An Introduction to Acupuncture
Barry Friedmann
Acupuncture forms part of traditional Chinese medicine. It has been claimed that it is one of the oldest forms of healing throughout the world. Underneath acupuncture is the belief that a disruption in the flow of imbalances and qi within the forces of both yin and yang cause diseases to occur. A combination of herbs, massage, meditation and acupuncture are believed to restore the balance of yin-hang and the flow of qi and this helps the healing process. Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points of the body, which removes blockages in the flow of qi and therefore restores and maintains one's health. In the United States, acupuncture is known to be an area of alternative medicine, and is not widely accepted as part of conventional medicine.
Because acupuncture is not always accepted as being part of traditional medicine, there are several points that we should consider about this treatment:
Asian people, specially Chinese, have used acupuncture for many thousands of years.
Scientists are currently studying the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating many conditions.
Very few complications arise as a result of using acupuncture, although there can be serious side effects if the treatment is not performed by a person who is qualified to perform it.
Although the procedure has existed in China and other Asian countries for several years, it has only been used in the United States since 1971. Since acupuncture was introduced, many people have chosen to use it for many conditions, including chronic pain, arthritis, post-surgical pain and migraines. Many people squirm at the thought of needles being injected into them, but most swear by the benefits received by using acupuncture. Many people choose to try acupuncture after all traditional medical procedures have failed to help their condition.
One should not be scared of acupuncture as long as you are treated by a qualified practitioner. Sometimes, practitioners do not follow proper safety procedures or people choose a practitioner who is not suitably qualified and this can lead to problems. Nobody would visit a medical doctor who was not properly qualified to treat you, and one should take the same care when choosing an acupuncture practitioner. In the United States, use of the needles is regulated by the FDA, and can even include a requirement for one time use.
understanding the procedure and being careful to choose a qualified practitioner, you will gain a better understanding of acupuncture and will be able to make an informed decision regarding the benefits it may provide for you. One should not choose a practitioner based solely on the recommendation of someone else, unless you have first conducted your own research.
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