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An ancient
technic of influencing the electromagnetic field of an
organism positiv by stimulating certain
specific dermal points using either needles, laserlight or touch.
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Acupuncture can also be used in conjunction with heat
produced by burning specific herbs, this is called Moxibustion. In
addition, a non-invasive method of massage therapy, called Acupressure,
can also be effective.
The first
record of Acupuncture is found in the 4,700 year old Huang Di Nei Jing
(Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine). This is said to be the
oldest medical textbook in the world. It is said to have been written down
from even earlier theories by Shen Nung, the father of Chinese Medicine.
Shen Nung documented theories about circulation, pulse, and the heart over
4,000 years before European medicine had any concept about them.
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Example:
Acupuncturepoints
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As the
basis of Acupuncture, Shen Nung theorized that the body had an energy
force running throughout it. This energy force is known as
Qi
(roughly pronounced Chee).
The Qi consists of all essential life activities which include the
spiritual, emotional, mental and the physical aspects of life. A person's
health is influenced by the flow of Qi in the body, in combination with
the universal forces of Yin and Yang . (I will discuss Yin and Yang a
little later). If the flow of Qi is insufficient, unbalanced or
interrupted, Yin and Yang become unbalanced, and illness may occur. Qi
travels throughout the body along "Meridians" or special pathways. The
Meridians, (or Channels), are the same on both sides of the body (paired).
There are fourteen main meridians running vertically up and down the
surface of the body. Out of these, there are twelve organ Meridians in
each half of the body (remember they are in pairs). There are also two
unpaired midline Meridians. There will be a diagram of Acupuncture points
for treating diseases of the Meridians at the end of the digestive system
paper. (See Appendix 1). The acupuncture points are specific locations
where the Meridians come to the surface of the skin, and are easily
accessible by "needling," Moxibustion, and Acupressure. The connections
between them ensure that there is an even circulation of Qi, a balance
between Yin and Yang.
Energy
constantly flows up and down these pathways. When pathways become
obstructed, deficient, excessive, or just unbalanced, Yin and Yang are
said to be thrown out of balance. This causes illness. Acupuncture is said
to restore the balance.
Yin and Yang
is an important theory in the discussion of Acupuncture treatment, in
relation to the Chinese theory of body systems. As stated earlier Qi is an
energy force that runs throughout the body. In addition, Qi is also
prevalent throughout nature as well. Qi is comprised of two parts, Yin and
Yang. Yin and Yang are opposite forces, that when balanced, work together.
Any upset in the balance will result in natural calamities, in nature; and
disease in humans. Yin is signified by female attributes, passive, dark,
cold, moist, that which moves medially, and deficient of Yang. Yang is
signified by male attributes, light, active, warm, dry, that which moves
laterally, and deficient of Yin. Nothing is completely Yin or Yang. The
most striking example of this is man himself. A man is the combination of
his mother (Yin) and and his father (Yang). He contains qualities of both:
This is the universal symbol describing the constant flow of yin and yang
forces. You'll notice that within yin, there is Yang, and within Yang,
there is the genesis of Yin. Whether or not you believe in Taoist
philosophy, (which all this is based on), one thing is indisputable:
Acupuncture works.
Acupuncturists can use as many as nine types of Acupuncture needles,
though only six are commonly used today. These needles vary in length,
width of shaft, and shape of head. Today, most needles are disposible.
They are used once and disgarded in accordance with medical biohazard
regulations and guidlines. There are a few different precise methods by
which Acupuncturists insert needles. Points can be needled anywhere in the
range of 15 degrees to 90 degrees relative to the skin surface, depending
on the treatment called for. In most cases, a sensation, felt by the
patient, is desired. This sensation, which is not pain, is called deqi
(pronounced dah-chee). The following techniques are some which may be used
by an Acupuncturist immediately following insertion: Raising and
Thrusting, Twirling or Rotation, Combination of Raising/Thrusting and
Rotation, Plucking, Scraping (vibrations sent through the needle), and
Trembling (another vibration technique). Once again, techniques are
carefully chosen based on the ailment.
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Example:
Needletechnics |
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There are a few related procedures that fall into the
range of Acupuncture treatments. The first is Electro-Acupuncture. This is
the using of very small electrical impulses through the Acupuncture
needles. This method is generally used for analgesia (pain relief or
prevention). The amount of power used is only a few micro amperes, but the
frequency of the current can vary from 5 to 2,000 Hz. The higher
frequencies are generally used for surgery (usually abdominal), and the
lower frequencies for general pain relief. The first reported successful
use of Electro-Acupuncture was in 1958 in China for a tonsillectomy.
Today, it is a common method of surgical analgesia used in China. Other
methods for stimulating Acupuncture points have used Lasers and sound
waves (Sonopuncture). A very commonly used treatment in the United States
is Auriculotherapy or Ear Acupuncture. The theory is that since the ear
has a rich nerve and blood supply, it would have connections all over the
body. For this reason, the ear has many Acupuncture points which
correspond to many parts and organs of the body. Auricular Acupuncture has
been successful in treating problems ranging from obesity to alcoholism,
to drug addiction. There are numerous studies either completed, or
currently going on which affirms Auricular Acupuncture's effectiveness.
(These will be mentioned in detail later on in the paper.)
Another popular treatment method is Moxibustion, which
is the treatment of diseases by applying heat to Acupuncture points.
Acupuncture and Moxibustion are considered complimentary forms of
treatment, and are commonly used together. Moxibustion is used for
ailments such as bronchial asthma, bronchitis, certain types of paralysis,
and arthritic disorders.
Cupping is another type of treatment. This is a method
of stimulating Acupuncture points by applying suction through a metal,
wood or glass jar, in which a partial vacuum has been created. This
technique produces blood congestion at the site, and therefore stimulates
it. Cupping is used for low backache, sprains, soft tissue injuries, and
helping relieve fluid from the lungs in chronic bronchitis.
One of the most popular alternatives to Acupuncture is
Acupressure. This is simply Acupuncture without needles. Stimulation of
the Acupuncture points is performed with the fingers or an instrument with
a hard ball shaped head. Another variation of Acupressure is Reflexology
(also called Zone Therapy). This is where the soles of the feet and the
posterio-inferior regions of the ankle joints are stimulated. Many
diseases of the internal organs can be treated in this manner.
The question arises, how does Acupuncture work?
Scientists have no real answer to this; as you know many of the workings
of the body are still a mystery. There are a few prevailing
theories.
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By some
unknown process, Acupuncture raises levels of triglycerides, specific
hormones, prostaglandins, white blood counts, gamma globulins, opsonins,
and overall anti-body levels.
This is called the "Augmentation
of Immunity" Theory.
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The "Endorphin" Theory states that Acupuncture stimulates the secretions
of endorphins in the body (specifically Enkaphalins).
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The "Neurotransmitter" Theory states that certain neurotransmitter
levels (such as Seratonin and Noradrenaline) are affected by
Acupuncture.
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"Circulatory" Theory: this states that Acupuncture has the effect of
constricting or dilating blood vessels. This may be caused by the body's
release of Vasodilaters (such as Histamine), in response to Acupuncture.
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One of
the most popular theories is the "Gate Control" Theory. According to this
theory, the perception of pain is controlled by a part of the nervous
system which regulates the impulse, which will later be interpreted as
pain. This part of the nervous system is called the "Gate." If the gate is
hit with too many impulses, it becomes overwhelmed, and it closes. This
prevents some of the impulses from getting through. The first gates to
close would be the ones that are the smallest. The nerve fibers that carry
the impulses of pain are rather small nerve fibers called "C" fibers.
These are the
gates that close during Acupuncture
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