Acupuncture has withstood the test of time. It has a long history. Part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture has been used for thousands of years.
A safe and effective modality, acupuncture is practiced by Naturopathic Doctors, and can be used for prevention or to treat existing ailments.
Acupuncture is based on the meridian system. Meridians are channels that run along the body. The 12 major meridians specifically correspond to organ systems, including the kidney, bladder, liver, gallbladder, spleen, stomach, lung, large intestine, heart, small intestine, pericardium and triple warmer. Meridians that flow downward are considered yin in nature, while those moving upward are yang. Yin and yang are opposing yet complimenting forces that need to be kept in balance. Acupuncture can promote this balance.
Along the same vein, acupuncture can also restore the flow of Qi (energy). Qi is believed to flow along the meridians. When a disruption in Qi occurs, an illness or ailment results.
There are approximately 400 acupuncture points found along the meridians. Following assessment, tiny, sterile needles are inserted at selected points to enhance the flow of Qi and help rebalance the individual. Generally, acupuncture is not painful. Rather, the feeling experienced at the needle point is a dull sensation.
Styles Of Acupuncture
Different styles of acupuncture exist. Chinese acupuncture is the most routinely used in North America. Another variation is Japanese style acupuncture. Though similar to its Chinese counterpart, finer needles are placed nearer to the skin’s surface. The Japanese style focuses less on stimulating the de-Qi sensation (dull feeling), a major component of the Chinese style. The Korean style incorporates hand acupuncture: the hand is considered to be a microsystem of the body and hand acupuncture points influence the meridians.
Auricular Acupuncture
Similar to Korean hand acupuncture, auricular acupuncture follows the theory that the meridian system is accessible through the ears. Auricular acupuncture is used often, and is typically an adjunct to ‘body acupuncture’.
Scalp Acupuncture
Acupuncture needles are placed superficially along the scalp according to the condition being treated. Its aim is to address neurological problems.
Electro-acupuncture
Electro-acupuncture involves conducting electrical impulses along acupuncture needles to amplify the effects of the treatment.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is currently used as an adjunct to acupuncture. Indirect moxibustion involves a moxa stick held about an inch above a specific acupuncture point. It helps move Qi and has a warming effect on the body.
Acupressure involves applying pressure directly to acupuncture points without the use of needles. While acupressure may not be as effective as acupuncture, it can be used by anyone as special training is not required, notwithstanding appropriate point selection and accurate point location.
Following acupuncture treatments, individuals may report an increase in their sense of well-being and energy. Generally, several treatments are needed to achieve longer-term results.