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A Quick-Start Guide to Acupuncture Essay

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Acupuncture Quick-Start Guide

The basic principle behind acupuncture is to stimulate specific points under the skin to adjust bodily functions to optimum levels. Both ancient Traditional Chinese and modern Western practitioners can use this technique to relieve symptoms for those suffering from a chronic disease. Needling is the most common approach and is an essentially safe treatment strategy. It can be used to relieve pain, improve healing, and enhance your general well-being. A

common question people ask is how is this procedure actually done and what sort of benefits

can you expect?

Needle Insertion Process

There are two main categories of acupuncture practice in America today, Traditional Chinese

Medicine (TCM) and …show more content…

The include

conditions from asthma to constipation, anxiety to weight loss. TCM practitioners generally

believe that all health conditions are the result of an imbalance in the flow of an individuals Qi,

therefore treatable with needle therapy. Medical Acupuncturists have a realtively limited list of

indications, the most common is undoubtedly pain control.

Control of pain is the most widely researched indication for acupuncture in America. Evidence

has shown there is clearly a beneficial effect for a majority of patients using this techniques to

help manage their pain. A few examples include migraines, premenstrual syndrome, arthritis,

carpal tunnel syndrome, and diabetic neuropathy. One active theory behind its effectiveness for

pain is also medically accepted and well researched. This is referred to as the "gate-control "

theory of pain management. It suggests that the placement of needles can stimulate specific

nerves so that they block the impulses from pain triggers.

The Acupuncture Experience

It is important to emphasize that whether it be TCM or Medical Acupuncture, it is used only along

side of any existing medical treatments. At no time should you stop taking prescribed medication

or ignore medical instructions from your doctor in favor of acupuncture alone. During or after

undergoing an acupuncture treatment plan, your primary care physician or medical specialist can

re- evaluate your condition with

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