The question is often posed; 'What is acupuncture?' It is a ancient form of Chinese healing based on the theory that there is a vital flow of energy within all living things. A free movement of this life force is necessary for optimal health. Chi, or energy, moves along set pathways called 'meridians'. Each pathway sustains a specific organ. Balance is all important, and this centuries-old practice is designed to restore and maintain a state of well-being.
Acupressure is an even older method of healing that operates on the same theory of energy flow; it involves finger and hand pressure on specific points of the body. Instead of finger pressure, acupuncturists use needles to stimulate the 'pressure points', in order to release blockages in the energy flow. There are many of these pressure points and many meridians. The Chinese believe that the meridians should be carefully protected. For example, one meridian includes the ear lobe, so piercing the lobe is considered unwise.
It is really simple to understand, even for westerners who are not familiar with this oriental methodology. Think of the flow as circulation and the blockages as 'kinks'. This is nor entirely accurate, of course, but can help people who need a picture in their mind - like those who think of electrical current as water in a pipe rather than as a flow of invisible electrons. Acupuncture is now widely used in the United States, especially for relief of back pain and chronic migraine headaches. It can also help those with weak immune systems, stress-related problems, and fatigue.
It is now common for medical practices to have an acupuncturist on staff, and there may also be a in-house masseur or masseuse trained in 'shiatsu', a form of massage that works with pressure points and meridians. Many ailments that could be treated with surgery can be alleviated with this safe and much less expensive approach. Of course, there is no extensive recovery time as there is with any surgical procedure.
There are no known side effects to this treatment, which is virtually painless. The practitioner inserts thin needles into various points on the body; there may be a slight sensation upon insertion but no discomfort during the period that the needles remain in place. A series of treatments is often prescribed, but relief of pain may be achieved during the initial session.
Modern researchers believe that neurotransmitters - the 'message carriers' of the nervous system - are released by skilled pressure, massage, or the insertion of needles. These neurotransmitters block the perception of pain. In addition, the increase in energy flow stimulates natural processes of the body to promote healing.
There may also be an enhanced production of endorphins, hormones that suppress pain and increase a feeling of well-being. This explains why this ancient method helps those suffering from mental distress and depression. It is a much safer approach than pharmaceuticals that may be addictive, have serious side effects, or make the patient feel drugged.
If you have been wondering 'what is acupuncture?', you can check online for more information. There is an American Association of Oriental Medicine website that can answer your questions. Completely safe and non-invasive, this healing art can bring rapid and long-lasting relief.
Acupressure is an even older method of healing that operates on the same theory of energy flow; it involves finger and hand pressure on specific points of the body. Instead of finger pressure, acupuncturists use needles to stimulate the 'pressure points', in order to release blockages in the energy flow. There are many of these pressure points and many meridians. The Chinese believe that the meridians should be carefully protected. For example, one meridian includes the ear lobe, so piercing the lobe is considered unwise.
It is really simple to understand, even for westerners who are not familiar with this oriental methodology. Think of the flow as circulation and the blockages as 'kinks'. This is nor entirely accurate, of course, but can help people who need a picture in their mind - like those who think of electrical current as water in a pipe rather than as a flow of invisible electrons. Acupuncture is now widely used in the United States, especially for relief of back pain and chronic migraine headaches. It can also help those with weak immune systems, stress-related problems, and fatigue.
It is now common for medical practices to have an acupuncturist on staff, and there may also be a in-house masseur or masseuse trained in 'shiatsu', a form of massage that works with pressure points and meridians. Many ailments that could be treated with surgery can be alleviated with this safe and much less expensive approach. Of course, there is no extensive recovery time as there is with any surgical procedure.
There are no known side effects to this treatment, which is virtually painless. The practitioner inserts thin needles into various points on the body; there may be a slight sensation upon insertion but no discomfort during the period that the needles remain in place. A series of treatments is often prescribed, but relief of pain may be achieved during the initial session.
Modern researchers believe that neurotransmitters - the 'message carriers' of the nervous system - are released by skilled pressure, massage, or the insertion of needles. These neurotransmitters block the perception of pain. In addition, the increase in energy flow stimulates natural processes of the body to promote healing.
There may also be an enhanced production of endorphins, hormones that suppress pain and increase a feeling of well-being. This explains why this ancient method helps those suffering from mental distress and depression. It is a much safer approach than pharmaceuticals that may be addictive, have serious side effects, or make the patient feel drugged.
If you have been wondering 'what is acupuncture?', you can check online for more information. There is an American Association of Oriental Medicine website that can answer your questions. Completely safe and non-invasive, this healing art can bring rapid and long-lasting relief.
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