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The A-Z of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) - Acupuncture
by Linda Stewart BSc
What is it?
Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into specific points situated all over the body. It's aim is to balance the body's energy, prevent and treat dis-ease.
Acupuncture, a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been practiced in China for over 2000 years. Western acupunture, (aka medical acupuncture) is more recent and is now taught and practiced widely in the west following its growth in popularity in the seventies.
Traditional acupuncturists believe that in good health, our vital energy or Chi flows naturally around the body through channels known as meridians.
Meridians are said to be connected to the organs and systems of the body. Getting ill is a sign that our chi (also known as life force) is disturbed or out of balance.
Chi is made up of equal and opposite qualities known as yin and yang. It can be disturbed by any number or combination of causes including stress, anger, fear, grief, poor nutrition, weather conditions, infections and so on.
Acupuncturist Carol Newman, trained at the school of five element acupuncture says
"In Five Element Acupuncture, each one of us has a particular relationship with one of the elements of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal or Water. The element gives our life certain emphasis, making some serious or lighthearted, others more determined or anxious.
It is these elements, associated with organs of the body and meridians of energy, which take the stress we are suffering, revealing its unease through physical and emotional signs of imbalance".
What happens during an acupuncture treatment?
As with all complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) consultations, the acupuncturist will begin by taking a case history and asking questions to assess your current state of health.
The examination may include tongue diagnosis and pulse reading.
The assement determines the acupuncture points to be needled and the treatment is unique to the client.
Acupuncture needles are sterile and usually disposable.
Most people do not feel any discomfort when the needles are inserted and many find acupuncture to be a relaxing, sedating experience. The needles are usually left in place for between 15-30 minutes.
A popular alternative to acupuncture is acupressure which is simply acupuncture without the needles. During acuppressure, the points are stimulated with finger pressure.
You may also come across auricular (ear) acupuncture which is beneficial for addictions.
Moxibustion and cupping are sometimes used by acupuncturists. Moxibustion is applying heat from the burning of an aromatic herb moxa (Artemesia Vulgaris).
Cupping is another method of stimulating the acupuncture points by using suction cups to create a vacuum.
Sometimes a small electrical current may be used to stimulate the needles.
What's acupuncture good for?
Acupuncture triggers pain relieving endorphins in the brain promoting feelings of wellbeing. It can be used to maintain health as well as treat dis-ease.
Acupuncture has been shown as being beneficial in treating a wide variety of conditions including headaches, asthma, high blood pressure, menstrual problems and digestive disorders.
It is often used in pain relief, drug or alcohol rehabilitation, stopping smoking and losing weight.
Final note
Make sure your acupuncturist is properly trained and qualified.
You can find an acupuncturist through the acupuncture associations.
Copyright Linda Stewart 2004
Linda Stewart writes SoHolistic! a free newsletter devoted to all things holistic and full of news, articles events and resources for your mind body and soul. To subscribe send a blank email to on-710@ezezine.com Practitioner resources available at www.holistic-business.com. Find acupuncture books at www.holisticbookshop.com
