An Overview on Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an alternative form of healing within which thin long metal needles are inserted at predetermined points into the patient’s body. This can be to assist in healing, as an anesthetic during surgery, to relieve stress, etc. Just like other oriental forms of therapy, acupuncture also looks at maintaining harmony and stability within the body.
As per this form of treatment for physical/mental conditions, it is believed that when ‘chi’ (life energy) becomes latent or when its flow is interrupted, disease and illness crop up. In order to re-establish the proper distribution of ‘chi’, the fine needles are inserted at predetermined points. With there being in excess of three hundred and fifty ‘acupoints’ in the body, an acupuncturist needs to carefully identify the points where the needles have to be inserted.
Locating these points is based on different factors such as questioning the patient, overall examination, and tongue/pulse diagnosis. With the required information in place, the acupuncturist determines where the needles have to be inserted. The needles’ size depends on where in the body they have to be used in; for instance, longer and thicker needles are used in fleshy regions of the body, and thinner and smaller needles are used in areas where the flesh is close to the bone. The process, either way, is speedy and almost pain free.
There are a range of ailments that can be treated using acupuncture, some of which include arthritic disorders, persistent headaches, digestive problems, allergic reactions, insomnia, labor pains, sinusitis, etc.
This form of treatment can be used without apprehension for almost all common conditions; however, it is important that only a trained acupuncturist should carry out this form of treatment. Also, if the patient is uneasy about needles being inserted into his/her body, it is suggested that he/she is put at ease before the treatment commences.
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- Posted by Joseph
- Tagged Alternative
