Chinese Acupuncture Overview

Chinese Acupuncture is one of the important constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicine, sharpened stones known as Bian shi have been found in China, suggesting the practice may date to the Neolithic or possibly even earlier in the Stone Age. Acupuncture is gaining popularity in Europe, USA and other parts of the world. People are curious about what has been practiced for thousands of years in China and surroundings. It is believed that this treatment can help with a wide variety of Chronic Medical Conditions.

Acupuncture Theory

Traditional Chinese Medicine give explanation of this as a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force called Qi (CHEE). It is believed that energy or Qi (CHEE) flow through corridors or meridians or Acupuncture Points in your body. Energy flow is re-balanced by inserting needles into explicit points along these meridians. Acupuncturists consider that disease transpires when something blocks or unbalances your Qi (CHEE). Acupuncture is a method to unblock or influence Qi (CHEE) and help it flow back into balance.

Acupuncture Point Location

Traditional Chinese medicine hold that there are as many as 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body, which are connected by 20 pathways (12 main, 8 secondary) called meridians. These meridians conduct energy, or qi (pronounced “chi”), between the surface of the body and its internal organs. Each point has a different effect on the qi that passes through it.

• Stomach Meridian
• Large Intestine Meridian
• Lung Meridian
• Spleen Meridian
• Heart Meridian
• Small Intestine Meridian
• Urinary Bladder Meridian
• Kidney Meridian
• Pericardium Meridian
• San Jiao Meridian
• Gall Bladder Meridian
• Liver Meridian

 Acupuncture Treatment  

This treatment is carried out by inserting very thin needles into your skin at certain points or meridians in your body. This is carried out to influence the energy flow. The patient will be asked to lie down, either face-up, face-down or on his/her side, depending on where the needless are inserted. As each needle is inserted, the patient should feel them, but initially without pain. However, when the needle reaches the right depth there should be a deep aching sensation. Once inserted, the needles will remain there for about twenty minutes. At times heat, pressure, or mild electrical current is used along with needles.

Acupuncture Treatment Sessions

Acupuncture generally involves several weekly or fortnightly treatments. Most courses consist of up to 12 sessions. A visit to an acupuncturist will involve an exam and an assessment of the patient’s condition, the insertion of needles, and advice on self-care. Most sessions last about 30 minutes.

Treatment

There has been significant argument surrounding value of Acupuncture as a therapy. Research is underway regarding efficacy of treatment, however some evidence has been found of relive to patients of Lower Back Pain, Migraine, Asthma and other chronic pain conditions.

Acupuncture Benefits 

• It is safe when performed in the appropriate manner
• There are a small number of side effects reported
• It is a effective as a combination treatment with other treatments
• It is especially effective in controlling some types of pains like Lower Back Pain
• It may be considered for patients who do not respond to pain medications
• It is a valuable alternative for patients who do not want to take pain medications

Acupuncture Side Effects

Relatively few complications have been reported from the use of acupuncture. Complications have resulted from inadequate sterilization of needles and from improper delivery of treatments. Acupuncture can cause potentially serious side effects if not delivered properly by a qualified practitioner.

• There may be bleeding, bruising and soreness at the insertion sites
• The needle may break and damage an internal organ (rare)
• Unsterilized needles may infect the patient
• When inserted deeply into the chest or upper back there is a risk of collapsed lung (rare)

Precautions Recommended for Acupuncture Treatment

Recommended precautions are as follows:-

• Licensed practitioners shall carry out Acupuncture Treatment.  Check a practitioner’s credentials before undergoing treatment.
• Acupuncture Treatment Needles shall be manufactured and labeled according to certain standards
• Acupuncture Treatment Needles Shall be sterile, nontoxic, and labeled
• Acupuncture Treatment Needles shall be used single treatment and new set of disposable Sealed Package Needles shall be used for every patient.

  

• Qualified practitioners shall only be allowed to use and insert Acupuncture Treatment Needles. When not delivered properly, Acupuncture can cause serious adverse effects, including infections and punctured organs.
• Ensure Acupuncture Treatment is carried out under safe and hygienic conditions.
• Do not rely on a diagnosis of disease by an Acupuncture Practitioner who does not have substantial conventional medical training.
• It is dangerous if the patient suffering from a bleeding disorder
• It the dangerous if the patient is taking blood thinners

Acupuncture Treatment for Weight Loss

Chinese Treatments for obesity and overweight include Acupuncture, catgut embedment, massage and herbal medicines. Acupuncture Weight Loss Treatments employ the same strategy as those that fight illnesses. By helping, the bodies achieve a balanced state that enables all organs to operate in a harmonized way to allow the body to naturally maintain health and beauty. The therapy reduces the intensity and frequency of hunger fits. The concept of treating weight issues is to stimulate those points responsible for metabolism and the endocrine system. An improved metabolism burns fat, while many diets instead rid the body of water.

Cost of Acupuncture Treatment

Acupuncture Patients pay for private treatment. The cost of acupuncture varies widely between practitioners.

• Initial sessions generally cost between $40 and $80
• Subsequent sessions generally cost between $30 and $60.