Acupuncture - An Effective Alternative Treatment

Acupuncture, does the mere mention of this word send you squirming? For many, it does. But this simple procedure is in fact painless, and can be highly effective in the treatment of many conditions. So just what is acupuncture? Acupuncture was first used in China more than 2000 years ago. It belongs to a group of alternative methods, which are used to balance the flow of energies in the body. These energies are often referred to as Life Force, or Chi. The balance and stimulation of this energy is accomplished through the use of very tiny metal needles that are inserted into specific points on the body and alters or modifies the flow of Chi, which flows through your body along pathways.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is built around a belief that there are two distinct forces of energy that flow through our bodies. These opposing energies are known as Yin and Yang Energies. A healthy condition is achieved and maintained when these two opposing forms of energies are in balance.

The Chi energy flows through the body along pathways called meridians. There are 12 main meridians, and 8 secondary meridians in the body. Along these meridians are more than 2,000 acupuncture points. Using these acupuncture points, needles are inserted causing re-direction, interruption, or change of flow of the Chi energy. The condition being treated determines the points that will be used. Acupuncture treats the root cause of the condition and not the effects of a condition.

Although Western Medicine does not fully understand just how acupuncture works, the National Institute Of Health says it defiantly does work. Studies have shown acupuncture to he highly effective in the treatment of many conditions. Post-operative nausea, chemotherapy side effects, headaches, carpal tunnel, asthma, back pain and menstrual cramping are just a few of the conditions these studies have shown acupuncture to be very effective in treating. The treatment of joint pain, and arthritic pain also are well served by using acupuncture.

Though many remain skeptical, the proven effects are backed up by study. Several theories exist in the Western world as to just how it works, ranging from the release of endorphins to altering the chemicals released by the body, but it is a excellent alternative or complimentary treatment to Western Medicine and standard treatments. And despite the fact that it uses needles, the size of the needle and the location of the acupuncture points allow this to be accomplished in a pain free manor, and the added benefit of being drug free is also very appealing to many.