Ancient Chinese Acupoints History and Current Use

Acupuncture is an age old technique that is seeing an increase use in western medicine.

While some people may be squeamish, or even feel weak-kneed at the mere thought of having acupuncture needles sticking out of their ears, arms or other specific points, rest assured acupuncture needles are super fine and all you will feel is a slight prick.

If you are allergic to anti-inflammatory drugs - over-the-counter (OTC) and prescribed, you may want to consider alternative remedies, including acupuncture to treat pain and inflammation. If acupuncture works for you, you may be surprised and pleased with the results.

Acupuncture an Age Old Technique

Acupuncture originated in ancient China approximately 5000 years ago. According to experts, acupuncture restores balance and harmony by directing a person's Qi (or chi) energy through the use of needles and, in some case, moxa is used. Moxa is an herb used in conjunction with acupuncture to warm the person and introduce energy.

Acupuncturists explain the life energy Qi flows through the body by means of meridians. The needles and moxa are used to stimulate various points along these meridians. These points are referred to as acupoints.

There are twelve known main meridians, which are associated with the twelve organs. Each of the twelve meridians have a point of entry through which the energy flows as well as a point of exit through which it leaves after circulating along the meridian.

A qualified acupuncturist will assess where to place the needles in relation to what is not in sync with your chi and what symptoms you are experiencing.

When the acupuncture needles are inserted into the chosen acupoints, the needles are said to affect the flow of energy along the meridian pathways, stimulating them when there is blockage, dispersing it evenly when a meridian is 'empty'. The results can be felt with a decreased swelling and reduction in pain.

Experts suggest that by influencing the chi energy, it is possible for integration to occur on the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels.

Contemporary Research Introduced Electricity to Acupuncture

By adding electricity to acupuncture procedures researchers where led to the discovery of many new acupoints along the meridians. The acupuncturist will attach an electrode to the acupuncture needle that is already in place on your body. Although this may sound painful it typically does not hurt. In fact, it has been noted to be rather soothing and feels like an electrical beating pulse.

How Many Acupoints are There?

Some experts suggest there are as many as 800 acupoints along the meridians. However, most practitioners use only about 100 to 150 of the classical 360 acupoints specified in the ancient texts.

Acupuncturists suggest acupuncture is effective in relieving a wide variety of pains, disorders and diseases, such as headaches, including migraines, arthritis, bursitis, tennis elbow, insomnia, depression, and anxiety. It is also used as an aid in weight loss and smoking cessation programs.

In the past three decades, Western medicine has been increasing the use of acupuncture for treatment of a wide range of symptoms.

Becoming a certified Acupuncturist requires a long term dedication and a great deal of study. There is an Acupuncture program in Canada: The Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute (AFCI).
The copyright of the article Acupuncture is an Effective Treatment in Chinese Medicine is owned by Cheryl La Rocque.

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