subject: A Brief Overview Of Acupuncture [print this page] Acupuncture is a whole alternative medical system that was first developed in ancient China. It uses needles to manipulate the bodys energy flow in order to improve a patients overall health. It is believed that the within the body is a type of energy called chi or qi regulates most of our biological, and spiritual functions. Since this is a field that has not been proven by science, traditional western medicine does not officially endorse the validity or legitimacy of acupuncture.
The earliest known accounts of acupuncture appeared in ancient Chinese texts dating back to 200 BC. While the exact source of the art is unknown, the art still grew in popularity for the next two thousand years and spread to other countries like Japan, Korea and Vietnam. However, the rise of western medicine and its prescription-based methodology slowly took over acupuncture in Imperial China. It began to be increasingly associated with illiterate and lower class citizens. In 1822 the Imperial academy of Medicine was completely banned from teaching the subject by the Chinese Emperor, himself.
Modern Chinas rediscovery of acupuncture started when the communist party chairman Mao Zedong declared the art as a national treasure. Adherents to this particular ideology spread their knowledge of acupuncture throughout many western countries. They are seen as alternative health-providers with a particular affinity for analgesic services. The Internal Revenue Service even accepts acupuncture bills as legal deductions for medical expenses.
Acupuncture is one of the more complete alternative healing methods that still being actively practiced today. In addition to its body manipulation techniques, it is also frequently combined with Chinese herbs and remedies. A typical acupuncture treatment would have the effects of the procedure supported and enhanced by a prescription of various kinds of teas and mixtures that are said to have curative powers.
People seek the help of alternative healing methods in order to find relief from a number of common ailments. Patients who suffer from diseases and sickness that conventional medicine is ineffective against are the usual customers. Infertility, pain management and injury rehabilitation are other frequent complaints.
One of the other alternative healing methods closely related to acupuncture is acupressure. They follow the same exact philosophy, except that it uses application of pressure using the hands, fingers, and elbows, instead of sticking needles to the patient.
