Acupuncture and More

The two philosophies, particularly Taoism, emphasized the importance of understanding the laws of nature and for humans to integrate and abide by these laws rather than resist them. The human body was regarded as a microcosmic reflection of the macrocosm of the universe [1]. The goal of the clinician was to maintain the body’s harmonious balance both internally and in relation to the external environment. Not only can acupuncture help treat the common cold and stomach viruses, according to the World Health Organization, it is helpful for a wide variety of problems including mental and emotional stress, cancer, skin diseases, neurological disorders, dentistry, infections, childbirth, and gout to name a few.

In general, local contraindications to acupuncture include active infection at insertion sites as well as malignancy at such sites, since there is a theoretical risk of causing metastatic dispersal of tumor cells [92].

Electroacupuncture should generally be avoided in patients with an automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD) or pacemaker [93]. Any disruption of the skin should be avoided in patients with severe neutropenia as seen after myelosuppressive chemotherapy.

Another important point is not go in on an empty stomach. It isn’t necessary to have a full meal, but at least a snack can help your body have enough energy to maximize the treatment’s potential. Receiving acupuncture on an empty stomach may lead to lightheadedness, dizziness or even fainting.

According to traditional medicine, The tone and pulse is vital to human appearance and function. You may be asked to show your tongue, have your pulse taken.

Acupuncturists are interested in the state of your internal organs, and using these methods they can determine the best treatment for you. Also, just like reflexology on the hands and feet, different areas of the tongue, radial pulse and abdomen correspond to different organ systems of the body.

Acupuncture needles are nearly always thinner than the intravenous catheters or phlebotomy needles routinely administered in hospitals. Once needles are inserted, they are often left for 10 to 15 minutes while the patient lies relaxed. Needles are removed at the end of the session. Treatments occur one to two times a week and the total number of sessions is variable, depending on the condition, disease severity, and chronicity.

Though needles may be their main tool, most acupuncturists have learned a variety of other therapies falling under the label of “Chinese Medicine” such as acupressure (pressure instead of needles over acupuncture points), Tuina (massage), Guasha (scraping of the skin), cupping (suction of the skin), Moxibustion (heating of the skin), Chinese herbs or Qi Gong (energy healing). Depending on their training, your diagnosis, and your comfort level, you may get more than just needles at your visit.

Multiple physiologic models have been proposed to explain the effects of acupuncture; For example, endorphins — The most thoroughly studied application of acupuncture is for pain relief. Studies performed in the 1970s and 1980s have contributed tremendously to our present understanding of acupuncture’s analgesic effects. According to this theory, acupuncture stimulation is associated with neurotransmitter effects such as endorphin release at both the spinal and supraspinal levels.