FAQs:
Acupuncture and Acupressure
What
are Acupuncture and Acupressure?
A
Chinese technique of inserting sterilised metal
needles into the subcutaneous layer of the
skin at any of the 800 recognised points in
the body. It has been used for over 5000 years
by the Chinese. According to Chinese belief,
it helps to balance the free energy that flows
through the body in 12 channels or 'meridians'
which connect to the vital organs. Certain
points of the body are linked to certain illnesses
with approximately 800 of these points over
the body. Modern
developments of the technique include electronically
stimulated needles, laser pulses and magnetic
fields.Acupuncture
is one of our most popular complementary health
therapies. This healing form that is over 2000
years old.
What
is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the process of inserting very fine needles in the skin to help
in the healing process. It is also used to "balance" the body internally
which in turn promotes good health. (See the principles of acupuncture below.)
How
Does Acupuncture Work?
It is based on the belief that energy fields surround the human body. Changes
in body function can be evaluated by measuring changes in these energy fields.
It is known that these fields change with the function and it has been demonstrated
that function changes when these fields are directly manipulated. Acupuncture
works by directly effecting the body's energy fields and thereby changing the
function of the related systems
Do
the needles hurt when going in?
Most patients find that the needles are so thin (almost like a strand of hair)
that there is little or no pain.
What are the principles of acupuncture?
It is believed that there is an ethereal substance called "Qi" (pronounced "chee").
Qi is inhaled through the lungs at birth and then circulates through specific
channels called "meridians". (Some consider Qi as a gift from Heaven
and that Qi is the "life force".) When Qi gets deficient, polluted,
out of balance or stagnated, the person feels unwell. Acupuncture helps restore
the balance of Qi by clearing blocked meridians, strengthening deficient organs
and calming hyperactive organs.
How
Does Acupunture fit in with other Chinese Medicine?
Acupuncture is only one of many treatment modalities utilized by Oriental Medicine.
The term Oriental Medicine (OM) includes the various styles that developed
as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) spread from China to other Far Eastern
countries and then into Europe. What makes this medical art so different and
unique is the use of ancient diagnostic techniques that evaluate a patient's
individual condition. Each person is evaluated and diagnosed to determine his/her
imbalance. This means that two patients with the same named Western disease
can have a completely different diagnosis according to Oriental Medicine and
therefore will be treated differently. Understanding the diagnostics is vital
to achieve the best results. Once the patient is properly diagnosed, a treatment
protocol can then be outlined using acupuncture, herbal prescriptions as well
as other various modalities as indicated by that condition.
Is
there any scientific basis for acupuncture?
It is now well understood that acupunture stimulates the brain to secrete morphine-like
substances called endorphins which reduce pain. Acupuncture channels ("meridians")
have also been identified in some studies as distinct channels separate from
lymph and blood vessels.
What
symptoms can acupuncture be used to treat?
Acupuncture has been used to prevent illness, maintain wellness, relieve pain
and as an anesthetic. These include:-Allergies, Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma,
Cancer related symptoms Depression, Fatigue including Chronic fatigue, Fibromyalgia,
Hypertension, PMS (Pre menstrual syndrome), Menopausal symptoms, Ibromyalgia,
Immune deficiency, Panic Attacks, Stroke Rehabilitation and Cessation of
Smoking.
Links
Resolve 20th
January 2003
