Showing posts with label acupuncture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label acupuncture. Show all posts

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Weight Loss With Acupuncture

In recent years, more and more people are trying out acupuncture to lose weight. Just what is acupuncture? How can acupuncture treatment help you lose weight?

Acupuncture is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has been around for about 5,000 years. It is the practice of inserting very thin needles to stimulate pathways or meridians in the body to treat many illnesses and diseases especially to relieve pain from chronic disorders.

Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners or TCM physicians claim that acupuncture can help you to lose body fat by making you feel full and so will eat less. This curbs excess caloric consumption in the patient treated with acupuncture and is a great help in the patient's weight loss program.

Acupuncture treatment can also be used to raise your metabolic rate and help you to burn more calories to speed up weight loss. Some Chinese medicine practitioners say that acupuncture stimulates the production of a hormone called endorphins and this hormone helps to lower body fat, insulin and lipid levels in the bloodstream thus less insulin is converted into body fat.

Acupuncture is not a miracle cure for obesity. TCM physicians often stress that to achieve good weight loss results from your program and maintaining your weight, acupuncture treatment alone is not enough. To lose weight effectively and keep the fats off permanently, acupuncture treatment must be combined with healthy eating habits and regular exercises.

Before you start your acupuncture treatment, your Chinese physician will behaviour a medical examination on you by checking your pulse and examination of your tongue to ensure that you are suitable for acupuncture weight loss treatment. This is because TCM is a holistic branch of health care and do not just specifically target the ailment or medical complaint. So an investigation into other reasons why a patient is obese is necessary to solve the problem holistically.

If you want to lose weight naturally and without drugs, why not try TCM acupuncture for your weight loss program?

Friday, October 24, 2008

Instantly Quit Smoking With Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a highly effective quit smoking method for all, and specially for those people who had been unsuccessful with other methods to stop smoking. People who go for acupuncture treatments are usually keen on quit smoking beliefs. Although they have failed with all previous programs, this 3500 years old Chinese remedy promises quick relief from chronic smoking habits.

Acupuncture works most efficiently on human body to reduce chronic smoking habits

Acupuncture is based on the belief that “chi”, a fundamental energy force flows through 12 key channels around the body. Within these channels, there are at least 365 acupuncture points, which can sometimes get blocked preventing the smooth flow of vital energy, thereby leading to chronic habits. Acupuncture for stop stop smoking does not engage any “magic” acupuncture points. At least five needles are taken and inserted into the ear [particularly in the cartilage and not in the ear canal] and a few on the hands and wrists. With the needles pricked to your skin, you are left to relax for 30 to 45 minutes. These pricked needles provide significant effect on lessening cravings for smoking.

Treatments involved in acupuncture

To become a non-smoker, you have to follow a series of sessions. These sessions also focus on physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms occurring in the patient during the acupuncture treatments. While the needle-pricking treatments are going on you are also advised to experience treatments with herbs. You can apply a mixture of oil of cloves and wintergreen, extracts of evodia fruits and Sichuan lovage rhizomes in the acupuncture points to get faster stop smoking results.

Other advantages of acupuncture - tips on stopping smoking

Acupuncture tips on stopping smoking not only relieve you from permanent smoking cessation but also works advantageous for you. After the acupuncture series is over, even cigarettes taste foul. It takes a nasty burnt taste and you can thus proudly redefine yourself as a “non-smoker”. Acupuncture therapy for stop smoking also reduces side effects of nicotine withdrawals like depression, cravings and anxiety. While the body actually improves in blood circulation and de-congesting the lungs, you also start feeling truly optimistic.

Acupuncture is a definite method that helps you to quit smoking miraculously within a few days. Try it out to experience instant success even if you are a chronic nicotine-smoker.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

How Come Acupuncture Brings Perfect Results For All?

Acupuncture is the gentle insertion of extremely fine needles at specific points of the body. The theory behind acupuncture is that there are two thousand energy points on the body that are connected by twenty pathways [meridians] running throughout the length of the body. These pathways conduct flow of energy called “qi” or “chi”, meaning life force. Blockage of energy in any of these points can cause pain in the body. Acupuncture serves to clear any type of energy blockage in any of the pathways and thus reduce pain effectively.

Treatments offered by acupuncture schools

All the diseases prevalent in human body are the result of energy blockage in the pathways. So when these blockage points are removed, automatically you will be cured from all types of diseases. During an acupuncture treatment session performed by the acupuncture schools, almost one to twenty metallic needles are inserted into the body. While some of the needles rest on the surface of the skin, the others are inserted from one to several inches into the layers of fats. The needles are kept there in resting position for at least twenty to thirty minutes.

The acupuncturists to enhance the reduction in energy blockage often keep jiggling the needles. In certain instances like treating high blood force with acupuncture, electrified needles are used for fast and better cure. Often the practitioners also use an amount of burned herbs at the end of the needle to encourage negative energy to leave the body along with the smoke.

Acupuncture treatments for back pain, shoulder and neck pain

Atlanta schools of acupuncture follow some rigorous acupuncture techniques that promise sure results for all types of diseases. Back pain is a disease that can range from dull ache to a steady sharp pain that leaves people irritated. Even neck and shoulder pains can be equally disgusting as they continue to be acute and stop all your normal activities.

Acupressure is a wonderful remedy for back pain, neck and shoulder pain. The practitioner presses some acute points near the meridians of the body with the thumbs and fingertips to reduce pain. With the practical pressure the blocked energy starts flowing and all pains are reduced. Atlanta acupuncture for spinal injury is also effective as the blocked “chi” or energy in spinal chords gets released with application of acupressure and pains related to spinal injuries gets cured instantly.

Acupuncture treatments for smoking and skin diseases

Atlanta for stop-quit smoking is also effective, as permanent smokers have known to cease smoking completely with acupuncture. The treatment involves insertion of five needles into the ear [particularly in the cartilage and not in the ear canal] and a few on the hands and wrists. It also involves applying a mixture of oil of cloves and wintergreen extracts of Evodia fruits and Sichuan lovage rhizomes to quit smoking faster.

Acupuncture for acne, psoriasis and allergies are an effective treatment, as it reduces the diseases instantly. All these infections are autoimmune systems that occur due to inflammations in the blood vessels. So when the acupressure needles are pricked onto the skin, they are also manipulated through hands by rubbing the acupressure points or the ends of the needles are electrified to produce instant results.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

I appreciate the dread of needles. What most people are familiar with is the hypodermic needle of western medicine. They use it to draw blood or inject fluids, so they have to be void, and as a result are much bigger than our needles. Ours are solid, and much, much thinner. In fact, they are only about twice the thickness of hair. It's almost certainly more accurate to describe them as filaments, but needles are the usual word.

When I show them to new patients, and demonstrate how easily you can bend them, they say, "how can you make this go straight?" That's just one of the skills of the acupuncturist we learn in school. I actually was able to get through a leather shoe with a 34 gauge needle without bending it.

Most new patients are amazed how little they feel when the acupuncture needle is inserted. Sometimes they ask, "Did you put it in already?" If you feel anything, there may be a quick sharp sensation as it goes through the skin. Then there will be nothing at all, or a dull spreading sensation. This is call "big qi."
That dull spreading sensation isn't painful, but it can be strong depending on the situation or the needling technique. Some patients are very sensitive, so we don't needle as deeply on them.

A couple other sensations that we don't want are the shooting electric feeling if we hit a nerve, or the sharp feeling of being to close to a vein. Neither does much harm. The worst that happens is you get a small bruise in the area. We never get any residual effect from hitting a nerve. You should tell the acupuncturist if you feel the electric or sharp sensations, and they can change the location or direction of the needle. These are rather rare occurrences, though.

Basically, acupuncture is very comfortable, and what little temporary discomfort might occasionally occur is more than made up for by its relaxing and healing effects.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Do People Still Use Acupuncture?

Acupuncture - the most generally known alternative medicine treatment, has been the main technique of treatment in China for over 5000 years. Other countries are slowly catching on and are applying this technique, like China, for the treatment of almost all medical ailments known to mankind. Acupuncture treatment ranges from relieving hurt to giving anesthesia to patients. It is probably the best treatment known till this day without any side effects to our bodies.

People subsequent Chinese method of treatment, especially acupuncture, guarantees a long and healthy life. The older and probably one of the first few acupuncture transcripts was found back in 200 BC. The compilation of these medical transcripts forms the most inclusive medical text books used today.

Acupuncture senseless were introduced by Pien Chueh in the fourth century. He used stone acupuncture needles, moxibustion and herbs to bring a prince out of coma. The Chinese still celebrate this day every year on April 28th.

Acupuncture is basically a treatment that accelerates the body’s natural healing procedure and improves biological functioning. There are numerous nerve endings in our body. Acupuncture is the practice of stimulating these points via acupuncture needles and electric current in tremendous luggage. These nerve endings are also called acupuncture points.

Functionality and success of acupuncture is something not known to many people. In our body, many channels of energies flow in regular patterns. These channels like the river irrigate the muscles and tissues of our bodies. Any pain or disorder in our health influences these channels. Acupuncture regulates them back to their courses through needles. With the use of special herbs applied to the tips of needles, acupuncture stimulates the body when touched at the correct points. Any obstruction in the energy channels is then removed and the process starts again normally.

Acupuncture creates a remarkable biochemical balance in our body and stimulates the natural healing process of our body. This promotes physical and emotional well being.

Acupuncture is often associated with the treatment and relief of pain, however many experienced practitioners are capable of using acupuncture in a much wider area of health curing many other biological disorders. It treats all sorts of digestive, respiratory, urinary, neurological, muscular and reproductive malfunctions.

Acupuncture treatment is known in a number of sessions to the patients. The number of sessions depends upon the severity of the cause. The number of session may range from 1-2 per week for a few months or even over a number of months. One must keep in mind that acupuncture is a natural treatment and thus the effects are slow but long lasting. Patience and relaxation is the key to long term cure in acupuncture.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Arthritis Pain Relief with Acupuncture

Arthritis pain has never been easy to treat and arthritis symptoms have often been managed by the use of possibly toxic or unpalatable arthritis medication. Acupuncture can effect in powerful arthritis pain relief and it can provide an alternative arthritis remedy for many pain sufferers. Arthritis treatment by acupuncture is described below.
Arthritis pain relief with acupuncture - what is acupuncture?
Acupuncture has been used for arthritis pain relief in traditional Chinese medicine for many thousands of years. It has latelybecome a widely used technique in western medicine – both by doctors and others.
Acupuncture claims good results in the treatment of arthritis pain. Arthritis pain relief and joint pain relief are among the most common reasons for using acupuncture in Western countries. Many people who experience from osteoathritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, degenerative arthritis and gout seek pain relief from acupuncture – either alongside, or instead of, their arthritis medication or other arthritis treatment.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles into several points around the body. These acupuncture points are often near to the site of your arthritis pain and may be very tender to touch before the needle is inserted. Other acupuncture points used for arthritis pain release may be quite a way far-away from the affected joint – acupuncturists usually call these areas “distal points.” It depends on the exacting style of practice used by your acupuncturists but you should expect to have anything between two and twenty needles inserted each time you go for treatment
Most arthritis pain sufferers need from three to six treatment sessions before they start to get relief. The needles are extremely fine – not much wider than a human hair – and are often left in your skin for more than twenty minutes during a treatment session.
There is no way to forecast how much arthritis pain relief you will get from acupuncture – it really is a matter of try it and see what happens.
How is acupuncture used in arthritis pain relief?
Your first acupuncture sitting may last about an hour and subsequent appointments are often shorter in length. From two to twenty very thin needles are put in place and left there for several minutes. Having needles stuck in your body may not sound like fun but most people say there's only a slight stinging sense as the needles enter, and no pain at all after that. Your therapist may stimulate the needles by turning or rotating them quickly during your treatment session.
Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid with a smooth point and having them inserted may not be as uncomfortable as getting an immunisation having blood taken for a blood test. The number of sessions needed varies. Long-standing and composite chronic pain problems like arthritis might need one or two treatments a week for several months.
Most people do not experience side effects from acupuncture therapy but a few of us can have problems such as bleeding or infection. Some people who have never experienced acupuncture may feel dizzy after their first acupuncture treatment.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Acupuncture as an Effective Alternative Therapy for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic neurological disorder that generates a wide range of symptoms. Most people with fibromyalgia complain about recidivating muscular pain, rigidity of joints and a generalized state of body weakness. Although these manifestations may point to rheumatoid arthritis, clinical examinations can reveal any signs of physical damage in people with fibromyalgia.
Due to the fact that most medical treatments are unable to overcome fibromyalgia, the disorder is considered to be incurable. However, this belief is far from the truth. Although fibromyalgia is a serious disorder with a pronounced chronic character, there are actually effective means of treating it. Acupuncture has proved to be a very reliable form of therapy for fibromyalgia, providing symptomatic relief and preventing the recurrence of the disorder.
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that has been successfully used to treat various illnesses for thousands of years. This oriental therapy can relieve most of the symptoms generated by fibromyalgia in a relatively short period of time. Acupuncture can quickly restore physical and mental balance, improving the overall health of the people who follow this form of therapy.
Acupuncture can rapidly ease fibromyalgia pain and fatigue. This form of alternative therapy uses needles to rouse various nervous centers of the body. In Oriental medicine, it is believed that the internal activity of the organism can be influenced by activating certain points on the body. These points are referred to as “acupuncture points” or “acupoints”. Therapists use acupuncture needles to activate specific acupoints on the body, correcting the activity of the entire organism simply by stimulating the nervous system.
This ancient Chinese practice is very benefic for people affected by fibromyalgia. Acupuncture inhibits fibromyalgia pain by stopping pain impulses from reaching the brain. This form of therapy can also regulate the body’s production of hormones, increasing the levels of serotonin, endorphins and encephalin, which have a very important role in relieving pain. Acupuncture can also improve the blood flow, restoring muscular tonus. Furthermore, acupuncture can help people with fibromyalgia relax, inducing them a state of comfort and wellbeing.
The majority of people affected by fibromyalgia admit that they have experienced an amelioration of their symptoms after only a few sessions of acupuncture. The first symptoms that can be relieved with the means of acupuncture are muscular pain and weakness, rigidity of the joints, and fatigue. After a month of ongoing therapy, acupuncture can also reduce stress, depression and mental confusion.
Chinese therapists claim that acupuncture works on multiple levels, healing the body, mind and spirit altogether, helping people re-achieve their balance. Oriental therapists also state that acupuncture stimulates and increases the vital “chi” energy, improving the overall health of the organism.
Acupuncture is very benefic to people with fibromyalgia and it can quickly alleviate their symptoms. In present, this form of therapy is probably the most effective means of overcoming the disorder.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Acupuncture and Headaches - How Can Acupuncture Provide Headache Relief?

A headache is one ordinary problem suffered by millions of people crossways the globe. A research has proved that about more than 45 million people in the United States suffer from chronic headaches and unluckily, 28 million people experience from stern migraines.
To get worse the scenario, about 4 per cent of adults suffer from headache on a daily basis. This is a bad news, but this bitter truth has to be swallowed because, one cannot run away anywhere from this inevitable problem.
Sometimes, the headaches take such a severe shape that people are forced to take pain killers. However, these provide only temporary relief. Sometimes these pain relieving medications leave many side effects to the patients.
The treatments option known as acupuncture has emerged as a boon to people who are suffering from frequent headaches. Even chronic headaches can be treated successfully with acupuncture without having to worry about any of the side effects. The efficiency of acupuncture is such that it has reduced the use of medication in almost all the places across the globe.
According to a study conducted by the University of North Carolina School of medicine showed that acupuncture when combined with management of medical science has a tendency to enhance the quality of life in most people who suffer from chronic headaches.
Acupuncture works good where medical management fails. The medical science based in China believes that one of the primary causes of headache is the blockage in the smooth flow of Qi energy and blood.
The acupuncture treatments primarily focus on eliminating this obstruction. It may also require needling of the site of pain in conjunction with other related energy channels.
The duration and frequency of the acupuncture treatment will depend on the response of the patient towards the treatment provided.


One can also drink some sort of Chinese herbal formulae along with this treatment.
In order to manage and reduce the frequency and severity of headaches, one requires to do the following:
a) Manage stress
b) Minimize the consumption of caffeine
c) Eating a balanced diet
d) Staying away from fried and greasy foods
e) Limiting the intake of soups
If you are suffering from recurrent headache, you must follow the instruction given by your health care professionals.
Make sure that the acupuncturist that you appoint for yourself is well experienced in the field and had a lot of satisfied clients.
Acupuncture can be referred to as an effective treatment modality. The treatment option has to be applied to headaches starting from the earliest of TCT.
Acupuncture can show effective in a lot of headache treatment such as migraines, cervicogenic headache and cluster headaches.
Acupuncture works towards relaxing the muscles that become really tense during the times of stress. It also works towards restoring the correct balance of chemicals as these abnormal levels be apt to headache.
The best fraction is that migraine suffers can get amazing relief via the process of acupuncture. Make sure that the acupuncturists you appoint is well experience and reputed.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Acupuncture and Depression - What is the Connection?

Acupuncture can heal depression. Acupuncture is an ancient healing system that took birth in China and prevailed for many years. This technique has been create really helpful and effective in various types of health conditions. It is believed that the art is almost two thousand years old.
In earlier days, acupuncture was not widely accepted. However, today, it has become a great method when it comes to treating depression.
Depression is a type of mental disorder and it is also affecting a lot of people all across the globe. In the US, about 7% of the whole population has experienced depression at some point in their lives.
There are several consequences one may require to face due to depression. This condition tends to affect the social as well as personal life of a person.
The main step towards treating depression is via identifying the specific points in the body that triggers depression. Now, if you are considering acupuncture as a treatment, it is very important to seek it from an knowledgeable and well known acupuncturist.
In case, your acupuncturist is not qualified in his field of practice, you would end up suffering from various health problems. Never ever make any compromise when it comes to your health.
The treatment of Acupuncture is based on the basic and widely known fact that two opposing forces are present inside the human body.
One of the forces is the active masculine force. It is known as Yang. The other force is the passive and feminine force known as Yin. In order to function in a normal manner, the human body requires to possess a perfect balance between Yang and Yin. In case, there is an imbalance, the human health suffers from various conditions.
The result derived from the treatment of acupuncture for depression depends on each individual. These results tend to vary from one person to the other.
Now, this can be due to various conditions. Certain conditions can put an impact immediately after the treatment process. These include the following:
a) The lifestyle of the individual
b) Diet pattern on a daily basis
c) Different habits of the individual
d) Actual extent of the situations.
e) Severity of the condition
Most public tend to stop attractive the treatment as soon as they see some improvement in their condition. However, this should not be the case. Make sure that you undergo the actual and complete course of the treatment. Never ever leave the course of treatment mid way.
Acupuncture can be very effective in treating depression if done in a true manner and taken the full reason of the treatment. Another important thing to notice is to take this treatment only from a professional who has a good experience in this field and has a good reputation among his clients.
There are many compensations of going for acupuncture as a treatment for depression.
One of the main benefits is that there is no side effect.

Monday, October 6, 2008

Acupuncture And Chinese Medicine

Chinese medicine, often identified as Oriental medicine or traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), encompasses a vast array of folk medical practices based on mysticism.



It holds the belief that the body’s vital energy (Qi) circulates in the body through channels known as meridians, with branches connected to bodily organs and functions. A disruption or imbalance of the Qi leads to illness. Ancient remedies such as Qigong, use of herbs and acupuncture are believed to restore the balance of the Qi.
Traditional acupuncture as practiced in China for more than 2,500 years is one of the vital components of the Chinese medicine system.



It involves the insertion of stainless steel needles into various body areas, along with a low-frequency current to the needles to produce greater stimulation. Other Chinese practices used separately or in blend with acupuncture are: moxibustion (burning of floss or herbs practical to the skin); injection of sterile water, procaine, morphine, vitamins, or homeopathic solutions through the inserted needles; applications of laser beams (laserpuncture); assignment of needles in the external ear (auriculotherapy); and acupressure (use of manual pressure). The acupuncture treatment is applied to "acupuncture points," located throughout the body.

These acupuncture points as believed by today’s acupuncturists number more than 2,000.
For 40 years, the acupuncture system has gained popularity and has been widely accepted as an alternative medicine in both developed and developing counties.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Acupuncture: A benefit to the well Individual?

Before we begin a discussion about the benefits of acupuncture, let's talk about the origins of acupuncture. It was first used in China over 2000 years ago, and is one of the oldest medical procedures in the world. It is a family of procedures that stimulates the anatomy of the body and helps to balance the energy flow throughout the body. It is this kind of acupuncture that is practiced in the United Sates today, through the use of tiny, metallic needles placed in affected areas and manipulated by hand or by electrical stimulation. Acupuncture is the basic foundation for Traditional Chinese Medicine and is based on the belief that there are two opposing and inseparable forces within our body. They are known as the Yin and Yang of the entire person. The Yin is representative of the cold, slow, or passive principle, and yang represents the hot, excited or active principle. A healthy state is achieved by maintaining a balance state of the yin and yang. This is done through vital pathways or meridians that allow for the flow of qi, or vital energy. The vital energy flow occurs along pathways identified as meridians.
These meridians connect over 2,000 acupuncture points along the body. There are 12 main meridians, and 8 secondary meridians. Although traditional western medicine does not completely understand how acupuncture works, the proof that it does work has been shown in several studies conducted by western medical facilities.
Now, let's move to the question of does it work? According to the National Institute of Health, the answer would be yes. Acupuncture has been shown to be effectual in many areas of health care. Areas such as postoperative nausea, chemotherapy side effects, osteoarthritis, low-back pain, headache, menstrual cramps, addiction, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma, just to name a few. The study revealed that acupuncture was able to provide pain relief, improve function and mobility of joints due to arthritis inflammation, and served to complement standard care. Although there are many who would doubt the effectiveness of acupuncture, once they are a patient, they are believers. It has been proposed that acupuncture works and produces its effects through adaptable the nervous system. The theory proposes that since acupuncture produces its effect through regulation of the nervous system, it induces the release of endorphins and immune system cells at specific sites on the body. There is also the theory that acupuncture alters the brain chemistry by the changing the neurotransmitters in the brain. Without doubt acupuncture was a benefit in the study, and as a patient myself, I can vouch for the wonderful effect it has had on my back. Although acupuncture is classified as an alternative medicine therapy, and there is still much to be understood about the way it works, it is a proven aid in maintaining optimal health. But what about the well individual, can acupuncture provide a benefit to them? Absolutely. Because acupuncture works off the belief that we must maintain balance of our vital energy flow in order to remain healthy, acupuncture serves as the tool for realignment. Our vital energy flow can be out of balance, and we still feel and appear quite healthy. It is in this capacity that acupuncture serves as a sort of preventive medicine. Checking and balancing the flow of energy on the meridian points in your body is like your car receiving a tune-up before it is in need of a repair.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Acupuncture - A Benefit?

To preface discussion about the benefits of acupuncture, lets talk about what acupuncture is. First used in China more than 2000 years ago, and is one of the oldest medical procedures known to man. It is a family of measures that stimulates the anatomy of the body and helps to balance the energy flow throughout the body. It is the same type of acupuncture that is practiced in the United Sates today, through the use of tiny, metallic needles placed in affected areas and manipulated by hand or by electrical stimulation.

Acupuncture is the foundation for Traditional Chinese Medicine and is based on the belief that there are two opposing and forces in our body. They are known as the Yin and Yang of the entire person. The Yin is representative of the cold, slow, or passive principle, and Yang represents the hot, excited or active principle. A healthy state is achieved by maintaining a balance state of the yin and yang.



This is done through vital pathways or meridians that allow for the flow of qi, or vital energy. The vital energy pour occurs along pathways known as meridians. These meridians connect over 2,000 acupuncture points along the body. There are 12 main meridians, and 8 secondary meridians. Although traditional western medicine does not completely understand how acupuncture works, the proof that it does work has been shown in several studies conducted by western medical facilities. Does it work? According to the National Institute of Health, the answer is absolutely yes. Acupuncture has been exposed to be effective in many areas of health care. Areas such as postoperative nausea, chemotherapy side effects, osteoarthritis, low back pain, headache, menstrual cramps, addiction, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma, just to name a few. The study revealed that acupuncture was able to provide pain relief, improve function and mobility of joints due to arthritis inflammation, and served to complement standard care.

There are many who doubt the effectiveness of acupuncture, although once they become patients, they become believers. It has been suggested that acupuncture works and produces its effects through regulating the nervous system. The theory suggests that since acupuncture produces its effect through regulation of the nervous system, it induces the release of endorphins and immune system cells at specific sites on the body. There is also the theory that acupuncture alters the brain chemistry by the changing the neurotransmitters in the brain. There is no doubt acupuncture was beneficial in the study.Although acupuncture is classified as an alternative medicine therapy, and there is still much to be understood about the way it works, it is a proven aid in maintaining optimal health.

What about the healthy individual, can acupuncture provide a benefit to them?Absolutely.Because acupuncture works off the belief that we must maintain balance of our vital energy flow in order to remain healthy, acupuncture serves as the tool for realignment.Our vital energy flow can be out of balance, and we still feel and appear quite healthy.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Acupuncture - What's The Point?

Acupuncture is an ancient form of natural Chinese remedial. It continues to be practiced in modern times in countries all around the globe to treat a wide variety of conditions and illnesses.

Acupuncture involves using extremely thin long needles, often described as ‘hair thin’.
These needles are inserted in various points on the body to simulate the body’s own healing abilities.

Below are five of the common reasons that acupuncture is used today:

Acupuncture Controls Allergies

Allergic reactions occur when the immune system reacts to a substance that is normally harmless to most people. These substances can be environmental such as pollen and dust, or they can be from foods such as mild, peanuts, or shellfish. Allergies can source mild reactions such as tickly, watery eyes and liquid nose. Sometimes, more severe reactions occur as a result of an allergic reaction and these can be kidney failure, heart palpitations, depression, and joint pain. Acupuncture helps to detoxify the body so the immune system can be strengthened to the point that allergic reactions no longer arise.
Acupuncture Strengthens The Immune System
Studies have shown that acupuncture improves the body's natural resistance to disease and infection by strengthening the immune system. Acupuncture increases the level of white blood cells as well as alpha, beta, and gamma globulins. Gamma globulin helps the body produce immune antibodies and alpha and beta globulin aid the white blood cells in fighting infection.

Acupuncture Provides Pain Relief
Acupuncture triggers the release of the body's feel good chemicals, the endorphins. An increase in the level of endorphins helps to alleviate pain. Acupuncture further helps to provide pain relief by balancing the nerve impulses along the central nervous system.

Acupuncture Assists in Drug Recovery
Chemical dependency can be treated with acupuncture by helping to reduce the withdrawal symptoms from drugs and alcohol. Acupuncture helps to reduce cravings, relieves anxiety, and usually helps people relax.







Acupuncture is used extensively in drug recovery due to these desirable benefits.

Acupuncture Relieves Stress

Traditional Chinese medicine teaches that stress is related to liver imbalance, so therefore the treatment for stress is using acupuncture to restore the energy balance in the liver. Once this is done, the muscles relax and the patient is stress free. Stress can guide to many serious life threatening diseases, so alleviating stress is an important benefit of having an acupuncture treatment.

The five reasons above are just a few of the many indications for using acupuncture. If you have a chronic condition, you should consider this alternative treatment.

Monday, September 29, 2008

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the components of the health care system evolved in China at least 2,500 years ago. Acupuncture literally means “needle piercing” - the practice of inserting very fine needles into the skin to motivate specific anatomic points in the body (known as acupoints or acupuncture points) for therapeutic purposes.
The general theory of acupuncture is based on the assumption that there are patterns of energy flow (Qi) through the body that are essential for health. The turbulence or disruptions in this flow are responsible for health diseases. Acupuncture, as theorized, is meant to correct the imbalances of flow at identifiable points close to the skin.
Acupuncture involves stimulating. Apart from the usual technique of puncturing the skin with the well needles, the practitioners of acupuncture also use heat, pressure, friction, suction, or impulses of electromagnetic energy to stimulate the points. The use of acupuncture to treat diseases in American medicine was quite rare until President Nixon visited China in 1972. This effectively opened the door from East to West, connecting America to the Orient. Acupuncture has since come out as a strong substitute or increase for contemporary medical treatment methods.
To really know how acupuncture works, it is necessary to become familiar with the basics of Chinese philosophy that underlines the real meaning of the theory of acupuncture. The way it has gained popularity in the developing and developed countries in the past forty years, it may ultimately prove to be a very important vehicle for maintaining good health and well-being.