through. These imbalances or blockages prevent Chi from flowing through the meridians which can cause pain or dysfunction along the meridian.
Acupuncture harmonizes or balances this vital energy. Disturbances in Chi occur from improper thought, the way we breathe, the foods we eat, and injury. To obtain long-term and permanent healing these factors must be addressed during the course of treatment. Acupuncture can promote healing in a number of afflictions of the individual.
Acupuncture can remove blockages and restore harmony by inserting hair-thin presterilized disposable needles. However, electrical stimulation using pads or small probes, magnets, lasers, magnets and pressure have all been successfully used in acupuncture treatment. Research has shown that acupuncture may prompt the release of the neurotransmitters: endorphins, norepinephrine or serotonin during the treatment which may explain some of the effects obtained.
