What is Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient traditional practice that uses tiny needles inserted into the skin to aid in homeostasis of a person’s energy (qi). The needles are inserted at specific locations along meridians that flow within the patient’s body. This triggers the body’s natural healing capabilities, which helps restore balance to both the mind and the body.

The Philosophy Behind Acupuncture

Traditional acupuncture utilizes an energy flow, known as qi (pronounced “chee”), that travels through pathways called meridians throughout the entire body. Acupuncturists believe that problems or blockages with the flow of energy along these meridians is responsible for many ailments of the modern lifestyle such as toxin buildup, stress, trauma, hormones and even the foods we eat can all contribute to blocking qi.

While some practitioners still follow the traditional philosophy of qi, others have started to incorporate a more integrative approach, supported by allopathic research and western medicine concepts. For example, many acupuncturists today, view the acupuncture points as places that stimulate nerves, harmonize hormonal imbalance, and invigorate the body’s natural pain fighting. All of which support the body’s own healing processes.

Common Ailments Treated with Acupuncture

Acupuncture treatments focus is to reduce pain and improve the overall health. It may be used to reduce pain after medical and dental treatments, such as surgery. Patients with any chronic pain syndromes, such as headaches and migraines can greatly benefit from acupuncture treatment. It is also commonly used for stress relief and overall wellness. Also, patients with neurological conditions report relief after acupuncture treatments.

Furthermore, acupuncture can help support better immune, circulatory and nervous system function. This, in turn, promotes an improved overall wellness and helps the body heal itself naturally when illness or injury occurs.

The History of Acupuncture

It is held to believe that acupuncture originated in China. The first being documented few hundred years leading up to the Common Era (CE). In its earliest days, sharpened stones and bones dating back to about 6,000 BCE have been interpreted as instruments for acupuncture treatment, these instruments may have also been used for surgery, to draw blood or to lance abscesses.

In 198 BCE, documents were discovered in the Ma-Wang-Dui tomb in China, with no reference to acupuncture treatment, but does refer to system of meridians, which represents the main organs and functions of the body. The early practitioners theorized that energy flows, called Qi and pronounced “chee” within the body to create balance and health. When the energy flow is out of balance, the body struggles with illness.

The earliest acupuncture procedures were first documented in The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, a book that dates back from around 200 BCE. The book contains information in the form of questions by the Emperor and learned replies from his minister, Chhi-Po.

As the acupuncture developed over the next few centuries, the details of precise acupuncture points were developed, the procedure gradually became one of the standard therapies used in China accompanied by herbs, massage, diet, therapy and moxibustion.

Many books have been written about Chinese Medicine and particular aspects therein. The most comprehensive text was written during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). The Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion was published which is the foundation to the modern acupuncture being practiced today. In this book, it provides comprehensive descriptions of all 365 points openings to the channel through which the needles can be inserted to alter the flow of Qi energy.

Despite the breakthrough, the interest in acupuncture practice declined in China for various reasons. As the Western medicine became increased in popularity, in 1929 the acupuncture practice was outlawed in China.

However, the practice of Chinese Medicine has spread to other countries in various times and routes. In the sixth century, Korea and Japan incorporated into their medical systems. Both countries still retain its unique practices in parallel to the Western medicine. Then, in the first half of the nineteenth century, the practice gained interest in both American and Europe and the practice was published in the scientific literature.

In 1949 under Communist China, the acupuncture practice experienced a revival, and the knowledge began to spread again. A committee was formed under the CCP to call this new mix of Western and Eastern medicine as Traditional Chinese Medicine. Then in 1971, a member of the US press corps was given an acupuncture treatment during recovery from an appendectomy in China, and he described his experience to the New York Times. Acupuncture finally reached its level of acceptability in America. Then an NIH consensus conference reported that there was positive evidence for its effectiveness, at least in a limited range of conditions. And today, people across the country are being benefited by acupuncture treatment.