| |
 |
|
|
|
|
 HISTORY
OF ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is a component of the health care system of
China and can be traced back for at least 2,500 years.
The general theory of acupuncture is based on the premise
that there are patterns of energy flow (Qi) through the
body that are essential for health. Disruptions of this
flow are believed to be responsible for disease. The acupuncturist
can correct imbalances of flow at identifiable points
close to the skin.
Since President
Nixon’s visit to China in 1972, there has been
an explosion of interest in acupuncture within the United
States and the treatment has been used by millions of
Americans for relief of pain and for a variety of health
conditions.
After reviewing the existing body of knowledge, the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently removed acupuncture
needles from the category of "experimental medical
devices" and now regulates them just as it does
other devices, such as surgical scalpels and hypodermic
syringes, under good manufacturing practices and single-use
standards of sterility.
Over the
years, the National Institute of health (NIH) has funded
a number of research projects on acupuncture, including
studies on the mechanisms by which acupuncture may produce
its effects, as well as clinical trials. There is a
considerable body of international literature on acupuncture,
and the World Health Organization lists a variety of
medical conditions that may benefit from the use of
acupuncture or moxibustion, including: prevention and
treatment of nausea and vomiting; treatment of pain
and addiction to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs; treatment
of pulmonary problems such as asthma and bronchitis;
and rehabilitation from neurological damage, such as
that caused by strokes.
|
THE
MECHANISM
Acupuncture describes a family of procedures involving
stimulation of anatomical locations on the skin
by a variety of techniques. The most used technique
employs penetration of the skin by thin, solid,
metallic needles, which are manipulated manually
or by electrical stimulation.
Stimulation of the same areas by moxibustion, pressure,
heat, and lasers is also used in acupuncture practice.
There are different approaches to diagnosis and
treatment in medical traditions from China, Japan,
Korea, and other countries.
Many
studies in animals and humans have demonstrated
that acupuncture can cause multiple biological responses.
These responses can occur locally, i.e. at or close
to the site of application, or at a distance, mediated
mainly by sensory neurons to structures within the
central nervous system.
This can lead to activation of pathways affecting
various physiological systems in the brain an elsewhere
in the body. A focus of attention has been the role
of endogenous opioids in acupuncture analgesia.
Considerable evidence supports the claim that opioid
peptides are released during acupuncture and that
the analgesic effects of acupuncture are partially
explained by their actions.
Stimulation by acupuncture may also activate the
hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, resulting
in a broad spectrum of systemic effects. Alteration
in the secretion of neurotransmitters and neurohormones
and changes in the regulation of blood flow, both
centrally and peripherally, have been documented.
There is also evidence that there are alterations
in immune functions produced by acupuncture. Which
of these and other physiological changes mediate
clinical effects is at present unclear.
|
|
A
WIDE SPECTRUM OF APPLICATION
Acupuncture is used for almost any type of illness
in China. In the U.S., the practice of acupuncture
is usually limited to pain control because of its
significant analgesic effect.
With an understanding of its neuro-hormonal-immunological
effect, the use of acupuncture has been expanded to
many different areas, such as musculo-skeletal pain,
allergy, asthma, hypertension, anxiety, insomnia,
depression, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, viral
infection, rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, functional menstrual
disorder, fibromyalgia, palpitation, headache, and
vertigo.
Combined with Chinese herbal treatment and other preventive
methods, acupuncture can also be used to improve conditions
in many chronic illnesses, such as diabetes mellitus,
peptic ulcer disease, and coronary artery disease.
Similar treatment methods have proven valuable in
stabilizing the condition of HIV+ and cancer patients.
In 700 clinics worldwide, acupuncture has been applied
to treat substance abuse or addiction with good results.
SAFETY
Complications of acupuncture treatment have been documented
to be extremely low. Vital organs should be avoided
in treatment. Since disposable needles are recommended,
transmissions of infectious diseases are rare.
Vasovagal reflex from needle insertion may occur in
some people. During pregnancy, some sensitive acupuncture
points should be avoided. Basically, when properly
administered by qualified personnel, acupuncture is
safe. Malpractice insurance companies usually consider
this a low risk procedure.
Click here to return to our
services page |
|
|
|
|
