Posted: Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Acupuncture is an ancient medical art which has been practiced for over 5000 years. It involves the insertion of very fine needles, occasionally in combination with electrical stimulation, on the body surface in order to influence the flow of QI throughout the body. Heat may also be used along with acupuncture by burning herbs. This technique is called Moxibustion. Finally, a non-invasive method of massage therapy, known as acupressure, can also be utilized in addition to the insertion of needles.

The father of Chinese medicine, Shen Nung, proposed that the human body had an energy force flowing throughout it. This is known as QI. All essential life activities including the spiritual, emotion, physical and mental aspects of life are contained within QI. The universal forces of Yin and Yang, along with the flow of QI in the body influence an individual’s health. Illness may occur when the flow of QI is insufficient, blocked or unbalanced.

The Channels along which the QI travels are known as “Meridians” or (Channels). These Meridians or Channels are paired and run along both sides of the body. At the point where the Meridians reach the surface of the skin are specific acupuncture points. These can be made accessible, either by the insertion of needles, Moxibustion or acupressure.

QI is made up of two parts, Yin and Yang. They are opposite forces which work together when balanced. If there is an even circulation of QI, then there is a balance between Yin and Yang. Yin and Yang are thrown out of balance when the energy flowing to the Meridians or Channels becomes blocked, excessive, deficient or unbalanced.

There are many theories as to how acupuncture works. It is known to raise the levels of specific hormones, antibody levels and endorphins – which is a natural pain reliever.

The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture for the treatment of:

1. Digestive Disorders
2. Respiratory Disorders
3. Neurological and Musculoskeletal Disorders
4. Urinary, Menstrual and Reproductive Problems.

Medical Acupuncture as opposed to Acupuncture is a term used to describe acupuncture performed by a medical doctor trained and licensed in Western Medicine, who has also had specific training in acupuncture as specialty practice. A medical acupuncturist can use one and/or the other approach to treat an illness.

The advantage of medical acupuncture is that there are usually no side effects to the treatment. On occasion, the symptoms may worsen for a few days and there may also be changes in sleep, emotion states or appetite temporarily. If such symptoms occur, they are transient in nature and usually resolve with rest.

I commonly use medical acupuncture in my practice to promote natural healing and to improve function. I enjoyed my medical acupuncture training at the UCLA School of Medicine. The program at the UCLA School of Medicine is runs by Dr. Joseph Helms, the father of medical acupuncture.

Sources are: acupuncture.com and the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture.