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The Points of Acupuncture

July 31st, 2008

Fitting Together Holistic Health

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine that is used to help restore health. By focusing on specific points in the body, acupuncturists are able to find the way in which the body’s energy is flowing and find new ways to make sure that everything flows properly. This helps one to remain balanced and holistically healthy.

Most of us know that acupuncture will find specific points in the body and place needles in that area in order to restore or unblock energy in the body. Understanding the different points that an acupuncturist looks for will help one to understand why the different points of the body and how these link together in this form of Chinese medicine.

The first sets of points that are used in acupuncture are transporting points. There are five known transporting points that are focused on throughout the body. These will mostly be found in the legs and arms. Each of these transporting points is named after characteristics of water, and all hold the same characteristics that a water form would. For example, the sea is where the points connect energy with the body to the organs because it is a set of deeper points in the body. Read more…

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Acupuncture and Western Medicine

March 27th, 2008

Nearly all of us have grown up with the same kind of medical treatments, and go to the doctor when we have a sore throat or a sore foot. American doctors, and in general, western medicine, have always been interested in the structure of the body, and how each individual organ structure should look when it is healthy. The tools western medicine have developed have been to see these structures better: the microscope, MRIs, and the x-ray camera. In contrast, Chinese medicine, the basis for acupuncture, has been interested in how natural forces, functioning both externally and internally, have affected people. Chinese medicine developed an understanding about how the circulation of blood and energy (called Qi) affect the state of health, and how seasons, emotions, and weather may disturb these flows. The result of this is that western medicine has developed a remarkable array of solutions based on anatomy, whereas the science behind acupuncture has developed many applications of a few basic principles based on physiology.

This study of health also is reflected in the analysis of body chemistry. Western medicine is again interested in the structure of many different fluids, and can tell you what the normal range for sodium ions is, or what shape red blood cells should and should not be. Chinese medicine and acupuncture focuses on Qi energy, the circulation of Qi, polarities (such as Yin and Yang), climatic conditions, and the connection between physical substances and energy. Chinese medicine considers fluids and tissues important, but mainly for their reactions to the more fundamental processes.

Western medicine also differs in a view of acceptable treatment. This can be seen by looking at how a viral infection is treated, where the main problem is the virus. Once the virus is rendered harmless, the patient is viewed as cured. In some special cases, such as transplant patients or HIV positive patients, there is considerable effort taken to address the immune system as well. The philosophy behind acupuncture considers that the most likely reason that the virus was able to flourish in the patient is due to an imbalance in the patient’s physical or emotional state, their personal habits, and possibly the climate. The virus is addressed, but the entire well being of the patient is much more important.
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How Safe is Acupuncture to Us?

November 4th, 2007

Acupuncture happens to be a very popular and profitable form of medicine, since millions of people will use acupuncture to treat all of their health issues. You will find that you can go from back pain to headaches to sleeping disorders. There is a lot of uncertainly about acupuncture, however, you will find that this articles has a lot of advantages and disadvantages for you to consider.

Most people who are not familiar with acupuncture are often worried about needles being inserted into the body. This is a typical concern that should be serious, however, you should know that if it is done properly, you will be able to have acupuncture performed properly and safely. There are licensed acupuncturists, who must pass state-established training standards to become certified, and many doctors and specialists, such as neurologists or those working in physical medicine, are becoming certified in order to perform acupuncture as a treatment option for patients.

You should know that the United States FDA or Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of needles only by licensed practitioners. This approval should ease some concerns about acupuncture as a safe practice. In fact, there have been very few complaints logged at the FDA about acupuncture. There have been concerns and complaints of non-sterile needles that can end up spreading infection and disease. Thus, if you are seeking acupuncture treatment, ensure that the acupuncture needles have been sterilized. Professional acupuncturists will certainly work with sterile needles to ensure client safety.

Certainly, with acupuncture, there is the risk of a needle being inserted too deeply, which could cause organs to be punctured. This risk if a very small risk and you should begin to think about all of the millions of people who have seen success in acupuncture treatments, and there are very few cases of needles puncturing organs. Furthermore, this sort of situation can most likely be avoided by undergoing treatment with a licensed acupuncture practitioner. In addition, if you feel serious pain when getting the needles injected, you may want to talk to the practitioner because they may be putting them in too deep. In fact, some people do not even feel the needles being inserted into your pressure points. If you do feel pain after or during an acupuncture treatment, you should see a medical doctor right away.

There are two risks that you will want to consider dangerous or unsafe. You will want to think about both of these risks, but also know that they can be avoided if you use a qualified acupuncture practitioner that has been certified and has some experience. With the millions of people who have tried it and had success, you will find that your health issues may become a lot better for everyone with the use of acupuncture. You can also rest assured that the procedure can be completely safe if you take all the right precautions.

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