May 2005 Ageless herbal newsletter
The alternative health system that we are spotlighting is acupuncture and although it has been around for some time in the West, some people are still a bit scared to consult these needle-yielding practitioners.
This system was developed over 2000 years ago by the Chinese and has its roots in a principle of Taoist philosophy, where the theory is also on the fact that good health depends on a balance of opposing forces Yin and Yang.
Acupuncture was first introduced to the West in the 18th century, when missionaries returned from China, and was further boosted with the influx of Chinese workers to America in the 19th century.
The basis on which acupuncture is founded is the belief that all the body organs are interconnected by
channels, which are called medians, through which
energy flows, and in so doing keep everything in balance and healthy.
When this flow of energy or qi (pronounced chee) is blocked, problems and disease can occur, and the work of the acupuncturist is to
remove any blockages in the flow of
energy, which is done by inserting extremely thin needles into certain points, called
acupoints, to achieve this. This will then restore the balance of Ying and Yang and also stimulate the circulation of the qi.
The needles are inserted and can then be twirled to stimulate the action, or a weak electrical current can also be added to the inserted needles for stimulation.
Moxa, which is a herb (mugwort), can also be placed on the needles and burned, to cause heat stimulation, or moxa can be used on its own on the acupoints. When using
moxa on its own, the practitioner will make small cones from the herb and set it alight to burn, to transfer heat onto the acupoints, but will remove it before it can burn the skin.
Used in treatments
Acupuncturists normally have great success with alleviating pain, and acupuncture is also used in the treatment of addictions. Many people have
stopped smoking, or broken their obsessive eating habits, with the
help of acupuncture.
It can furthermore be used in dentistry, as well as surgery, where it is used as an anesthetic while performing dental procedures as well as during childbirth. Another application in which it is often used is to help increase the mobility of people affected by arthritis both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Another field, in which acupuncturists have had good results in, is in fighting allergies, as well as treating severe headaches and migraines.
Some Western medical practitioners still view acupuncture with great skepticism, as the mechanism by which it works is not fully understood and validating the results is sometimes problematic. Certain theories are however bandied about regarding the way in which acupuncture works from
releasing natural endorphins to the reactive results in the different meridians.
Some modern European countries however accept it as valid medical treatment and the French medical schools actually include acupuncture in their curriculum. Acupuncture is also covered by the French government health insurance.
How is it performed?
After consulting with the practitioner, he or she will insert hair-thin needles in the acupoints to be used. The acupoints may not be at the same location as where you have pain or a problem, and you may find that after the needle is inserted, you have a warm or tingling effect in another body part, and not in the localized area.
When the needle is inserted, it is not painful, and when the patient is relaxed, it is not even as sharp a sensation as a pinprick.
The time that the needles are left in the body will vary per treatment, but can be anything from 5 minutes to half an hour.
Who is qualified?
Some allopathic practitioners take extra course in performing this treatment, while other practitioners are not medical doctors, only acupuncturists but the main thing to remember is that the practitioner should be well qualified. The skill at inserting the needle at the absolute right point comes with training but also with practice.
Depending on which country you live in, regulations regarding the licensing of acupuncturists may vary, and it is best to ensure that you visit an acupuncturist properly registered with your own local authorities.
What to watch out for 
Make sure that only clean, unused needles are used, since contaminated needles can spread HIV as well as hepatitis.
Other articles of interest
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