The origins of acupuncture

Acupuncture is a well-known method in Chinese medicine that has been used for nearly 5000 years. This ancient therapeutic approach is helpful in relieving pain, managing addiction, providing an anesthesia effect, enhancing circulation of energy, causing the cessation of nausea and vomiting, alleviating pre-menstrual syndrome, and easing childbirth. There are numerous ailments including depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, sinusitis, tendonitis, colds, sore throats, insomnia and many more that have been diminished in intensity as the result of acupuncture treatment.

The principal of acupuncture is that the human body relies on a balanced flow of energy known as "qi" or "chi" and when this energy is trapped, a blockage occurs that may lead to illness. The acupuncturist's goal is to restore a healthy flow of energy to the body and restore its harmony. This is done by taking pulses at various points on the body, determining which of the meridians throughout the system need attention, placing the acupuncture needles at specific points in the system, and allowing them to remain there for a brief amount of time. This process supports the body's healing by allowing an uninterrupted flow of life force energy.

How is it performed?

A skilled professional acupuncturist uses very slender sterile needles, barely the diameter of a hair, that are inserted through the skin in a "twirling" motion into specific points of the body. These points are reflexive of meridians that are located throughout the body and are affected by the insertion of needles. Although it may appear to be a painful process, it seldom causes any discomfort. Patients may in fact find themselves relaxing deeply. Occasionally, some people may experience a small amount of soreness, minor bleeding, or discoloration after the needles are withdrawn following an acupuncture treatment.

Benefits of acupuncture

At the end of an acupuncture treatment many people feel a sense of well-being, relaxation, or perhaps a slight giddiness. It is believed that acupuncture causes the body to release its own natural pain killers called endorphins and an anti-inflammatory agent known as cortisol. Biologically, this may explain why most people feel better following an acupuncture session. According to Dr. John Longhurst of the University of California at Irvine, "endorphins have been known to help the body prevent heart disease."

There is controversy as to whether or not acupuncture is actually a curative treatment. However, there is no doubt that acupuncture treatment can provide relief from many types of ailments.

Some doctors of osteopathy have taken courses in acupuncture techniques and provide this therapy for their patients. There are also practitioners with specialized training in acupuncture. Different states have different restrictions governing licensure for acupuncturists.

COMPETENCY STANDARDS FOR ACUPUNCTURISTS

You may obtain information regarding guidelines for competency from the following sources:

Source:  Bowman, Lee.  "Scientists pinpoint what makes acupuncture work."  Nando Times.  1999.  Scripps Howard News Service.  27 October 2000.

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