Is Acupuncture Really Effective? Essay

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical treatment for multiple issues, and is characterized by needles being strategically inserted into pressure points on the body to relieve symptoms. This is believed to reset you qi or life force within your body. This practice is carried out by acupuncturists all over the world. In western medicine, while we don’t know the exact mechanism of action, it is thought to increase blood flow and raise natural painkiller levels in the body. This rise in natural painkillers and increased blood flow are the major benefits of acupuncture. The risks are very few, there is a very limited chance of organ damage, infection, or soreness after a treatment (Mayo Clinic 2012).

Acupuncture is an ancient practice of Chinese medicine and is based on the belief that good health is maintained by a cycle of energy that circulates through the body. Pain and disease are caused by the influence of a disturbance in the energy flow and acupuncture is meant to correct it, by the use of needles. Although the practice is not officially recognized by western medicine, acupuncture is still used today in China and is now common in parts of the West as well. In a recent study published in the Endocrinology, it is now theorized that acupuncture operates by targeting the same pathways that factors of stress and pain travel through, after experiments with rats. According to Dr. Eshkevari, licensed acupuncturist and associate professor at Georgetown University Medical Center,

Acupuncture involves the pricking the skin or tissues with needles, at various trigger points. In a 2678 patient study, acupuncture compared with no treatment, achieved better outcomes in the relief of chronic back pain. The physiology of acupuncture is thought to stimulate the inflammatory reflex, and the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway resulting in a decreased production of TNF, and ultimately, an inhibitory effect on inflammation.

Chinese traditional medicine refers to Qi, an energy force that is linked to the body’s health. Qi moves through the body via meridians, which are energy pathways that can be likened to blood vessels. If the flow of Qi is interrupted by injury, stress, a bad diet or another factor, then both physical and mental health issues can occur. The purpose of acupuncture is to release the pressure from certain points in the body, which allows the normal flow of Qi to be restored.

Acupuncture as we all know can be defined as a restorative art that actually got started originally in China many years ago and it is well-known to many parts of the world. They have a common belief that being sick is mainly dependent because of the imbalance that is occurring in the body; thereby blocking the easy and free flow of important vigor through the body systems. This process of acupuncture involves very tiny needles which passes through

The legacy of acupuncture treatment uses the art of balance, working with the flow of energy in the body to treat pain and other health conditions. From a Western practitioners’ viewpoint acupuncture is an acknowledged method used to stimulate nerves, and muscles, encouraging the body’s release of natural painkillers into the blood stream. Improved circulation is noted for helping the body improve many health

Acupuncture is a natural remedy that treats back pain, arthritis, anxiety and other internal and external ailments. Run by Dr. Gary Danchak, OMD, South Reno Acupuncture utilizes herbal remedies and acupuncture services to heal patients.

Acupuncture originated in China, rooted in the belief of restoring the body’s energy flow and balance. That harmony was (and still is) believed to be achieved by placing pressure on specific points located throughout the body to alleviate sources of pain. Acupuncture before the 20th century gained popularity within east Asia, in countries like India, Japan and Korea,

Acupuncture is an old Chinese technique to restore the proper energy flow to all organs, glands and tissues of the body. If there is improper transmission of energy flow, then it can result in malfunctioning, disease, and pain. In this process, the practitioner puts pressure on certain areas of the body to comfort the pain. It is done to heal numerous health problems, including neuralgias, headaches, tennis elbow, osteoarthritis, ulcers, stomach problems, tics, spasms, muscular rheumatism,

1.Current state/national regulations (licensing/certification issues). Acupuncture, in comparison with other complementary and alternative medicine modalities, is presently well regulated in the United States. After a surge in popularity in the 1970’s, its expansion has led to an increase in acceptance into mainstream medicine, such as hospitals, cancer centers, even gaining some insurance coverage (Brett, Brimhall, Healey, Pfeifer, & Prenguber, 2013). According to the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM, 2017), the major licensing and regulatory body for acupuncturists, 44 states and the District of Columbia currently require certification to non-physician practitioners. Oklahoma

Although I have never personally ventured into the field of alternative medicine, I have both friends and family that have, many who have experienced positive results. From aromatherapy to acupuncture, my small, adventurous circle has tried and reported on quite a few different methods. One of the more common forms of alternative medicine reported across the country is acupuncture. This centuries old method of pain relief targets the pressure points in our bodies in order to remove build up pressure or previously existing pain. Originally adopted form traditional Chinese medicine practices (CTM), around 100 BC, acupuncture methods used today in the US are directly adapted from this source. From China to Korea in the 6th century AD, acupuncture

Unlike Western medicine, acupuncture is based on the ancient beliefs of China rather than modern scientific research. Although its roots are ancient, acupunctural treatments are proven to resolve pains and symptoms, perhaps even better than the use of modern Western treatments.

The popularity of acupuncture began in the United States only in the 19th century when a writer from the New York Times produced an article on how acupuncture brought tremendous relief from his chronic pain. He was amazed how acupuncture gave him a more prolonged relief, far from the anesthesia and painkillers he was taking.

When you hear the term acupuncture, what usually comes to mind is a setting wherein an individual lying on a table in a Chinese type medical clinic, with many needles protruding from their body. There is a feeling like we have travelled back in time to an era where the medical world is not as advanced as it is today. We assume that the individual lying there on the table was subject to a false belief that this odd procedure was going to do anything beneficial for their well-being. After all, they are getting needles poked into their body. This makes us wonder, if so many people are getting acupuncture, does it really work? And for those getting it because they believe that it helps to control pain, does acupuncture really help patients control their pain or is it a placebo effect?

Acupuncture is a component of the health care system of China that can be traced back at least 2,500 years. The general theory of acupuncture is based on the premise that there are patterns of energy flow (Qi) through the body that are essential for health. Disruptions of this flow are believed to be responsible for disease. Acupuncture may, it has been theorized, correct imbalances of flow at identifiable points close to the skin.