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What is acupuncture? Well, simply put, Acupuncture is a branch of traditional Chinese Medicine and an effective method of therapy, which involves the insertion of very fine needles, into various points (acupuncture points) on the body's surface, in order to influence physiological, emotional and psychological functions in the mind and body to prevent or treat illness. Acupuncture has been practiced in china for thousands of years. The first record of Acupuncture is found in the Huang Di Nei Jing or the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine (see history).
Being a branch of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture follows the principles and theory of TCM to prevent or treat illness and maintain natural balance and harmony within the body. Acupuncture aims to restore health by improving the flow of vital energy called qi. Qi flows through the body along 14 main meridians or channels each of which linked to specific organs or organ systems. When these channels become blocked, deficient, excessive, or just unbalanced, it will cause illness. In order to remove blockages, or strengthen and improve the flow of qi in the meridians an acupuncturist will insert very thin, flexible needles into certain specific points along the meridians.
 The needles used in acupuncture are flexible and very thin (about three times the thickness of a human hair). Although there are many types of needles, today there are only six types of needles commonly used by the modern acupuncturist. The needles vary in length, width of shaft, and shape of head. The length of a needle may vary from l cm to l5 cm and the diameter from 0.27 mm to O.46 mm. The lengths of most commonly used needles are 1 inch and 1.5 inch. The needles used today are disposable and packaged sterile. These needles are only used once and then discarded in accordance with medical biohazard regulations and guidelines. The needles are made from stainless steel with a very flexible shaft that makes it very hard to bend or break. Although most of the needles used today are made of stainless steel, the copper, gold and silver needles are still been used. Gold is thought by some to notify and silver to disperse qi. Acupuncture needles are different from the hypodermic needles, which are used for injections etc. As mentioned acupuncture needles have solid and very fine shafts, which deliver no fluid and when used correctly no bleeding or bruising will occur. The needles used for injections have very hollow shafts, which cause the tissue to be torn by the needle on insertion. In other words, the acupuncture needles have a doweled end, not a cutting end like most hypodermic needles, and therefore are far less likely to cause tissue damage or bruising when inserted.
In a normal acupuncture treatment, the acupuncturists will first examine the patient using number of different methods such as checking the pulses on each wrist, examining the tongue etc. The number of treatment needed depends on the result of the diagnosis and the condition of the patient. In general the treatment will take place once or twice week until the expected therapeutic results are achieved. Most people are frightened or afraid of receiving acupuncture treatments due to variety of reasons. When performed by a properly trained and licensed practitioner Acupuncture is quite safe and effective. There are no side effects of acupuncture if the treatment is carries by a professional. Despite what many people may think the insertion of acupuncture needle is not a painful experience. While the needles can feel uncomfortable at times, they very rarely hurt.
 During a typical treatment session, the needles are inserted by placing them in a tube-like holder first to keep them from bending upon insertion on to the body. Then the acupuncturist will tap the top of the holder to insert the thin needle perpendicularly or obliquely at the specific points to the desired depth, usually to a depth of about a quarter of an inch into the skin. The holder is then removed, leaving the actual needle in place. The size of the needles used depends on the area of the body where they are to be inserted. For example, longer, thicker needles are used in areas where there is more "cushioning" such as the buttocks, while small, thin needles are used where the flesh is thinner and closer to the bone. In either case, insertion of the needles is quick and virtually painless. The number of needles inserted depends on the treatment and can vary from one to 15. Once the needle is inserted and the point is correctly located with the required depth reached, the patient should feel what is called a 'needling sensation' or de qi. De qi is the sensation, which the acupuncturist will try to achieve at the site of needle insertion and indicates successful application. This sensation usually experienced by the patient may be a feeling of numbness, heaviness, swelling, pressure, or tingling. Once the needles are inserted at the correct points and de qi is achieved, the acupuncturist may twist or move the needles manually using a rotating or pumping action or send a weak electrical current through them to increase the energy flow. The needles may be left in place for 15 to 40 minutes, before removal. Sometimes other therapies, such as moxabustion, cupping, acupressure/massage and exercises are incorporated with the acupuncture treatment.
Acupuncture is a safe and an effective way of disease treatment, which has become very popular and spread all over the world. Today there are more than 3,000,000 acupuncture practitioners worldwide. The majority of these 3,000,000 practitioners practice in the East; however, during the last half of the 20th century the number of persons studying acupuncture in the West has been steadily growing, with many educational establishments offering variety of courses. |
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