Acupuncture Essay, Research Paper

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one component of a health system called Traditional Chinese Medicine,

or TCM. TCM is a complete system for the treatment of health disorders. It is not limited to

any particular disorder, and can be used to treat almost anything, supposedly.

Acupuncture is recognized world-wide for its ability to effectively treat a wide variety of

disorders naturally, without the use of harmful drugs or surgery, and with virtually no side

effects. Acupuncture stimulates the body’s own healing abilities. Because Traditional Chinese

Medicine is holistic, it treats the entire person: Mental, physical, and emotional complaints can

all be addressed. Some people fear acupuncture because they fear needles, or imagine

acupuncture to be painful. Acupuncture needles are very different from the needles used in the

western health care system, which are of a heavier gauge, hollow, and sometimes serrated.

Acupuncture needles are barely thicker than a hair, solid, and polished smooth. When these

needles are inserted it is usually painless, though some people feel a slight sensation at the

moment of insertion. Most people find that the health benefits far outweigh any discomfort that

might accompany treatment. Usually people feel deep relaxation during an acupuncture

treatment, and may fall asleep. Acupuncture needles are sterile, and packaged to be used only

once, so you can?t catch anything from the needles. However there is another option for peoploe

who just can?t take the idea of gettin poked with needles, electro-acupuncture.

Electro-acupuncture is a needle-free technique that can often help people who just can’t tolerate

the idea of needles.

Conditions Most Commonly Treated by Acupuncture

AllergiesAsthmaHeart Problems

PalpitationsAnxietyDepression

High Blood PressureArthritisJoint Problems

Immune System DeficiencyBack PainInfertility

Bladder/Kidney ProblemsKnee PainChildhood Illnesses

Neck Pain/StiffnesConstipationDiarrhea

Pre-Menstrual SyndromeColdsFlu

NumbnessCoughBronchitis

Sexual DisfunctionDrug AddictionSmoking

Shoulder PainFatigueSkin Problems

Gynecological DisordersStressTension

HeadacheMigraineVision Problems

The History of Acupuncture

Acupuncture needles dating from 4000 years ago have been found in China. The first

needles were stone and then later, bronze, gold, or silver were used. Today needles are usually

made of steel. At first, needles were used only to prick boils and ulcers, but soon were being

used for a wide variety of disorders. Acupuncture was developed in response to the theory that

there are special ?meridian points? on the body connected to the internal organs and that ?vital

energy? flows through the meridian lines. According to this theory, diseases are caused by

interrupted energy flow, and inserting and twisting needles restores normal flow.