Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine that has been practiced for thousands of years. Commonly used to treat bodily pains, acupuncture actually has a wide range of uses that range from addictions to injuries, to disease prevention.
It is a procedure that treats illness through the insertion of needles at specific points in the body. This process is said to alter the body's energy flow into healthier patterns and used to treat a variety of illnesses and health conditions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), acupuncture is an effective treatment for chronic medical problems such as chronic pain, headaches and those associated with problems like back injuries and arthritis. But it is limited in treating conditions like broken bones or that requires surgery.
While acupuncture needles are very fine and about the diameter of human hair. When properly inserted by a skilled practitioner, you won't feel pain. However, you may experience a sense of electricity in the area of insertion. This kind of treatment for most patients finds it relaxing and more often they fall asleep during treatment.
The Basic Philosophy of Chinese Medicine
Alternative Chinese medicine like acupuncture views the body as tiny part of the universe, and subject to universal laws of harmony and balance. The Chinese believe that emotions and mental states play a role in causing diseases. Illnesses are also affected by other factors like the environment, lifestyle, and relationships. Acupuncture is based on the Taoist philosophy of yin and yang and the chi. The chi, or cosmic energy, is an invisible force found in the air, water, food and sunlight. In the body, it is a vital force that creates and animates life.
What to When Visiting an Acupuncturist
Like a Western medical practitioner, the first thing an acupuncturist will do is to get the patient's medical history and symptoms. This will be followed by a physical examination. He or she will be looking closely at the patient's tongue, pulse, complexion, general behavior, and other signs like coughs or pains. From this, the acupuncturist will be able to determine patterns of symptoms indicating which organs are imbalanced. Acupuncture needles are always sterilized and it is a safe procedure.
In most cases, acupuncture does work ad relieves pain by helping stimulate the release endorphins into the bloodstream.
Whether you are new to finding out about acupuncture or you are a professional in the field, chances are that you've always loved to learn about new therapies and training techniques. In the American society, acupuncture is one therapy that has recently been introduced and has been made more popular by a whole lot of people. On the other hand, the Chinese civilizations have long known about acupuncture and its effectiveness on the body. This is just the tip of the iceberg, though, and there is plenty more to learn about the age-old therapy of acupuncture.
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