Acupuncture

Acupuncture

Many people in the US and elsewhere suffer from musculoskeletal conditions, digestive disorders, and stress-related problems (such as headaches, anxiety, and insomnia), and more often than not, the majority of these people immediately seek someone trained in traditional Western medicine for help. However, what most of these people are unaware of is that there is another option: acupuncture. Beyond being recognized by the World Health Organization for being able to cure over forty medical problems (Facklam 37), acupuncture has drastically fewer incidences of adverse side effects than traditional Western medical treatments (Acupuncture Is a Useful Treatment). There is a sumptuous amount of data to support acupuncture as a legitimate form of medical treatment (Acupuncture Is a Useful Treatment). Yet many remain skeptical, and most are unaware as to what this procedure involves and how it works.

Acupuncture originated in China over 3,000 years ago (Facklam 30). It was formed on the traditional Chinese medicine concepts of Qi (the energy of life), Yin and Yang, and the Meridian System. Qi is a vital life force that flows throughout the body (Facklam 30). There are two types of Qi, yin and yang. Yin and yang exist as two polar opposites, the balance of both being essential to a person's well-being. Yin is characterized as female, calmer and more passive than yang, while yang is male, active and progressive. These energies are carried throughout the body along pathways called meridians. These meridians are invisible lines that transport qi evenly to different parts of the body (Kowalski 49-51). An obstruction in a meridian can cause an imbalance of qi (too much yin not enough yang, vice versa), which then in turn leads to illness. Fortunately, qi is a moveable force and can be manipulated several different ways including meditation, massage, and of course acupuncture. Acupuncture is used to alter the flow of qi by inserting fine needles into the areas along the meridians where the obstruction of qi occurs, therefore unblocking the meridian and allowing the qi to flow where it is needed (Facklam 30). And although these concepts seem unorthodox and perhaps unbelievable, there has been sufficient evidence that acupuncture improves the body's immune system as well as having other effects on the body (Acupuncture Gale).

Traditional acupuncture diagnosis consists of a few types of observations that many westerners find unorthodox. Besides taking into consideration seemingly irrelevant facts about a patient's personal life, the physical observations are just as unusual. A very important concept in Chinese medicine is the tongue. Different areas of the tongue correlate to different organs, and based on the physical characteristics of each area, it is determined the health of each correlating organ. Some aspects of the diagnosis, like the taking of the pulse will seem very commonplace to westerners, however the way a doctor understands pulse and the way an acupuncturist does is very different. Acupuncturists will check 6 different pulses on the wrist to determine health. As with the areas of the tongue, each pulse correlates to a different part of the body. The pulse can be described with any number of 20 characteristics, and according to Chinese medicine beliefs, an irregularity in the pulse ever so slight is a warning of an illness that will come later in life (Facklam 32-33).

Though the beliefs behind acupuncture are quite complex, the undergoing of the process is quite simple. Along the meridian lines where the Qi is blocked, fine hair-thin needles will be inserted below the skin, sometimes up to 20 at a time. The needles vary in length, shorter ones being used for less fleshy areas and long ones are inserted into areas with an abundance of flesh and muscle. At the thought of this, one may be under the impression that this is a fairly painful process to take part in, and although some very mild initial pain may be incurred, most patients feel nothing but relaxation and warmth. Once the needles have been inserted, they are left in for 15-30 minutes, and are stimulated regularly, either by rotating the needles, application of heat, or application of a small electrical current (Acupuncture Gale).

During acupuncture, patients suffering from acute pains and even some chronic pain feel immediate and drastic pain relief (Acupuncture Gale). Even those who are not often feel a deep sense of relaxation. Some patients even become relaxed