Tuesday, July 14, 2015
What's the Point of Acupuncture?
10:32 AM | 
Posted by
Kaplan Center for Health and Wellness
Written By: Sara Police, PhD
Acupuncture: What, How & Why
Acupuncture: What, How & Why
Since I am visiting an acupuncturist later this afternoon –
for the first time! – I thought it prudent to craft a post about this
long-standing form of alternative medicine.
What
Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM);
it’s based on an ancient philosophy that describes the universe, the human body
and two opposing forces: yin and yang. According
to TCM, energy, called qi (and pronounced “chee”) flows throughout the body
along specific pathways, or meridians. A
constant flow of energy keeps yin and yang forces balanced. If a flow of energy becomes blocked (think of
water becoming backed up in a dam), this can lead to unpleasant symptoms,
illness or dysfunction of a physiological system.
How
Acupuncture therapy involves the stimulation of specific
points on the body with insertion of fine, sterile needles into the skin. (This is the part that makes me slightly
nervous…) The needles are left in place
somewhere between 5 and 30 minutes. This
stimulation releases blocked qi and allows for the body’s natural healing
response to occur. Other techniques that
might be used by an acupuncturist include manual massage, moxibustion or heat
therapy, cupping, and the application of topical herbal medicines or
linaments.
Why
The research supporting acupuncture’s effectiveness is
actually very impressive. According to
the UC San Diego Center for Integrative Medicine, case-controlled studies have
clearly demonstrated acupuncture as an effective treatment for the following:
- Depression
- Facial pan
- Headache
- Hypertension
- Knee pain
- Low back pain
- Morning sickness
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Tennis elbow
- Sciatica
From friends, acquaintances and my healthcare providers – I’ve
only heard reports of positive attributes and effects of acupuncture. Of note, there is a risk of needle site
infection involved. It’s very important to
be selective of your acupuncturist and check for state licensure before choosing
a practice.
What’s your experience with acupuncture?
Reference: US San Diego Center for Integrative Medicine: How Acupuncture Can Relieve Pain and Improve Sleep, Digestion and Emotional Well-being
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
0 comments:
Post a Comment