Alternative Healing

Acupuncture is one of the oldest medical procedures in the world, originating in China almost 2,000 years ago. The practice started gaining popularity in the West in the early 1970’s, and in the decades since has become a widely practiced form of therapy.

Its most common form involves using thin, metal needles that are inserted just beneath the surface of the skin. These needles are placed in strategic points around the body and are then manipulated by the practitioner or by electrical stimulation.

The guiding concept behind acupuncture is that human beings have a natural flow and movement of energy in the body, sometimes referred to as Chi. This vital energy is thought to be the basic life force of every living thing on the planet.

In the system of traditional Chinese medicine, this energy, or Chi, is thought to flow along pathways called meridians. The two opposing forces of energy in the traditional Chinese way of thought are called yin and yang. Yin is the passive or slow form of energy, and yang is the active or exited form of energy.

According to the traditional Chinese form of medicine, ill health is a result of the imbalance of yin and yang energies in the body. This imbalance causes blockages in the flow of energy along the meridian pathways. These blockages are caused by stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, and the general neglect of health in the body.

Acupuncture is thought to relieve these blockages to create a more balanced flow of energy in the body. The acupuncturist will discuss what health problems a person has and will treat them accordingly.

It can be used to treat everything from chronic pain and disease to mental problems like anxiety and depression.

There have been extensive studies in both the West and the East on the effects of acupuncture therapy. The general consensus in the scientific community is that while the benefits of the therapy are conclusive, the cause and reason for this success is relatively unknown.

Some studies indicate that the reduction of pain or inflammation may be due to the release of the body’s natural defenses, such as endorphins. Additionally, it’s thought that the therapy may alter brain chemistry, thus affecting the patient’s involuntary body functions.

If you are thinking about trying acupuncture therapy, make sure you do the proper research and ask the right questions about your prospective therapist. It’s been getting easier to acquire a license to practice acupuncture, and if done improperly it can cause adverse effects.

Barbara Williamson