Acupuncture
Like all forms of
Chinese healing traditions, acupuncture (or acupuncture)
revolves around the concept of maintaining balance and harmony
within the body.
It is thought
that when chi (life energy) becomes stagnant and the flow is
disrupted, illness and disease result. In order to restore chi
distribution, needles are inserted into acupuncture points along
the meridians (energetic pathways) of the body. Due to the large
number of potential acupuncture points, (there are in excess of
350 acupoints on the meridians of the body) an acupuncturist
carefully selects the points to be used on the basis of:
- pulse/tongue
diagnosis
- observation
- examination
- questioning
From the
information garnered, the acupuncture points are determined and
needles are inserted. The size of the needles is dependent on
the area of the body where they are to be used. For example,
longer, thicker needles are used in areas where there is more
"cushioning" such as the buttocks, while small, thin needles are
used where the flesh is thinner and closer to the bone. In
either case, insertion of the needles is quick and virtually
painless.
In some instances
the needles are simply left in place, but more commonly, while
inserted, the needles are gently moved using a rotating or
pumping action. This frees the blockage and restores chi flow in
the meridians, ultimately returning balance and healthy
functioning to body systems and organs.
What can
acupuncture treat?
Some of the
conditions that accupuncture can help are:
- allergies
- arthritis and
rheumatism
- digestive
problems
- headaches and
migraine
- insomnia
- morning
sickness and labour pains
- sinusitis
Cautions and
Contraindications:
For most common
ailments, acupuncture can be used safely, but should only be
administered by a qualified practitioner who follows correct
hygiene and sterilization procedures or uses disposable needles.
As with any
treatment, the patient must be comfortable, mentally and
physically with the course they have chosen. Therefore, if you
are apprehensive about having needles inserted, you are probably
best to avoid acupuncture therapy.
Note: I
tried this method of treatment when I was feeling so ill from
the effects of toxic mold, and although it helped with some of
the symptoms, it appeared to be only a stop-gap measure for
treating the symptoms temporarily, but definitely worth
mentioning.
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