|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What Disorders Can Acupuncture Treat and How Does It Work?
How did acupuncture start?
The story was met with widespread disbelief.
During a visit to China in 1978, cardiologist Doctor Isadore Rosenfeld witnessed open-heart surgery on a patient, anaesthetised only with acupuncture. A major operation and the patient was awake! Nothing like it had ever been seen before in the west.
But acupuncture is over 5000 years old. There is evidence that it was practiced by the ancient Egyptians. South African tribesmen scratched their bodies to cure disease and the Eskimos used a simple form of acupuncture. In ancient China the Yellow Emperor's bible on internal medicine talks about the importance of acupuncture for curing disease and restoring health.
Today, in China and Taiwan there are over 232,000 traditional Chinese medical doctors practicing acupuncture. In America there are more than 8000 qualified acupuncturists, 16 acupuncture schools and 2 medical schools teaching acupuncture. As a treatment it's accepted and practiced worldwide.
What ailments can acupuncture treat?
Many people assume that acupuncture is used as a simple pain control technique. A technique where needles are inserted to interrupt the nerve pathways that send pain messages to the brain. But acupuncture is much more than this. It's designed to treat any malady and works to balance the energy of your entire body.
Based on clinical experience, it's known that acupuncture can treat a variety of respiratory, eye and mouth, gastro-intestinal, neurological and muscular disorders. It's especially effective on headaches, migraine and back pain.
Acupuncture is also used to stop smoking, lose weight, lower blood pressure, relive constipation, anxiety, insomnia, allergies, asthma and alleviate skin disorders.
How can it treat all these ailments? It works by 'unblocking' and balancing your energy 'circuits'. And unlike conventional drugs, there are only beneficial side-effects such as sleeping better, more energy, deeper breathing and many other bonuses.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture means 'to puncture with a needle'. Fine, flexible needles, about the diameter of a human hair, are inserted into points along the principal meridians of your body.
Your body has a network of energy channels or 'meridians' in which your 'ki' flows. Each meridian is associated with a physiological system and internal organ.
There are 12 principal meridians that run the length of your body and each one has more than 350 acupuncture points. Acupuncture points are specific locations along the meridians. Inserting a needle into a point will 'unblock' or stimulate the energy flow through the meridian in a very predictable and measured way.
What happens during a treatment session?
Acupucture is all part of the philosophy and practice of TCM or Traditional Chinese Medicine, which uses an intricate system of pulse and tongue diagnosis.
A qualified acupuncturist will also check the 'palpation' of the acupuncture points or meridians, your medical history and any other signs or symptoms of disorder.
The treatment is painless and insertion of the needles can feel like an insect bite or tiny prick. If you are sensitive you will feel warmth or energy flow and is often described as a 'buzz'.
Sometimes moxibustion is used to increase the heat effect at the insertion point. A Chinese herb, 'Moxa', is placed on the needle and lit. This can stimulate the blood flow as well as the 'chi'.
Is acupuncture safe?
Nobody can predict the changes that will occur. Your body will do what it needs to do to heal itself. But the healing process starts with skilful diagnosis and the correct stimulation of precise acupuncture points.
Acupuncture will often compliment traditional western medicine, and in the hands of a trained and properly qualified acupuncturist, you are perfectly safe. And for many people it is enjoyable too.
Although the Chinese may have enjoyed the benefits of acupuncture for many centuries, the legacy of discoveries by men such as Dr Isadore Rosenfeld means we can all benefit from this wonderful treatment.
Terry Dunn writes regular articles on how to use alternative therapies to improve your health. From aromatherapy to yoga, discover what it's like, how it works and how you can benefit. To read more articles, visit his website, http://www.holistichealthtalk.com
New York Times
AFP - 1 hour ago
FAIRFAX, Virginia (AFP) — President-elect Barack Obama pledged Thursday to double US production of alternative energy in three years, as part of a raft of ...
Video: Obama to Bring Accountability to Spending Plan AssociatedPress
Obama plans alternative energy boost Energy Risk (subscription)
Mich. expects deep budget cuts even with fed help Forbes
GlobeSt. com - InvestmentNewsall 12,067 news articles
CNN - 7 hours ago
Several alternative treatments have been shown to be safe and effective for kids, experts say. "We would both end up miserable," says Kruse-Field. ...
BBC News
Forward, NY - 55 minutes ago
But the idea of ein breira — there is no alternative — is easily transformed into a refuge for the intellectually lazy, a bankrupt alibi for all manner of ...
Video: A Chance For Peace In Gaza CBS
Fighting in Gaza, a Dollar Alternative, and Obama's Foreign Policy ... Council on Foreign Relations
Yes, the war in Gaza is terrible. But the alternative was worse ... Daily Mail
Daily Star - Lebanon - Journal of Turkish Weeklyall 31,661 news articles
Wall Street Journal - 19 hours ago
By GUY CHAZAN As Europe counts the cost of Russia's latest gas shut-off, there are signs it could give a boost to alternative sources of gas that currently ...
Video: The gas crisis in Europe online france24english
Europe late with alternative to Russian gas TREND Information
Gas war may boost alternative routes to Europe guardian.co.uk
Canada.com - International Herald Tribuneall 7,082 news articles
CNET News
CNET News, CA - 23 hours ago
After hinting at a "digital stereo" product in The New York Times last week, Cisco unveiled the details of its Wireless Home Audio System today, ...
CNET News
CNET News, CA - 21 hours ago
In an effort to trump the existing Nintendo Wii remote controller, Nyko is introducing what the company is calling the most advanced Wii remote yet. ...
Nyko brings Wand Wii remote, Charge Station EX and Kama Charge kit ... engadget
all 9 news articles
Seattle Post Intelligencer
New York Times, United States - Jan 6, 2009
Pratt, which has tested alternate fuels in its engines, and others in the aviation industry assert that they will pursue alternatives even in a period of ...
Aviation industry strives to find alternative fuels SmartBrief
Continental ratchets up race to develop alternative fuel for planes GulfNews
Continental First US Airline to Test Biofuels SmarterTravel.com
Scientific American - Bloombergall 258 news articles
Columbia Daily Tribune, MO - 3 hours ago
By DAVE MATTER In our country, if you don’t like the hand you’re dealt in this game called life, you always have this option: Sue the pants off someone. ...
Boston Globe, United States - Jan 7, 2009
"Where should I put my money right now? I don't feel comfortable investing in stocks, and I've heard that Treasury bonds are paying next to nothing. ...
MSNBC - Jan 7, 2009
Since the 1960s, Fuel System Solutions' transportation subsidiary, BRC, based in Cherasco, Italy, has been a major provider of alternative fuel systems ...
Laughter, Why Its so Good for You
For hundreds of years, we've known that 'Laughter is the best medicine'.Laughter makes you feel good for a reason. The physiological effects on your body are amazing.... Read More
Getting More out of Your Massage with a Epsom Bath Afterwards!
As a massage therapist, I often recommend taking a Hot Epsom salt Bath after a massage because of several factors. One I have moved alot of metabolic... Read More
More Sinus Headaches Home Remedies
One of the best sinus headaches home remedies, is called acupressure. All you got to know is your sinus points and then you can use this acupressure... Read More
Migraine and Feverfew
Many people today will tell you that they suffer from migraine. Many people however don't really understand what a migraine is and they really just have a... Read More
Alternative and Complementary Medicine: Old Medicine, New Synergies
The terms alternative medicine and complementary medicine are often wrongly used as synonyms. Actually, the term alternative medicine refers to medicine systems like Ayurveda or Acupuncture that... Read More
Three Tips for Arthritis Pain Relief
Massage ?not the areas that hurtSome experts think that arthritic conditions or pain conditions in general aggravate and flare up trigger points, and that one can get... Read More
Herbal Remedies to the Rescue!
Since the dawn of civilization, man has always turned to Herbal Remedies to cure the common cold, salve wounds, relieve itching and burns, as well... Read More
Living with Aromatherapy
Places Suitable for Use of Aromatherapy Products: living room, bedroom, study room, kitchen, bathroom, office, conference room, KTV, hospital, car and other enclosed spaces.Aromatherapy· When someone at... Read More
Being Rubbed Up ? The Right Way! - The Therapeutic Wonders of Massage
PROBABLY one of the most powerful preventive medicine tools available to us is that of Massage. It is one of the oldest... Read More
The Source of All Disease
So why is there disease? The very word means that the body is in a state of Diss-Ease. It is certainly not being provided with the optimal... Read More
Ayurveda, Indias Science of Life, Health and Longevity
Ayurveda is India's ancient science life, health, and longevity. It is thought of by many scholars to be the oldest form of health care in the world.... Read More
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental and emotional condition that has its origins in a physical and/or mentally traumatic event that occurred anywhere from a few days... Read More
When Humor Hurts, When Humor Heals
For some, it's a familiar scenario. You've been sitting for hours already in the stuffy boardroom. You and other key personnel in your organization have been trying... Read More
Hypnosis, Hypnotherapy, Hypnotism, and the Truth about the Funky Chicken!
Over two hundred years after this momentous event the world is still saying WOW in amazement to this gracious art. Hypnotherapy has come so far and I... Read More
Using Herbs to Relieve Hemorrhoids ? Aloe Vera, Bilberry, Butchers Broom
To relieve hemorrhoids first look for ways to get your bowels moving easier and more frequently so they produce softer stools. I have suggestion ways, in other... Read More
A Lifestyle Approach to Remedy Snoring
If you want to remedy snoring, you have to find the underlying cause. Snoring is not an affliction like the common cold, where you wake up one... Read More
Aromatherapy Favorites: Patchouli Essential Oil
Patchouli's History and UsesAh, Patchouli oil - people seem to love it or hate it. This well know essential oil has a somewhat deserved reputation as the... Read More
What Is Oral Chelation And How Can It Help Prevent Heart Disease
Oral ChelationOral chelation is the solubilization of a metal salt by forming a chemical complex or sequestering. One way of doing this is with ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid (EDTA)... Read More
Strong Drugstore Laxatives ? Use With Caution
Osmotic chemicals ? Saline CartherticsThese chemicals are salts and other compounds that activate secretions of water from your colon walls and into your colon, which are absorbed... Read More
Aromatherapy
What is aromatherapy? Used for centuries, aromatherapy is known to have been utilized by the Egyptian physician, Imhotep; and Hippocrates. The first person to dub the term... Read More
All About Bad Breath, its Symptoms & Prevention
Bad breath (or halitosis medical term root from Latin) can be a serious handicap on your social or business life. It is a source of embarrassment and... Read More
Complementary Therapy The Route To Better Back Health
Find Out How to Reduce and Eliminate Chronic Back Pain Using Non-Traditional TherapyComplementary therapy is concerned with health and wellness from a mind, body and spirit approach.... Read More
Home Spa and Bodys Adaptation. The More the Better?
The More The Faster The Better?Or Some Words About The Body's Adaptation."Change your mind and you will change your life"Today we will talk about the tendency in... Read More
Toxic Plastic Water Bottles
I recently received a question from one of my readers about the safety of drinking water from clear plastic water bottles. These bottles, made from Lexan polycarbonate... Read More
The Sense of Smell
Disturbed vibrations occur in the body as a precursor of illness. Vibrational healing restores the body's healthy vibrations. Essential oils can be used to balance the subtle... Read More
Ayurveda - The Natural Remedy
The word Ayurveda is made up of two Sanskrit words ayur and veda meaning 'life' and 'knowledge' respectively. Taken together they mean the 'science of life'; in... Read More
How To Lower Cholesterol Without Prescription Drugs
Don't accept that prescription just yet. In most cases it's possible to take control of your cholesterol naturally, without the use of prescription drugs. First, you need... Read More
Parasites: The Missing Diagnosis?
Parasites, commonly thought of as only affecting those in developing countries, actually affect 1 in 6 people in North America and are the most common disease condition... Read More
Aromatherapy at Home: Beating the Cold Bug
It seems that nearly everyone I know has been either fighting or recovering from a cold or flu these last few weeks. And many of my clients... Read More
Drug Addiction Treatment Centers: A Fresh Start
Half a decade ago, I started working on a hotline to help addicts and their families find drug addiction treatment centers. Thousands of calls later, I still... Read More
Urinary Tract Infections Helped with Cranberry Juice
Cranberry Juice is very rich in Antioxidants and Nutrients which can help to prevent degenerative illnesses and diseases, particularly those associated with the eyes, it is a... Read More
Jesus Diet - Lifestyle Changes That Will Boost Your Energy
Drawing on the inspiration of loaves, fish, and wine, a doctor from Florida has published a self-help manual called "What would Jesus Eat?". After the launch of... Read More
Feng Shui for Your Health and Vitality
How many of us wake up in the morning feeling refreshed, happy and full of energy? How many of us, after a few hours in the office,... Read More
Getting More out of Your Massage with a Epsom Bath Afterwards!
As a massage therapist, I often recommend taking a Hot Epsom salt Bath after a massage because of several factors. One I have moved alot of metabolic... Read More
Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil is one of the most useful products in nature. It has been used by some Aboriginal People in Australia for many centuries as one... Read More
The Effects of Stress
Stress can affect you in four different ways:The Physical Effects of StressThese result in a physically perceived overload. These are present in many forms. One of the... Read More
Some Alternative Health Strategies
CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) therapies are generally classified into 5 seperate categories or domains. Some of these domains have sub-domains but we will broadly go into... Read More
Understanding Herbology
The use of herbs as early forms of medicine or healing aid dates back centuries, as far back as the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, East Indian, Chinese, and... Read More
Aura and House Clearings - Rid Your Space of Unwanted Energies
Aura and space clearing can be accomplished in a number of ways. One easy and simple way is by using special herbs to clear the area. Herbs... Read More
Living with Aromatherapy
Places Suitable for Use of Aromatherapy Products: living room, bedroom, study room, kitchen, bathroom, office, conference room, KTV, hospital, car and other enclosed spaces.Aromatherapy· When someone at... Read More
Substance P ? A Pain Amplifier You May Be Able To Restrict Using Your Subconscious
Substance P is a key neurotransmitter required to produce moderate to intense pain. Here's a natural method you may be able to use to help neutralize this... Read More
Getting into The Zone with The Alexander Technique
Have you ever attempted to perform a simple act and completely failed? From completely mistiming a shot to losing balance at a crucial moment, the outcome may... Read More
Hypnosis
HYPNOSIS is a state of induced but conscious sleep through the process of suggestion. Hypnosis must be readily accepted by the subject in order for the hypnosis... Read More
Spring Cleaning with Nontoxic Cleaners
Spring cleaning goes beyond normal everyday cleaning. It's a major project of home revitalization: to make everything new by removing dust and dirt, to make sure everything... Read More
Green Tea prevents and fights the risks of Cancer, why you should be drinking Green Tea
Do you drink Green Tea?Then you should read the information below.Lately, green tea has been getting a lot of attention, recent reports and scientific studies found that... Read More
Sun Chlorella and the Benefit
Sun Chlorella is referred to as the Green Magician due to the amazing healing powers of sun chlorella and its benefit of chlorella. Also known as the... Read More
Heres Hope for Parkinsons Disease
Frank's 85 year-old father was in advanced stages of Parkinson's.Confined to a wheelchair...his speech jumbled...his face frozen in a Parkinson Mask...he was hardly more than a vegetable.Day... Read More
Frankincense in Aromatherapy - Trees, Pearls, and Essential Oil
The Mysterious FrankincenseUsed for many thousands of years, the Frankincense tree has perhaps the greatest association with spiritualpractice of any plant on earth. In most of the... Read More
Herbs Can Heal You or Save Your Life
A historyHerbs have been used for hundreds of years before Christ. Perhaps since the time humans first began to roam the earth. Using herbs was the only... Read More
Homemade Bath Products...the Pros and Cons
When you surf the Internet to find proper bath products for your home spa bathing you can see many websites offering homemade bath product receipts:" Why to... Read More
A Better Hope for Alcohol & Drug Problems
People with alcohol and drug problems have been done a disservice by being labeled "diseased." Although that viewpoint has helped caregivers become more compassionate, it has also... Read More
About ADD ( Attention Deficit Disorder ), its Symptoms
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a condition that is usually characterized by behavioral and learning disorders. ADD generally diagnosed in children, mostly affects the boys than the... Read More