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Acupuncture: Chinese Medicine Essay

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Acupuncture: Chinese Medicine
As with all things we know little about there is quite a bit of mystery surrounding acupuncture. The part people see the most is a person with needles sticking out of their flesh. Understandably being wary of sharp pointed objects being wielded by a complete stranger, this is often an obstacle that needs to be over come. The best way to do this is by becoming educated about how acupuncture is performed, where it came from, what it does, some of the benefits vs. the problems, and the different views about it. Though out the many different texts on acupuncture you find there is room for interpretation on how to perform it, what to use, and even where the pressure is placed. One thing you will find in common …show more content…

The other major train of thought is called Taoism. In this pool of thought comes the idea of Yin and Yang. Maintaining harmony is the stressed idea; you must have a balance between the forces at work. Interconnection of all things is also very important to the theory of how acupuncture works. The passive, nonviolent theme is promoted, thus supporting the external use of small needles. The unique way the diagnosis is made stems from an emphasis on detailed observation. Thus acupuncture is a process, which is not merely clinical. ( History )
The European definition for acupuncture means needle pressure. Acupuncture is really a Dutch term coined by William Ten Rhyne in the 17th century. ( history ) In china acupuncture is represented by the character ‘ Chen”. Which means to “prick with a needle.“ ( History ) There are many different ways to apply the pressure. It is not necessary to use the needles, often is more effective to use your fingers. ( Leong 72 ) There is a method called Moxibustion, which is the use of heat by itself or in combination with needles. An acupuncturist will use the dried leaves of Artemisia vulgaris. This method used to leave scarring, now it is utilized by burning a small cone on specific points, or heating the needle before insertion. ( Leong 87 ) Friction, suction, or impulses of electromagnetic energy may also be used to stimulate acupuncture points. ( Alternative )
Of all the different techniques they all use

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