The Awakening of Acupuncture

The Awakening of Acupuncture

Taken from http://www.drjamesodell.com

As a part of CAM, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, we have Chinese medicine. There are many different things in which this type of medicine focuses on, but the key component is Acupuncture. It has been on the Chinese medical world almost for 2,000 years, while for the western civilization it is still gaining complete acceptance. Nevertheless, the fact is that it really works, like an article in Medical News Today states, “According to WHO (World Health Organization) acupuncture is effective for treating 28 conditions, while evidence indicates it may have an effective therapeutic value for many more.” With all these benefits that this practice brings, I wonder why it is not included in more primary health treatments and hospitals.

What does acupuncture consist of? It is a form of treatment that involves the insertion of extremely thin needles through the skin at strategic meridian points in order to make the Qi (CHEE) move and induce healing. The Qi is the term Chinese medicine uses to refer to vital energy or life force that is known to flow through these pathways called meridians. Acupuncture is mainly used for pain relief, but as I mentioned above, it has been known to treat different diseases as well.

Apart of it being extremely beneficial, it is not invasive and it does not have any side effects. There are 350 acupuncture points in the body, by which the energy flows may be accessed. For Chinese medicine, illness is known to be a consequence of imbalance of the Qi, or the energies in the body. Therefore, while inserting these needles in appropriate combinations and in different depths, the flow can be brought back into proper balance.

Taken from http://lindahuangtolentino.com/do-those-acupuncture-needles-hurt/

One could think that acupuncture would be a rather painful treatment, since it involves inserting needles. Nevertheless, when done right by a qualified acupuncture practitioner, there should not be pain. An article in Johns Hopkins Medicine about Acupuncture explains that, “Most people report feeling minimal pain as the needle is inserted. The needle is inserted to a point that produces a sensation of pressure or ache. Needles may be heated during the treatment or mild electric current may be applied to them. Some people report acupuncture makes them feel energized. Others say they feel relaxed.” Thereby, the feeling as the needle is inserted should be of relaxation rather than of pain.

With all the benefits that acupuncture brings, and the fact that it is not invasive and it does not have side effects, it would certainly have to be considered when it comes to everyone’s treatment. It is not only recommended to treat diseases itself, but it is also strongly recommended for alleviating stress and opening one’s mind. A Huffington Post explains that one of the ways acupuncture can change your life is the fact that it takes away stress and provides you tools to feel relaxed. It explains that “By mellowing out the nervous system, acupuncture can help you feel less affected by and better equipped to manage the stressful aspects of life.” Because of this and the other aspects stated above, I believe people should start to pay more attention to these kind of treatments in order to improve their health in every aspect possible.

Taken from http://www.prevention.com/health/healthy-living/health-benefits-acupuncture