What exactly is acupuncture?
It is a type of holistic healthcare that is used to prevent and treat diseases, as well as to relieve pain and anaesthetise patients before surgery. According to research, this practice originated in China and has been practised for over 5,000 years.
The earliest account of this can be found in the book Nei Jing, which translates to the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine. This book's contents date from around 200 BC. They didn't use metal needles back then, instead opting for stone needles, moxibustion, and herbs to treat patients.
Acupuncture is a method of disease prevention and treatment that involves inserting very fine needles into the skin at specific anatomic points on the body.
The underlying principle is that illnesses occur as a result of an imbalance in your life force, also known as Qi. This is thought to flow through 14 meridians in the human body, which branch out to bodily organs and functions. If any of them become clogged or obstructed, you will succumb to a disease or illness.
Because of Yin and Yang, the imbalance in Qi can go either way. A person can only be normal if the two are in harmony, which is what acupuncture aims to achieve. Only by stimulating these acupuncture points can this be restored, which will adjust, balance, and harmonise your Qi.
The Tools Of Acupuncture
Aside from needles, practitioners use friction, heat, electromagnetic energy impulses, and apply pressure to these points in order to balance the flow of energy in the body and improve one's health.
Sonopuncture is one example of this, in which an ultrasound device that transmits sound waves is applied to these points on the body. Some people make use of a tuning fork and other vibration devices.
Another example is acupressure, in which the fingers are used to relieve pain. This can be used on its own or in conjunction with other manual healing techniques.
Electromagnetic energy impulses are used because our bodies produce tiny electrical discharges that influence the function, growth, and maturity of specific types of cells. By inserting needles in these areas, the body's neurotransmitters are stimulated and altered, making the patient feel better after treatment. This is also used for diagnosis and testing at times.
Acupuncture can be used on its own or in conjunction with other therapies. Acupuncture, according to the World Health Organization, can be effective in treating acute bronchitis, the common cold, cataracts, toothaches, gingivitis, hiccups, ulcers, constipation, diarrhoea, headache and migraine, Meniere's disease, osteoarthritis, and a variety of other conditions are among them. Chronic pain and mind-body disorders are frequently treated with acupuncture in the United Kingdom.
Acupuncturists: What Do They Do?
The acupuncturist is the expert who performs acupuncture. He or she may use needles or other instruments, depending on the type, to achieve harmony and balance in the body.
You must first answer a few questions before you can proceed with treatment. After that, you'll have a physical exam to check your pulse and examine the shape, colour, and coating of your tongue. Other things that will be examined are the colour and texture of your skin, as well as your posture, as these will provide clues to your health.
Only then will you be instructed to lie down on a padded examination table, and needles will be inserted into your skin. These needles are usually thinner than the width of one human hair.
You may not feel them at all, or if you do, it will be a fleeting twitch. They will be left in place for 15 to 30 minutes, which may cause you to feel very relaxed and sleepy, to the point of dozing off. When the session is finished, the needles are removed, and you are free to go.
Acupuncture is more effective in some cases when the needles are warmed. Moxibustion is the name given to this technique. A small bunch of the dried herb known as moxa or mugwort is lit by the acupuncturist and placed on the needles. The herb, which burns slowly and emits a little smoke and a pleasant, incense-like odour, will never come into contact with your skin.
Electrical acupuncture is another option. The electro-acupuncture machine is connected to the needles, and a weak current runs through them, causing no or little sensation.
How To Find An Acupuncturist
When looking for an acupuncturist, make certain that they are registered. Before obtaining one, he or she must first complete three years of training at an approved college of oriental medicine. The Association of Acupuncture Clinicians is one of the foremost registers in the UK.
Aside from their credentials, there are a few questions you should ask when selecting an acupuncturist. You should be aware of the different types of acupuncture, as some techniques are more effective than others.
Another question to ask and further discuss is how long the treatment will last. Clients suffering from acute conditions can often see improvements within 3 or 4 treatments. Chronic illnesses may need to be treated for months before any significant improvements can be seen.
Acupuncturists, like medical doctors, are there to help you feel better. If you are not seeing any progress with this person, you may need to seek the assistance of another specialist.
This article was brought to you by Keith Ferris Acupuncture
