Acupuncture is a alternative healing modality that encourages the body to promote natural healing and functionality. Thought to have originated in China different styles of acupuncture are practiced today, such as Chinese, Japanese, Tibetan and Korean. Acupuncture from Latin "acus"means "needle" and "pungere" means "prick", so it literally means "needle piercing". It is the art of inserting and manipulating very fine needles into precise acupuncture points on the body surface in order to influence the physiological functioning of the body. Along with this practice the practitioners may use pressure, heat produced by the burning of specific herbs (Moxibustion), suction, electromagnetic energy, or manipulation of the needle to stimulate the points. Acupuncturists may use a variety of needles that vary in length, width, and shape. Typically patients feel anything from no pain to a very minor discomfort. Some people get energized from the treatment, while others find it extremely relaxing. The needles are used one time only then disposed of properly in accordance with the medical bio-hazard guidelines. Things to consider when choosing an acupuncture clinic would be their qualifications, education, length of practice, experience, continuing education, preferred style, referrals from other health care professionals, referrals from people you know, cost, and insurance coverage. By all means ask questions!
History of Acupuncture
Information on the origins of Acupuncture, like most ancient therapies, are uncertain. It is hypothesized that the beginnings of acupuncture could reach as far back as the Old Stone Age in China (over 10,000 years ago). During this time knives were made from stone and used for certain medical procedures. The New Stone Age (approximately 10,000 - 4,000 years ago) sharp needle like rocks called Bian Stone where used to treat diseases. Evidence of these stone needles where found in excavations of Chinese ruins dating back to this time period. The earliest Chinese text describing Acupuncture is the Nei Jing (The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine) compiled around 305-204 B.C. and consist of two parts. The first part called the Su Wen (Plain Questions) deals with subject matter like anatomy, physiology, pathology, prevention and treatment. The second part called the Ling Shu ( Miraculous Pivot, Spiritual Axis) deals mainly with Acupuncture. It describes the acupuncture meridians, nine types of needles, the location of one hundred and sixty acupuncture points, a variety of techniques, and different types of Chi (Qi) energy. As recent as one hundred years before Christ, discoveries revealed the use of Bronze, Silver, and Gold needles.
Acupuncture experienced much growth during the Sui and Tang Dynasties (581-907 A.D.). It was during this time that practitioners were called Acupuncturists, schools appeared and it became a special branch of medicine. Later during the Song Dynasty (950-1270 A.D.) the well known physician Wang Weiyi wrote a book describing six hundred and fifty seven acupuncture points and cast two bronze statues engraved with meridians and points that were used for teaching. However, it was the Ming Dynasty (1566-1644 A.D.) that is credited with the real advancement of Acupuncture. Many developments took place during this enlighten period such as: refinements of techniques, revisions of manuals, the accomplishment of an one hundred and twenty volume encyclopedia (Principle and Practiceof Medicine written by the physician Wang Gendung), the development of the Moxa sticks and the introduction of Acupuncture into Europe.
The early Chinese Communist Party suppressed Classical forms of Chinese Medicine, declaring them as superstitious and irrational. Acupuncture was among those modalities that no longer seemed to fit with the Party’s vision. It wasn’t until later that Chairman Mao declared Chinese Medicine to be a "great treasure house and efforts should be made to explore them and raise them to higher level." Information about the theories and practices of Chinese medicine were then collected and studied. From this effort Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was created as a formalized system. In 1950 Chairman Mao officially united Traditional Chinese Medicine with Western Medicine, and acupuncture became established in many hospitals. Today acupuncture continues to play an important role in China's medical system and China has taken the lead in researching all aspects of acupuncture's clinical effects. However, the introduction of acupuncture into America was through non TCM practitioners such as Chinese railroad workers and remained relatively quiet until the 1970's. Acupuncture became well known after reports revealed that patients in China were receiving major surgery using acupuncture as their sole form of anesthesia. Still it was only recently, in the last 10 years or so that most Americans began to accept Acupuncture as a natural viable healing modality.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
There has been a great deal of research designed to answer this question, yet no clear and simple explanation has emerged. However, there are a variety of theories that attempt to explain the mechanism of acupuncture. The classical Chinese explanation says the body consist of channels of energy running throughout it called meridians. These meridians are like rivers flowing through the body which energize, irrigate and nourish the tissues. Each meridian is related to and named after an organ or function but not directly associated with them. The twelve main meridians are the lung, kidney, gallbladder, stomach, spleen, heart, urinary bladder, small intestines, large intestines, liver, triple heater, and pericardium. The meridians are the same on both sides of the body (paired). There are an additional eight channels that are considered to be reservoirs supplying energy and blood to the main twelve ones. Along these channels are specific locations (majoracupuncture points) where the meridians come close to the surface of the skin and are easily accessible. Historically these points were believed to be holes that allowed entry into the channels providing gateways to influence the body’s vital energy (Qi) by "needling", Moxibustion, or pressure
Everything is comprised of Qi (Chi), pronounced "Chee," including all matter right down to the atom and molecule. Qi is referred to as the natural energy of the universe which enables us to do all things. According to the Chinese healing model, health is optimized when the body's Qi is freely flowing. When it becomes blocked, stagnated, or weakened we begin to experience pain, disease and other physical problems. Imbalances can occur from a variety of reasons such as emotional causes like excess anger, over-excitement, self-pity, grief, fear, or stress. It can be environmental factors such as cold, humidity, wind, dampness, dryness, work related, life styles, or diet. Qi is prevalent throughout nature as well and is expressed in two parts (Yin and Yang). The meaning of Yin and Yang are expressed in opposite forces working together to create harmony and balance (as seen in its symbol). When these forces are unbalanced as described above we see problems and disease in humans. Yin is described by female attributes passive, dark, cold, moist and Yang by the male attributes of light, warm, active, and dry. Therefore, Chinese Yin and Yang are opposites that make the whole, nothing being completely one or the other. Everything and everybody consists of varying degrees of these two forces and the interplay between the two makes life possible.
The twelve meridians or channels mentioned above run vertically and bilaterally (paired) on the body. There are three Yin and three Yang channels of each arm, and three Yin and three Yang channels on each leg. A total of six Yang and six Yin channels. According to the (Wikipedia Free Encyclopedia), the acupuncturist decides which points on these channels to treat by observing and questioning the patient in order to make a diagnosis according to the tradition which he or she utilizes. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, there are four diagnostic methods: inspection, auscultation and olfaction, inquiring, and palpation (Cheng, 1987, ch. 12).
Inspection focuses on the face and particularly on the tongue, including analysis of the tongue size, shape, tension, color and coating, and the absence or presence of teeth marks around the edge.
Auscultation and olfaction refer, respectively, to listening for particular sounds (such as wheezing) and attending to body odor.
Inquiring focuses on the "seven inquires", which are: chills and fever; perspiration; appetite, thirst and taste; defecation and urination; pain; sleep; and menses and leukorrhea.
Palpation includes feeling the body for "ashi" points (tender points), and palpation of the left and right radial pulses at two levels of pressure (superficial and deep) and three positions Cun, Guan, Chi (immediately proximal to the wrist crease, and one and two fingers’ breadth proximally, usually palpated with the index, middle and ring fingers).
Other forms of acupuncture employ additional diagnostic techniques. In many forms of classical Chinese acupuncture, as well as Japanese acupuncture, palpation of the muscles and the hara (abdomen) are central to diagnosis. Using this information acupuncture treatment attempts to regulate the flow of Qi and Blood, and body fluids, tonifying where there is deficiency, draining where there is excess, and promoting free flow where there is stagnation. It is this flowing balanced life energy "Qi" that allows the body to correct and heal itself. Regardless of your beliefs history and research demonstrates that acupuncture really works!
Benefits of Acupuncture
Acupuncture is best known for its control of pain, but it can benefit a wide variety of disorders. We do not claim this to be a complete comprehensive list, please check with your acupuncturist for details about your concerns. People often wait until an illness appears before seeking help, but acupuncture can be a great form of preventative medicine. It is excellent for increasing energy, strengthening the immune system, reducing recovery time from sickness or injury, reducing stress, improving circulation, lowering blood pressure, or improving a person’s overall general constitution and vitality. Accupuncture can be effective in the following areas. Videos on acupuncture
Neurological and Muscular-Skeletal
Shoulder Pain
Back Pain
Cervical Pain
Tennis elbow
Headaches
Sciatica
Osteoarthritis
Bladder Dysfunctions
Tendonitis
Gastrointestinal Issues
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Ulcers
Colitis
Constipation
Diarrhea
Gastritis
Women's Issues
Respiratory
Asthma
Sinusitis
Bronchitis
Rhinitis
Common Cold
Eyes
Pink eye
Cataracts
Children's Nearsightedness
Psychological
Depression
Addictions
Insomnia
Weight Control (Loss)
Stress
Anxiety
Phobias
Obsessive Behaviors
Recovery
Post surgery
Illness or disease
Injury
Stroke rehabilitation
Inflammations
Vomiting
Mouth
Post Dental discomfort
Pain from extractions
Toothache
Gingivitis
Pharyngitis
Common Acupuncture For Animals
Dogs
Cats
Equine
Rabbits
*Nothing on this website is intended or implied as a medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice and should not substitute for professional medical care. Read full Disclaimer
Acupuncture is a alternative healing modality that encourages the body to promote natural healing and functionality. Thought to have originated in China different styles of acupuncture are practiced today, such as Chinese, Japanese, Tibetan and Korean. Acupuncture from Latin "acus"means "needle" and "pungere" means "prick", so it literally means "needle piercing". It is the art of inserting and manipulating very fine needles into precise acupuncture points on the body surface in order to influence the physiological functioning of the body. Along with this practice the practitioners may use pressure, heat produced by the burning of specific herbs (Moxibustion), suction, electromagnetic energy, or manipulation of the needle to stimulate the points. Acupuncturists may use a variety of needles that vary in length, width, and shape. Typically patients feel anything from no pain to a very minor discomfort. Some people get energized from the treatment, while others find it extremely relaxing. The needles are used one time only then disposed of properly in accordance with the medical bio-hazard guidelines. Things to consider when choosing an acupuncture clinic would be their qualifications, education, length of practice, experience, continuing education, preferred style, referrals from other health care professionals, referrals from people you know, cost, and insurance coverage. By all means ask questions! 
There has been a great deal of research designed to answer this question, yet no clear and simple explanation has emerged. However, there are a variety of theories that attempt to explain the mechanism of acupuncture. The classical Chinese explanation says the body consist of channels of energy running throughout it called meridians. These meridians are like rivers flowing through the body which energize, irrigate and nourish the tissues. Each meridian is related to and named after an organ or function but not directly associated with them. The twelve main meridians are the lung, kidney, gallbladder, stomach, spleen, heart, urinary bladder, small intestines, large intestines, liver, triple heater, and pericardium. The meridians are the same on both sides of the body (paired). There are an additional eight channels that are considered to be reservoirs supplying energy and blood to the main twelve ones. Along these channels are specific locations (major acupuncture points) where the meridians come close to the surface of the skin and are easily accessible. Historically these points were believed to be holes that allowed entry into the channels providing gateways to influence the body’s vital energy (Qi) by "needling", Moxibustion, or pressure
