All About Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been used for thousands and thousands of years, there are hieroglyphs that show the use of acupuncture which date back to one thousand years BC, and there is a 5,000 year old mummy that was found in the Alp mountain range, that has tattoos all located at acupuncture points. You could say it is a medication that has stood the test of time, as the acupuncture methods we use today are the same as those used in yesteryear.

Acupuncture was started by the Chinese as a treatment approach to promote good health and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Acupuncture was initially carried out with sharp Bian stone; these sharp stones were used as needles in these ancient times.

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture works by small needles being inserted into acupuncture points in the body. Acupuncture points are located along the meridian lines (the channels the bodies natural energy "qi" runs through). Overall there are hundreds of acupuncture points around the body.

Dependant on what medical condition has, needles are placed in the various acupuncture points around the body associated with alleviating these condition. When all the needles have been placed in the body, the patient will have hundreds of needles protruding out of their body.

It is important to note that although it may sound painful having so many needles placed in your body, there is practically no pain involved in acupuncture.

Are there different acupuncture points?

Yes, the acupuncture points vary widely for their use and location in the body. The different areas where the points are located are named differently. You will notice the use of wells, springs, streams, rivers and seas, these comparisons are made on the amount of "qi" that is located in this region of the body.

Lists of acupuncture names

-- Five Transporting
-- Jing Well
-- Ying Spring
-- Shu Stream
-- Jing River
-- He Sea
-- Five Phase Points
-- Xi Cleft
-- Yuan Source
-- Luo Connecting
-- Back Shu
-- Front Mu
-- Hui Meeting

You will notice the use of wells, springs, streams, rivers and seas, these comparisons are made on the amount of "qi" that is located in this region of the body.

Present day research

There is some skepticism associated with acupuncture, as medical science cannot verify the existence of meridian lines within the body either on an anatomical or holistological basis.

Many studies have been carried out to prove or disprove the efficiency of acupuncture alleviating the symptoms of medical conditions, these studies have shown that in some cases, like headaches and other pains, acupuncture does actually have an affect on the patient, while in other conditions there is questionable data, which is inconclusive.

There are many people who believe the use of acupuncture works as a placebo, pleasing the patients need for a treatment so their own mind blocks the feelings of the symptoms they have, thus having the action of feeling like a working medication.

Summary
Generally speaking, there are no ill effects associated with acupuncture, so if you have been thinking about visiting an acupuncture professional, then you can go and do so without worry. Just remember, a resolution to your issue is not guaranteed.