Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used alternative medicine procedures in the world, originating in China more than 2,000 years ago.
Acupuncture involves the stimulation of anatomical points on the body by penetrating the skin with thin, metallic needles.

It is based on the belief that energy, called Qi (pronounced "chee") moves through the body in specific paths. These paths are called meridians. When a needle is put into the meridian that runs to the area where you have pain it blocks the meridian which stops or decreases the pain.

During the treatment, the skin is first sterilized with alcohol. Then the thin, disposable needles are inserted to a depth of approximately 3-5 mm. Most patients report a pleasurable "tingling" sensation and feeling of relaxation while the needles are in place. The needles are retained for 15-20 minutes while the patient rests, and then are removed.


Acupuncture is often used for the following conditions, of which are also included in the World Health Organization list of acupuncture indications...

  • Acute and chronic pain control
  • Headache, vertigo, tinnitus
  • Arthritis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain
  • Posttraumatic and postoperative ileus
  • Muscle spasms, tremors, tics, contractures
  • Certain functional gastrointestinal disorders (nausea and vomiting, esophageal spasm, hyperacidity, irritable bowel)
  • Urinary incontinence, retention
  • Persistent hiccups
  • Anxiety, fright, panic
  • Drug detoxification
For more information...

Acupuncture Resources


Acupuncture.com

The Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Association of Canada

Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute





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REFERENCES

Health Touch Online. (2007). Non-pharmacolocial pain management therapies for adults.
Retrieved February 3, 2007, from http://www.healthtouch.com/bin/EContent_HT/cnoteShowLfts.asp?fname=02345&title=NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL+PAIN+MANAGEMENT+THERAPIES+FOR +ADULTS+&cid=HTHLTH.
Wikipedia. (2007). Acupuncture. Retrieved February 3, 2007, from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acupuncture.