What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture originated in China more than 2,000 years ago, making it one of the world's oldest and most commonly used medical procedure. The term acupuncture describes a family of procedures involving stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques. The acupuncture technique that has been most studied scientifically involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation.

Research has indicated that acupuncture can be of therapeutic value in the management of stress, anxiety, depression and associated health problems. It is far from being a panacea for all ills and should not be used as an alternative to orthodox, psychological treatment techniques like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and lifestyle changes where indicated.

Clinical depression is caused by low levels of certain brain chemicals like noradrenaline and serotonin. Serotonin and noradrenaline are mood enhancers. Acupuncture has been shown to boost serotonin levels and to reduce stress and induce relaxation.

Puncturing the skin with a needle is the usual method, but practitioners also use heat, pressure, friction, suction, or impulses of electromagnetic energy to stimulate the points. Acupuncturists insert needles into specified points along meridian lines to influence the restore balance to the flow of "qi".

Treatment Techniques:

• Moxibustion - heating of acupuncture needles with dried herb sticks to activate and warm the acupuncture point.
• Laser acupuncture - non-needle stimulation of needles.
• Cupping - the application of glass cups to create suction on the skin. This is to relieve stagnation of "qi" and blood, e.g. in sports injury.
• Herbal medicine - Chinese herbs may be given in the form of teas, pills, and capsules to supplement acupuncture treatment.
• Electrostimulation - provides electrical stimulation to two to four acupuncture needles. Can be used for pain relief and muscle pain.

How Acupuncture Relief Pain?

• It stimulates the release of pain-relieving endorphins.
• It increases the release of neurotransmitters, substances that transmit nerve impulses to the brain.
• It influences the autonomic nervous system of human being.
• It stimulates circulation.

Healing Applications of Acupuncture:

Acupuncture is best known for controlling pain . However, acupuncture can treat a wide variety of common and uncommon disorders. The following is a list of disorders that can be treated by acupuncture:

• Acute Sinusitis.
• Headache and migraine.
• Bronchial asthma.
• Infertility.
• Cataract (without complications).
• Cervicobrachial syndrome (pain radiating from neck to arm).
• Acute tonsillitis.
• Ulcers.
• Meniere's disease.
• Arthritis.
• Trigeminal neuralgia.
• Fibromyalgia.
• Weight loss.
• Toothache.
• Gingivitis (gum disease).
• Hiccups.
• Paralysis following stroke.
• Diarrhea.
• Low back pain.
• Osteoarthritis.
• Gastritis.
• Neurogenic bladder dysfunction.
• Acute conjunctivitis (pinkeye).
• Nearsightedness (in children).