Using
needles to adjust bodily functions to optimum levels is the principle behind
acupuncture.Both ancient Chinese and modern Western practitioners have used
this technique to relieve many sufferers of chronic disease. Needling is a
relatively safe, beneficial treatment strategy that can be used to reduce pain,
improve healing, and increase general well-being. But exactly how is this
procedure done and what sort of benefits can be obtained?
Procedure
for Needle Puncture
There
are two broad categories of acupuncture practice today, traditional Chinese
medicine (TCM) and medical acupuncture. Both have their merits, so the choice
is individual. The decision for most people hinges upon which philosophy
appeals more to them and which technique holds the least apprehension.
In
TCM, practitioners adhere to the concept of Qi, or energy flow, and the
meridians in which they travel. They use longer needles and insert them deeper
in order to reach the acupuncture points. Modern science has found little
evidence to prove the existence of these energy channels, but this is the
technique that has been used effectively for thousands of years.
In
medical acupuncture, the practitioners are graduates of western medical
schools. Their application of needles is not based on the traditional
acupuncture points, but on anatomic data. These acupuncturists use shorter
needles and the insertions are shallower. They also tend to use fewer needles
and leave them inserted for shorter periods of time. Adherents to TCM feel this
is a watered-down version of the real thing. Nevertheless, many patients have
felt relief of symptoms through this method.
Conditions
for Puncture Application
There
is a broad and extensive list of ailments which can be treated with
acupuncture. The conditions run the gamut from asthma to constipation, anxiety
to weight loss. Most TCM practitioners believe that any health condition
results from an imbalance in Qi flow, therefore amenable to needle therapy.
Western acupuncturists tend to have a more limited list of indications, the
most common of which is undoubtedly control of pain.
Control
of pain is the most well researched of all of the indications for acupuncture.
There is a definite beneficial effect for a majority of patients using this
method. Migraines, premenstrual syndrome, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome,
and neuralgias are but a few examples. The theory behind its effectiveness is
also medically accepted and well researched, called the gate-control theory of
pain. It states that the needles can stimulate nerves so that they block the
impulses from pain triggers.
Expected
Puncture Session Result
It
is important to emphasize that acupuncture is used only on top of existing
medical therapy. At no time should a patient discontinue medication or ignore
medical instructions in favor of needle puncture. After undergoing a needle
puncture regimen, the primary care physician can make an evaluation with
regards to decreasing dependence on other therapies.
A
course of acupuncture therapy will last anywhere from a few weeks to a few
months. This depends upon the complexity of the particular medical condition.
Results also vary, so it is important to have a frank discussion with the
acupuncturist regarding expected results and their time frame. In general, the
patient will begin to feel beneficial effects after three or four session.
Certain specific conditions will actually get a little worse before improving
so keeping informed is key.
In
modern medicine, the use of traditional techniques with proven results has
become a widely accepted practice. Acupuncture has proven its worth time and
again. Modern practice guidelines make it effective, reproducible, and safe. It
is a gift of healing form ancient sages that has the potential to bring relief
to millions of people.
