Acupuncture
The general theory of acupuncture is based on the premise that bodily functions are regulated by an energy called qi which flows through the body; disruptions of this flow are believed to be responsible for disease.
Acupuncture describes a family of procedures aiming to correct imbalances in the flow of qi by stimulation of anatomical locations on or under the skin (usually called acupuncture points or acupoints), by a variety of techniques.
The most common mechanism of stimulation of acupuncture points employs penetration of the skin by thin metal needles, which are manipulated manually or by electrical stimulation.
Acupuncture points are mainly (but not always) found at specified locations along the meridians.
There also is a number of acupuncture points with specified locations outside of the meridians; these are called "extraordinary" points and often credited with special therapeutic properties. A third category of acupuncture points called "A-shi" points have no fixed location but represent tender or reflexive points appearing in the course of pain syndromes.
The acupuncturist decides which points to treat by observing and questioning the patient in order to make a diagnosis according to the tradition which he or she utilizes. In TCM (traditional chinese medicine), there are four diagnostic methods: inspection, auscultation and olfaction, enquiry, and checking for irregular palpations.
- Inspection focuses on the face and particularly on the tongue, including analysis of the tongue size, shape, tension, color and coating, and the absence or presence of teeth marks around the edge.
- Auscultation and olfaction refer, respectively, to listening for particular sounds (such as wheezing) and attending to body odor.
- Inquiry focuses on the "seven inquiries", which are: chills and fever; perspiration; appetite, thirst and taste; defecation and urination; pain; sleep; and menses and Leukorrhea.
- Palpation includes feeling the body for tender 'A-shi points', and palpation of the left and right radial pulses .
In a modern acupuncture session, an initial consultation is followed by taking the pulse on both arms, and an inspection of the tongue. Classically, in clinical practice, acupuncture is highly individualized and based on philosophy and intuition, and not on controlled scientific research
Acupuncture needles are typically made of stainless steel wire. They are usually disposable, but reusable needles are sometimes
used as well, though they must be sterilized between uses. Acupuncture involves the use of very fine needles inserted into the skin
at certain points on the body which are believed to be situated on energy channels called meridians.
Each meridian is said to relate to a specific organ of the body.
The insertion of the needles is said to unblock the channels thus allowing energy to move freely.
This is believed to help restore balance to the body.
There are several types of acupuncture needles. In ancient China, 9 different types of acupuncture needle were used.
Today, the most commonly used needle is the metal filiform (thread-like) needle that is made from stainless steel.
Very occasionally, silver or gold needles are used.
Acupuncture needles come in different gauges (diameter) and lengths to be used on the different areas of the body where
they are to be inserted. The needles used nowadays are mostly very fine — they vary from 0.12 mm to 0.35 mm in diameter.
Chinese acupuncture techniques tend to use thicker needles than Japanese techniques.
Different thicknesses result in different sounds. The metal is therefore vibrating at the same level as the associated
“meridian” line.
no scientific evidence exists to definitively support acupuncture as a treatment but it exists as an alternative therapy with individuals confirming the benefits in reducing pain and enhancing a patients own healing ability through the 'placebo effect'.
Acupuncture has been studied for a wide range of pain conditions, such as postoperative dental pain, carpal tunnel syndrome,
fibromyalgia, headache, low-back pain, menstrual cramps, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, and tennis elbow.
Although some medical research studies have produced some positive results, more evidence is needed to determine the efficacy of acupuncture for any of these conditions.
There is evidence that people's attitudes about acupuncture can affect outcomes hence the 'placebo effect'.
There are fewer adverse effects associated with acupuncture than with many standard drug treatments which help to explain some of its popularity in western culture.
There are a number of similar systems to acupuncture but the form described above is the most recognized.