subject: Acupuncture - A Closer Look [print this page] Pricking with needles to certain points of the body to relieve pain and other symptoms...who wouldnt have known about acupuncture? Acupuncture was developed on the understanding that there are twelve main channels, or "regular meridians" running vertically across and throughout the human body connecting the internal organs. It is a tenet of acupuncture that Qi flows along these meridian lines. Qi is somewhat equivalent to the western idea of vitality or life-force.
The operating philosophy of traditional acupuncture is that disease is caused by interrupted energy flow at specific points on the body's surface. Acupuncture thus involves the insertion of a needles at the affected points in order to stimulate Qi flow and harmonize energy flow in the body. Acupuncture is the procedure of inserting and manipulating filiform needles into various points on the body to relieve pain or for therapeutic purposes.
The intent of acupuncture therapy is to promote health and alleviate pain and suffering. Acupuncture has been effectively used for the treatment of back pain, headache, migraine, and sports injuries. However, acupuncture provides more than pain relief. It is helpful in treating anxiety, insomnia, digestive problems, abdominal, menstrual cramps, weight control, infertility and much, much more.
When performed by a properly trained and licensed practitioner, acupuncture is safe and effective, free from adverse or addictive side effects. Quite often, a sense of relaxation and well-being occurs during and after treatments. While undergoing therapy for one ailment, other problems may resolve concurrently. This is a common side benefit that again demonstrates the value of balancing the quality and quantity of "vital energy" within the entire person.
Does acupuncture hurt? The discomfort that one feels when the needle is tapped in feels like someone yanking on a single hair but not nearly as bad. From what I have been told, the nerves that sense pain are concentrated in the skin. Once the needle penetrates the skin, the pain should stop. If the insertion is quick enough, you may not even know that the needle has been tapped in. once the needle has penetrated the skin, the next step is to get the needle to the proper depth. the depth a needle gets inserted depends on the point being stimulated. Some points only need a millimetre or two, while others need a couple of inches. When the needle has reached the appropriate depth, there is a sensation that is called de qi (duh chee) that translates into the arrival of qi. It is described as anything from local heat, throbbing, distending, numb, tingling, achy, or nervy. In Chinese medicine, the arrival of qi is important to achieve good treatment results.
