Two complementary therapies

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.

Acupuncture can be used to treat osteoarthritis. It is based on an idea that there are channels throughout the body called “meridians” and that these allow the transport of an energy known as “Qi.” (NHS. 2012. Acupuncture.) Generally, acupuncture involves the insertion of needles at specific points along the body - these are known as “acupoints.” This insertion is thought to lead to the movement of Qi throughout the body, which causes biomedical changes that result in the “promotion of physical and emotional well-being” through the release of endorphins. (British Acupuncture Council. 2011. Acupuncture and Osteoarthritis.) Inserting needles at specific acupoints to treat osteoarthritis sends a message to the brain that assists in the reduction of “sensitivity to pain and stress.” (British Acupuncture Council. 2011. Acupuncture and Osteoarthritis.) This reduction in pain can allow for a better range of movement, thus function.

Acupuncture is a therapy that is offer to service users who are taking medication to help treat their disorder. Complementary therapies do not help to cure an individual of the disease they are

Many people will experience many physical factors such as pain and mobility problems, some individuals may feel that it’s best to take orthodox medicines which are the best pain relief or option for them, this includes treatments such as paracetamol and ibuprofen. However, some people might have side effects from medicines, therefore they choose to have alternatives, such as, massage and acupuncture. This means that pain can be taken away without any side

Acupuncture involves “the insertion of extremely thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body” (Mayo). The idea of inserting needles into specific points in your body is to help realign the energy flow “Chi” (Mayo) in your body to

Acupuncture comes from Latin origin as is a Chinese form of medicinal treatment in which many, many tiny needles are inserted into various parts of the skin. Particular places of the body, referred to as energy lines are targeted in order to relieve pain. Acupuncture also claims to cure disease and help treat the symptoms of the following conditions: allergies, respiratory conditions, nervous conditions and disorders associated with the eyes, nose and throat. In addition to this it has

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).

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

Acupuncture is an ancient art of healing that dates back to at least 2,500 years. It has been widely practiced in China and many other Asian countries. Only recently has acupuncture made its way into the western world. Acupuncture accentuates on the natural healing of the body. It involves stimulating acupuncture points by the insertion of very fine, solid, metallic needles.

Traditional Chinese Medicine recognizes that chi, the internal flow of energy, sustains vitality, strength, mental clarity and overall health. Acupuncture. Restores optimal health by allowing energy to flow throughout the entire body smoothly, without interruption.

The definition of acupuncture is “to puncture with a needle” in its most basic form. Originating from China, acupuncture has spread all over the world. Its symbol is 针灸or Zhe-Jiu (Chmielnicki). Acupuncture can include traditional body needling, moxibustion, electric acupuncture, laser acupuncture, and acupressure. Moxibustion, the burning of herbs on the skin during acupuncture, is a common addition to traditional body needling. The main uses for acupuncture are getting rid of pain, protecting against infections, and regulating bodily functions. It has been proven to help with chemotherapy, allergies, headaches, strokes, and many other conditions. (World Health Organization 3). In this paper, traditional body needling along with its history,

2. A theory based on several studies suggests that acupuncture stimulates the body to produce natural pain-killing substances.

Many people shy away from trying acupuncture because they don't know how it works, there's no visible proof. Even though acupuncture doesn't require taking a pill or being injected with medicine, it does have positive effects on many people. The human body has approximately 800 to 1000 acupuncture points (Dr. Michael). These points were found through ancient Chinese medicine theories and are where the needles are inserted into the body. Each point has a specific purpose and name. These points lie on one of the body’s fourteen meridians which run from head to toe and connect to the body’s organ systems (Dr. Dorel). The body is a matrix of electromagnetic energy which flows through the fourteen meridians (Acupuncture). Acupuncture works through these organ systems and meridians.

Acupuncture is the science of healing with needles through energy channels; it has a rich history and is now used around the world. The real question is, is acupuncture effective? How can we simply prove that sticking needles into a person’s body is actually taking away their pain or disease? How do we go from believing completely in Western Medicine to believing in Eastern Medicine? Although acupuncture is an Eastern form of healing, it has gained much credibility and respect in the West.

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in complementary medicine, and indeed alternative medicine (Lee-Treweek 2002, Andrews 2004, Barry 2006). Moreover the number of professionally trained therapist and practitioners has increased giving the patient/client a better choice and at more competitive rates (Smallwood, 2005).