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Acupuncture - What is it? |
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Written by Tania
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Practised in China for more than 200 years, acupuncture is a form of
complementary therapy now offered in NHS pain clinics in the UK and
recommended by an increasing number of orthodox doctors. It is based on
the belief that illness or disease is caused by blockages or imbalances
in qi, or chi, the 'life force' that flows through
the body.
Acupuncturists insert fine needles into certain points (called
acupoints) on the body's energy channels (meridians) to
promote the flow of qi and, ultimately, to bring the body back to its
natural state of equilibrium. Western scientist have detected what may
be evidence for the existence of qi. According to the Institute of
Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the skin above the acupoints has
a lower electrical resistance than the surrounding skin.
The effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of digestive
problems, respiratory disease, pain, neurological disorders, nausea and
a range of gynaecological ailments - from premenstrual
syndrome to infertility and the menopause - has been
officially acknowledged by the World Health Organization.
Acupuncture is also often used to treat stress and stress-related
conditions.
What's Involved
After diagnosis, the practitioner will decide what size needles to use,
where to place them and how long to leave them in. Fine stainless-steel
needles will then be inserted into relevant acupoints -
usually in a different part of the body from the one that has the
problem. The insertion is swift and painless and the most you should
feel is a slight prick. The needles are left in place for 10-30 minutes
before being gently and painlessly withdrawn.
The number of treatments you need depends upon the type of health
problem you have. In some cases, one or two sessions may be enough to
resolve the problem.
Other Treatments
Acupuncture treatment may also involve other techniques:
Moxibustion - the warming of acupoints with aromatic smoke
from a bundle of the dried herb known as moxa (mugwort)
Cupping - placing small, bulbous glass cups over acupoints to
create a partial vacuum, which then draws blood and qi into the area.
Electro-acupuncture - connecting the needles to a very small
electrical current to increase the stimulation of particular acupoints.
Acupressure - stimulating the acupoints with finger pressure
instead of needles.
For more information visit: Medical-Acupuncture.co.uk
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