Introduction to Acupuncture
China began the practice of early forms of acupuncture more than 2,000 years ago. This form of medicine is on record, one of the oldest in the book. In interest and safety it would be a good idea to find a licensed practitioner of this medicine. Just like other forms of medicine, there are risks involved. However, there are no negative side effects noted thus far. Even though the treatment was originally from China, it is gaining rapid popularity in western society.
Acupuncture is basically a treatment where a trained professional sticks incredibly slender needles into particular points in the body along predetermined pressure point paths. The treatment can be applied by either insertion of needles by hand, or with machines. The needles themselves have been approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration and deemed absolutely safe for medical application.
The needles are made of non toxic metal and they are sterilized. The packages come in single use applications for the sole use of a trained and authorized medical physicist. The reports of complications caused by the procedure to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are very few and far between. The needles are rarely inserted past the lower epidermis, or skin tissue and the area is thoroughly disinfected beforehand. It is very rare for the treatments to go wrong and the needles to puncture organs or cause infections.
Medical specialists in this field may include doctors who already have degrees in other medical treatments or ones that hold only a degree in this particular field. Those who seem to be increasingly interested in adding this form of treatment along with their own degree include chiropractors, naturopathy doctors, holistic medical doctors, anesthesiologists, physicians, neurologists, just to name a few. The doctor should require a health screening and health check up prior to your treatment. They also need to know your present health history, symptoms and illnesses, as well as medications and allergies.
Acupuncture works to stimulate the nervous system, through direct puncture of the nerve and surrounding tissues. It is a relatively painless procedure and many claim that they actually don't even feel anything at all. It works by stimulating blood flow, nerve function, lymphatic drainage, and release of hormones. It is also claimed to alter the brain chemistry over time by stimulating positive changes within the body. It does all of this through nerve stimulation. Once neurotransmitters are stimulated and engaged with the aid of the needles, then the blood pressure, body temperature, and blood flow stabilize and normalize.
The therapy seems to work miraculously and its effects are increased by massage therapy. Those who have been treated report a significant reduction of symptoms and an overall increase in health. Others claim that they are completely symptoms free. Acupuncture has been approved and is generally used for treatment of diseases, disabilities, chemotherapy effects, vomiting, nausea, allergies, pain relief, carpal tunnel syndrome stroke rehabilitation, PMS, tennis elbow, myofacial pain, headaches, arthritis, asthma, low back pain, digestive issues, weight loss, weight gain, and to stimulate healing after injuries.
The effects are reported to be long lasting and even permanent. The results vary with the individual more so that with the particular treatment. The duration and intensity of treatments is based on the doctor, the patient, and the goal of the treatment. One of the most lasting effects of the treatment is the feeling of calmness and relaxation that comes over the patient during and after treatment. It is something like sedation without the effects of dizziness and vomiting. Acupuncture works wonders both in conjunction with other treatments or for conditions which no other treatments may have been successful.