Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world. Originating in China more than 2,000 years ago, it is used extensively in Traditional Chinese Medicine and has proven to provide pain relief, ease suffering, and reduce tension and stress. Looking at the popularity of acupuncture, many insurance companies have started to recognize it as a Complimentary Alternative Medicine and are offering this treatment within their health plans.

Today the world is moving at a very fast pace and there is very little to no free time available for the individual. To remain fit and healthy has become a real challenge. Most of us often suffer stress related problems like the nausea, back pain, lethargy etc. There are prescribed medications available to assist with the symptoms but the available medications are not free from their own form of side effects. It is not always practically possible to go to work suffering from drowsiness or lethargy caused by the commercial medications for example. To avoid this situation there are only two ways available, one take time off work which is not possible on regular basis or the second is to bear the sufferings of the pain or the disease and keep on working, which is not possible for long periods. For these very reasons people started hunting for the alternative remedies and thus acupuncture gained its relevance and importance in the modern world.

In the Chinese language acupuncture is known as zhen jiu. Acupuncture is actually the technique of restoring the health and treating pain and diseases by inserting tubular needles into the different vantage points of the body known as the acupuncture point. Acupuncture works on the principle that nature flows within the human body and it is controlled by the vital life energy termed as Qi (pronounced chee). This energy, or life force, circulates around the body through invisible channels called meridians.

If the flow of Qi in the meridians is disrupted, then disease may follow. By inserting fine needles into particular acupuncture points, the disruption can be corrected and the flow of Qi restored. To begin with, the acupuncturist questions the patient about the ailment and various other relevant facts and also performs a physical examination of the patient before starting the acupuncture treatment.

Acupuncture needles are metallic, solid, and hair-thin. People experience acupuncture differently, but most feel no or minimal pain as the needles are inserted. Some people are energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed. Depending on the location of the treatment, the patient will either sit or lie down. Properly done, acupuncture is painless because the needles are very fine (around 0.2mm in width). Once inserted, the patient may feel mild tingling around the site, warmth or heaviness, or even nothing at all.

An acupuncturist may use other techniques including:

1. Cupping - suction designed to bring Qi and blood to the acupuncture point.

2. Chinese herbs - either mixed by the acupuncturist or in pre-prepared tablet or granulated form.

3. Laser - used instead of the needles to activate acupuncture points.

4. TCM remedial massage - techniques applied to specific acupuncture points or meridians.

5. Moxibustion - burning herbs held over or applied to acupuncture points.

Does acupuncture hurt? That is the most common question asked.

The whole process may be termed as a painless process but the degree of pain bearing differs from person to person. Most of the patients have stated that there is virtually no pain at all or it is very minimal, like the pain you suffer while plucking hair.

The other thing to keep in mind is that the treatment as a whole also depends upon the expertise of the acupuncturist. It should be made clear that acupuncture may not provide instant relief from the ailment or that only one visit to the acupuncturist would suffice. Factors to consider is the severity of the ailment and also that the degree of recovery differs from person to person.

Acupuncture is an alternative remedy so many people do not rely on the procedure completely. Some patients do report a noticeable difference with one visit to the acupuncturist, but usually it takes many visits to get satisfactory improvement.

Pharmaceutical companies are churning out drugs and medicines for possibly all ailments and diseases to meet the requirements of the people wanting a ?quick fix?, but where is the warning about the dangerous side effects that these drugs and medications bring along with them? We have mentioned the side effects of the commercial drugs and other medications so it is practically correct to ask about the side effects of acupuncture. There is a risk of negative side effects from acupuncture, but the quantum of the risk is very low compared to the alternate commercial remedies. The main side effects of this process is due to the improper sterilization of the used needles or placing the needles too deep in the body which can cause small bleeds, dizziness etc. These things happen when any poorly trained acupuncturist handles the patient. Therefore it is very important for you to go to a qualified acupuncturist and for the purpose it may require you to research as you do before going to the physician or the dentist.

Whether or not you believe in the philosophy of Qi makes no difference to the effects of acupuncture. Scientific trials around the world have found that acupuncture is a safe and useful treatment for many different disorders. Acupuncture is certainly worth a try. It offers relatively very low risk of side effects and may assist in reducing independence from the load of the commercial drugs and medications available. It is definitely worth a try.

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Acupuncture: Ancient Chinese Healing Method For Stress And Disease Submitted By: Aseya Me
Acupuncture, as an alternative medical practice, is now making headway in the Western world. It is now accepted as a drug-free treatment and method of stress relief. Practiced in China for more than 2,000 years, acupuncture is a therapeutic system that makes use of sterilized needles for the purpose of restoring the body?s equilibrium. The needles are inserted on specific vital points that correspond to a specific internal organ. The light insertion of the needle into a vital point is supposed to free the flow of internal energy or ?chi.? According to Chinese medical theory, any blockage in the flow of chi in the body?s ?energy streams? or meridians can an imbalance in the body — resulting to an illness. The natural flow of chi ensures a person’s general state of health. The focus of acupuncture is on restoring harmony in the flow of the chi throughout the body and, in the process, balancing the metaphysical concepts of yin and yang. Acupuncture is used to treat a wide range of ailments such as nausea, sinusitis, migraine headaches, lower back pain, knee pain, and chronic pain. Ancient Chinese texts also claim that the acupuncture can be used to treat minor mental and emotional problem such as anxiety disorder. For this reason, some even compare the Traditional Chinese Medicine method of acupuncture to the Western medical discipline of psychology. Both are seen as similar disciplines or therapy methods that have a positive effect on the mental health of patients. The true benefits of acupuncture are found in its efficacy as a non-invasive, drug-free means of alleviating a number of physical ailments. It is also used in conjunction with traditional Chinese herbal cures that are perceived to be as effective as modern pills and medication. Acupuncture is concerned not only with providing cure to specific ailments. It is also used to determine the causes of physical discomforts and illnesses. Acupuncture practitioners make use of body charts that show the meridians or channels where internal energy flows to different parts of the body. These meridians correspond to the Western medicine layout of the central nervous system and circulatory system. Studies are still being made by Western doctors and other scientists to determine the efficacy of this Eastern alternative form of healing. Even if acupuncture already accepted in different parts of the world as an alternative healing method, some quarters are still skeptical about its long-term effects. While there are still no research findings that make the curative claims about acupuncture absolutely undisputable, it is interesting to note the depth of understanding that the Chinese had about the inner workings of the human body thousands of years before the formal organization and practice of Western medicine. Perhaps, one day, scientists will finally prove that the differences between Eastern and Western medicine is found mostly in culture and terminology; and that both systems are actually alike in terms of philosophy and theory in the use of the needle as a tool for healing. Article Tags: acupuncture, western, chinese Technorati Tags: acupuncture options , acupuncture providers, acupuncture ]]> http://www.accupuncturequest.com/acupuncture-ancient-chinese-healing-method-for-stress-and-disease/feed/ http://www.accupuncturequest.com/easing-the-tension-at-acupuncture-schools/ http://www.accupuncturequest.com/easing-the-tension-at-acupuncture-schools/#comments Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:30:04 +0000 admin Articles http://www.accupuncturequest.com/easing-the-tension-at-acupuncture-schools/ Do you have back pain or some sort of internal problem that you can’t relieve? Do you lead an active lifestyle and just can’t manage to find a good way to relax? Go to places like Acupuncture for Athletes, where you can seek the help of a licensed acupuncurist like Colleen Canyon, MS, L.Ac., who’s had a career in acupuncture for six years. And, if you like dealing with people and have an interest in the human body, you can follow in Canyon’s footsteps and research acupuncture schools near you. A Personal Health Issue Leads Canyon to Acupuncture Schools In 1990, Canyon earned her B.S. in Sociology from Cornell University (Ithaca, NY). After graduation, she studied massage therapy but soon realized that she was not interested in making her living that way. She needed something more. While living in Seattle in 1995, Canyon received acupuncture treatments for health problems and realized that she was extremely interested in all that was involved. “It seemed like I could do it and this would help treat more things,” she says. She started to look into a degree from acupuncture schools. When she moved to New York in 1997, Canyon’s research of acupuncture schools resulted in her finding Tri-State College of Acupuncture (New York, NY), where she earned her master’s in acupuncture degree in 2000. Acupuncture schools are where you will get the basics of your training. Here, she took seminars on nutrition and various aspects of oriental medicine. She learned from some of the best international professors that acupuncture schools have to offer, since they blended their techniques with that of western medicine, says Canyon. She knew that the techniques learned at acupuncture schools were her calling and found the enthusiasm in her teachers that had been in the field for at least 25 years, contagious. “I recognized [the same excitement] in myself,” she says. Combine Techniques from Acupuncture Schools with Business Savvy For three years, Canyon was “floundering,” as she describes it. But in 2003, after thinking hard about what would give her a competitive edge, she decided to begin her own business and embark on her career in acupuncture. “I’m going to try,” she thought, “and if it fails, I’ll do something else.” And so she thought about what she liked and which particular group of people she wanted to market her services to. That’s when she realized came up with the idea for “acupuncture for athletes” and “people with active lifestyles.” Though she says the most challenging part of her career in acupuncture was and always has been the business aspects, she took the initiative to create the business from scratch without help ?- not even from a PR firm. “I figured, ‘I’m smart, I can use my common sense.’” A key marketing tactic is using her detailed Web site to garner clients. “They don’t ask questions ?- they just make an appointment,” she says. And it seems that acupuncture schools have taught Canyon well, and that’s she’s chosen the right market for her business. Professional athletes, such as TIKI BARBER and JEREMY SHOCKEY (both of the New York Giants), have both lauded acupuncture as a method to relieve the stresses and injuries of their football careers. Canyon works solo three days a week at her Manhattan practice and one day at a local clinic, where she treats about 12-22 people in a day. “[Working at the clinic] helps me offset the pressure of my private practice because I have another source of income,” she says. “Anyone going into the profession needs to consider this.” If you’re even considering applying to acupuncture schools, Canyon’s advice is simple: “Go where your excitement is internally,” she says. “That’ll be the key to your success.” To find college and career schools near you, surf http://www.CollegeSurfing.com ? Copyright 2007 The CollegeBound Network All Rights Reserved Amanda Fornecker is the senior staff writer at The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school or career that’s right for you! Technorati Tags: acupuncture options , acupuncture providers, acupuncture ]]> http://www.accupuncturequest.com/easing-the-tension-at-acupuncture-schools/feed/ http://www.accupuncturequest.com/acupuncture-relies-on-ancient-oriental-practices/ http://www.accupuncturequest.com/acupuncture-relies-on-ancient-oriental-practices/#comments Mon, 08 Mar 2010 07:00:03 +0000 admin Articles http://www.accupuncturequest.com/acupuncture-relies-on-ancient-oriental-practices/ The practice of acupuncture is based on ancient Oriental practices that have stood the test of time. If acupuncture is what you are interested in, there are several great Chinese medicine schools and acupuncture schools to choose from in the U.S. and Canada that will teach you what you want to know. With a little research, you are sure to find the perfect school that matches your interests and temperament. Careers in acupuncture can be innovative and challenging; but even better, they are interesting. And the best part is skilled acupuncturists help people. Oriental medicines are known for their unique and ancient wisdoms, their powers, and their purpose of exploring of the mind, the body, and the spirit - self knowledge and awareness are central to acupuncture and other disciplines of Chinese medicine. Once enrolled in your choice of acupuncture schools, you will study the purposes and techniques of acupuncture, to be sure, but you will also be exposed to other Oriental healing methods. These may include herbal medicine, acupressure, reflexology, various types of massage therapy, Tui Na, Qigong, and probably a lot more. Courses in acupuncture can include a wide range of subjects. Acupuncture schools will likely introduce you to Chinese medical culture and philosophy and concepts in diagnosis. You’ll also gain knowledge of Western subjects of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and pathology, and most likely some courses in nutrition. Programs of study in acupuncture will conclude with a clinical internship, where you will practice the healing art of acupuncture under the direct supervision of a practicing professional. Beyond teaching you the art of healing with acupuncture, a natural healing school may also mentor you by extending the learning process into actual practice in a clinic. If you are really into acupuncture, you might decide to extend your studies and earn a masters degree. Graduate programs in acupuncture are often combined with studies in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that will provide you with comprehensive knowledge, skills, and experience. Graduate degree programs can cover as much in-depth study and as many subjects as you wish to pursue. Your studies may lead you to an interest in one of the other, more advanced forms of natural healing, such as chiropractic, for instance. Undergraduate degree programs in acupuncture can take between three and four years to complete; graduate degrees will take another year or two of study. Once you graduate, you may choose professional certification. Graduates of acupuncture schools are qualified for the certification exams that are administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. If you still need more information, we suggest you visit our website where you will find numerous articles about Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, as well as a wide choice of Natural Healing Schools to choose from. Good luck in your quest to learn the rewarding and respected art of acupuncture! DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com. Copyright 2007 - All rights reserved by Media Positive Communications, Inc. Notice: Publishers are free to use this article on an ezine or website, provided the article is reprinted in its entirety, including copyright and disclaimer, and ALL links remain intact and active. Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. Find Natural Healing Schools, Colleges, Universities, Vocational Schools and Chiropractic Schools at SchoolsGalore.com, your educational resource to locate schools. Technorati Tags: acupuncture options , acupuncture providers, acupuncture ]]> http://www.accupuncturequest.com/acupuncture-relies-on-ancient-oriental-practices/feed/ http://www.accupuncturequest.com/acupunctures-role-for-couples-unable-to-get-pregnant/ http://www.accupuncturequest.com/acupunctures-role-for-couples-unable-to-get-pregnant/#comments Fri, 05 Mar 2010 07:45:03 +0000 admin Articles http://www.accupuncturequest.com/acupunctures-role-for-couples-unable-to-get-pregnant/ Child bearing is a wondrous thing. Unfortunately, some couples suffer through problems getting pregnant. Acupuncture may offer a possible solution. Although there are many people who still view acupuncture as more mumbo jumbo than anything based on scientific fact, it is the area of pregnancy that acupuncture has seemed to gain the most acceptance among the skeptics. This is especially true when the cause of the problem of getting pregnant is functional rather than structural. Structural would be a condition such as a blocked fallopian tube. Functional would be a condition where the cause is rooted more in either a hormonal or emotional problem. Of course, the acupuncturist looks at the treatment of pregnancy problems as he does at all conditions that suggest a disharmony within the natural order of the human body. Studies have shown that acupuncture is extremely effective when it is used in conjunction with such procedures as “in vitro” fertilization. It is thought by the Western practitioner that this is due to the stimulation of certain essential gender specific chemicals within the female body by the insertion of the acupuncture needles. It is also thought that the sense of mental well being and confidence that often accompanies acupuncture is helpful as well. The acupuncturist would see the reasons for the success rate as a restoration of blood flow to the reproductive organs and the stabilization of hormone levels within the body. This aids ovulation and even sperm production in males and these factors make the chances of conception more likely. Even the most skeptical physicians admit that acupuncture is virtually without risk and they often take a “more is better” approach when dealing with most pregnancy issues. This means that anything that can not hurt you might help. Most acupuncture treatments that are designed to treat pregnancy problems will be coupled with herbal medicines. There are a wide variety of herbal preparations that are thought to have a desirable impact on the problems. It is fairly common for most acupuncture treatments to be coupled with herbal treatments as well as diet and other lifestyle related approaches. This is typical of the approach of Traditional Chinese Medicine to treating the whole person and not just a specific disorder. Although acupuncture has also been shown to reduce miscarriages and troublesome pregnancies, there are certain acupuncture points that are not thought to be safe for needling during the later stages of pregnancy. These acupuncture body points would be well known to an experienced acupuncturist. Western practitioners still recommend that you select an acupuncturist who specializes in infertility and pregnancy treatments. Get more alternative health information at AlternativeHealthCompanies.com. Technorati Tags: acupuncture companies, acupuncture choices, acupuncture ]]> http://www.accupuncturequest.com/acupunctures-role-for-couples-unable-to-get-pregnant/feed/ http://www.accupuncturequest.com/blood-pressure-herbal-medicine-homeopathy-and-acupuncture/ http://www.accupuncturequest.com/blood-pressure-herbal-medicine-homeopathy-and-acupuncture/#comments Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:30:03 +0000 admin Articles http://www.accupuncturequest.com/blood-pressure-herbal-medicine-homeopathy-and-acupuncture/ The temptation with herbal medicines is to think that because they are natural substances they must therefore be safe. It is easy to forget that plants can do harm. Some herbal remedies may raise blood pressure or may interfere with the effect of conventional drugs. Liquorice and other herbal remedies used as diuretics promote sodium and water retention and thus raise blood pressure. Lily of the valley resembles digitalis - too high a dose can cause heart failure. Horse chestnut taken together with anticoagulant drugs may cause bleeding. As well as often unidentifiable plant alkaloids, traditional oriental herbal remedies often contain heavy metal salts, which may be very dangerous when taken over long periods. Obviously, no reputable herbalist is going to offer you treatments which they know will do you harm, but the risks can be considerable if you consult someone who is inadequately trained or if you try to treat yourself after gleaning some basic information from a book. You should remember that the drug industry is extremely efficient at exploiting any active substances found inn plants and in synthesizing and testing them for use as drugs. As with other alternative therapies, there is little published scientific evidence proving that herbal treatments are effective. If you have borderline high blood pressure, where the need for active medication is arguable either way, some of the simpler herbal infusions (drinks made in a similar way to ordinary tea, but probably not tasting as pleasant) suggested by herbalists will probably not do you any harm (although if your doctor has prescribed blood pressure lowering agents for you, you should continue to take them). Herbs which can be used in this way include hawthorn, guilder rose, linden and yarrow. Two other famous aspect of alternative medicine are homeopathy and acupuncture, which are both reputed to help in high blood pressure. Homeopathy is completely safe, because the remedies are so dilute. It is based on the principle that ‘like can be cured by like’. The word homeopathy comes from two Greek words that mean ’similar’ and ’suffering’. The remedies contain very dilute amounts of a substance, which in larger quantities would produce similar symptoms of the illness being treated. The problem here is that no scientific explanation for what is going on. There is no specific homeopathic remedies recommended for high blood pressure - the treatments a practitioner would suggest would simply be those thought to have general strengthening effect on your constitution. Homeopathic doctors are all trained in orthodox medicine and so usually reserve their alternative treatments for minor, self-limiting, or emotional illnesses. Acupuncture, which involves inserting needles into the skin at particular sites on the body, has been a standard form of medical treatment in China for 5000 years. In the past 20 years it has become more widely used in the United States, usually for conditions such as a painful back where orthodox medicine often fails to help. We should know fairly soon whether or not it is effective as a treatment for high blood pressure, as a properly controlled trial is currently being carried out and the results are due to be published anytime soon. In the meantime, a course of acupuncture treatments will certainly do you no harm and you may find it helpful to aid relaxation. Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Blood Pressure Technorati Tags: acupuncture, acupuncture support ]]> http://www.accupuncturequest.com/blood-pressure-herbal-medicine-homeopathy-and-acupuncture/feed/ http://www.accupuncturequest.com/acupuncture-and-crohns-disease-does-it-provide-relief/ http://www.accupuncturequest.com/acupuncture-and-crohns-disease-does-it-provide-relief/#comments Sun, 28 Feb 2010 06:30:08 +0000 admin Articles http://www.accupuncturequest.com/acupuncture-and-crohns-disease-does-it-provide-relief/ Remicade is a treatment that shows much promise for Crohn?s sufferers, but it?s not the only option available. Actually, many Crohn?s sufferers find that combining acupuncture and crohn?s, along with medical treatment, helps them effectively cope and find relief from their symptoms. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the body has approximately two thousands acupuncture points, and each of these points are connected by twenty pathways known as meridians. The meridians conduct qi (body life energy) between the internal organs and the body?s surface. Qi has a diverse effect on every acupoint it passes through, and helps to maintain balance within the body and mind. It is believed by TCM that intestinal disorders, such as Crohn?s disease, are a disruption of the spleen and liver and insufficient kidney support. Thus, it is usually the acupoints that affect these organs which will be focused on to relieve symptoms. Although TCM believes the alleviation of symptoms is due to the stimulation of meridians via acupoints that brings balance to the body and mind, Western medicine has different theories on why acupuncture is effective. For instance, many believe that acupuncture stimulates the nervous system which blocks pain impulses from reaching the brain. Another theory suggests that acupuncture causes the release of endorphins (natural painkillers). While another believes that acupuncture may release opiods into the body which is another substance that provides pain relief. Despite what the real reason may be, the fact is that acupuncture provides relief. Acupuncture is a common method for treating inflammatory bowel disease in China, and is being applied more and more in Western culture. Studies that have been conducted on the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating Crohn?s disease carefully observed changes in the overall life quality and well-being of participants with mild to moderate Crohn?s disease. It was discovered that traditional acupuncture was successful at alleviating Crohn?s symptoms in most of these participants. Some of the Crohn?s symptoms acupuncture may alleviate include, but are not limited to: ? Abdominal pain ? Constipation ? Diarrhea ? Nervousness ? Anxiety ? Insomnia ? Menstrual cramps How is acupuncture performed? It depends on the individual. Everyone is treated differently so that their own specific needs can be met. That being said, the following is a general description of how traditional acupuncture is administered to patients. To stimulate the flow of qi, solid hair-thin needs are inserted individually into particular acupuncture points that pertain to the meridians being targeted. The needles are not inserted as deeply as hypodermic needles and do not draw blood. They are only designed to penetrate the meridian surface which is well seeded into the affected organs and tissues. Acupuncture does not cause pain when needles are inserted correctly, but the patient may feel a slight tingling, aching or numbing sensation in the area where the needles are applied. Any discomfort that may be felt tends to disappear once needles have been removed. Once inserted, the acupuncturist may twirl the needles or connect them to an electrical current in order to provide the targeted meridian with effective stimulation. Sometimes, specific herbs or oils are used in combination with the needles to help treat a condition and provide relief from certain symptoms. Despite the methods used, the entire treatment process may last anywhere from 20 ? 60 minutes. In order to receive effective treatment with successful results, it is important for you to undergo acupuncture from a qualified acupuncturist, especially one who is experienced in treating inflammatory bowel disease. It also isn?t a bad idea to consult your doctor about your decision to seek alternative treatment before you go ahead with it. By Sharon Dobson. To find out more about acupuncture and crohns and for information on Crohn’s Disease please visit Natural Crohn’s Disease Relief, where you can sign up for a free newsletter focusing on managing Crohn’s Disease naturally. Technorati Tags: acupuncture companies, acupuncture choices, acupuncture ]]> http://www.accupuncturequest.com/acupuncture-and-crohns-disease-does-it-provide-relief/feed/ http://www.accupuncturequest.com/should-you-try-acupuncture-for-arthritis-relief/ http://www.accupuncturequest.com/should-you-try-acupuncture-for-arthritis-relief/#comments Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:15:09 +0000 admin Articles http://www.accupuncturequest.com/should-you-try-acupuncture-for-arthritis-relief/ Acupuncture is an ancient form of healing that was used and still used in many ancient Chinese treatments for various diseases. Will it work for the arthritis pain that you are feeling? Many people have found that arthritis can be improved with the help of this technique. Although there are many that don?t believe in it, the benefit that can come from it, is supposed to be well worth the adventure! If you are considering acupuncture for the treatment of the arthritis pain that you have, you do need to realize that arthritis medications and other treatments that your doctor are giving you shouldn?t be stopped for it. You should always rely on the help that your doctor can give you as these are the most commonly beneficial to your health and well being. They are also scientifically proven which acupuncture is not. How To Explore Acupuncture If you decide that acupuncture does have something that can help you in it, take the time to find the right person for the job. It is incredibly important for you to find someone to help you that is educated, experienced and works in a clean environment as well. You should not be their first patient and you should be able to ask them any question and get an answer to it. When it comes to acupuncture, you don?t want to work with someone that is unsure of which locations are the appropriate locations to puncture for your arthritis pain. You?ll find that there are experiences acupuncturists throughout many areas of the United States, especially in large cities. When you call on one, ask them questions about your condition. What will acupuncture do for you? How will it work? What happens during a session? When will you begin to see relief from your arthritis pain? All of these questions, along with your own, should be answered before you actually have the procedure done. This way, you know what to expect and you know what to do to benefit. A skilled acupuncturist will use acupuncture points that are situated around your body to stimulate and improve the movement of Qi in your body. This is the life force, or the element in your body that maintains health and life. When you are ill, the idea is that the Qi is now somehow off balance and simply not effective in keeping you healthy. But, this can be improved with the help of acupuncture. By inserting a needle that is very thin into the right spots on your body, they can help to improve the flow of Qi which will then improve your health condition. As with any type of alternative treatment, you should work with your doctor to determine if you should stop medications with this treatment. Most doctors don?t have a working knowledge of alterative treatments because most of them, including acupuncture are unproven. But, with the help of a skilled professional in the field, your arthritic pain can be significantly lessened with acupuncture. For more observations about rheumatoid arthritis from Greg, click the link. Technorati Tags: acupuncture, acupuncture support ]]> http://www.accupuncturequest.com/should-you-try-acupuncture-for-arthritis-relief/feed/ http://www.accupuncturequest.com/a-little-bit-about-electro-acupuncture-acupressure/ http://www.accupuncturequest.com/a-little-bit-about-electro-acupuncture-acupressure/#comments Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:00:03 +0000 admin Articles http://www.accupuncturequest.com/a-little-bit-about-electro-acupuncture-acupressure/ A little bit about Electro Acupuncture Acupressure Do You Know that: Acupressure has been used to reduce post-operative nausea and vomiting in children. Acupressure also reduces nausea in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Acupressure, if correctly performed, increases circulation, reduces tension and pain and enables the body to relax. Acupressure strengthens the immune system and promotes wellness. Acupressure is more effective than physical therapy for the majority of patients with low back pain. Acupressure is used to reduce fear and anxiety in trauma victims and in pre-operative care. Acupressure can be done anywhere with or without special equipment. Having said that, what is Acupuncture - Acupressure Acupuncture is a comprehensive system of health care for treatment of acute chronic disorders, which originated in China almost 4000 years ago. A science based on natural law, its philosophy is to heal safely and without side effects. The goal of acupuncture is to promote self healing from within. The realignment of the energy field is based on the concept of the energy of life (Chi, or Qi in some books). It flows throughout the body to regenerate and nourish. It is generated by the internal organs and flows along paths called meridians. This network is continuously “communicating” with the rest of the body keeping all the functions in complete harmony. In this way, the nervous, digestive, muscular, etc systems all coordinate with each other through these network points. Acupuncturists determine whether Chi is weak, stagnant or otherwise out of balance, which indicates the points to be stimulated. Illness is caused when Chi does not flow properly throughout the body. Along the meridians are points where Chi can be affected by acupuncture needles or finger pressure or low voltage electrical pulses. In this way Chi is invigorated and its functions of nourishing, transforming, and protecting are enhanced. Clinically it has been time tested to be a safe, natural way to restore and maintain health. Massage, in my opinion, originated in nature itself, with the mother and child relationship. Just have look at the animal world and you will see how all mothers (well, nearly all, nature is not without faults) treat their babies. Cuddling, licking and stroking are common. If you combine the two together acupuncture and massage, we have acupuncture massage, or acupressure. Acupressure is a technique based on the same ideas as acupuncture. Acupressure involves placing physical pressure by finger, hand, elbow, or with the aid of electrical or mechanical devices on different acupuncture points on the surface of the body. To put it simply: Massage of specific acupuncture points is acupressure. Many martial arts also study and use acupressure for self-defence and health purposes. The points or combinations of points are said to be used to manipulate or handicap an opponent. Also, martial artists regularly massage their own acupressure points in routines to remove blockages from their own meridians, claiming to thereby improve their circulation and flexibility and keeping the points “soft” or less vulnerable to an attack. Attacking the acupressure points is one of the techniques in some martial arts. You can learn to do acupressure at home as a supplement to visits to a practitioner. This is especially useful when you are suddenly stricken with illness or pain and you can’t get to the doctor quickly. Now I would like to introduce You to Electro Acupuncture Acupressure! What are electro acupuncture acupressure massagers? People are scared today of needles with the emergence of AIDS and other similar types of diseases. But since acupuncture is indeed a great medicinal help, it did not die. Alternatives have been created in the form of electro acupuncture (where stimulations are done with electrical pulses). Therefore, the principles in all the derivative techniques remain the same, and so do the results. Today on the market we have a few different types of electro acupuncture acupressure massagers. In some cases they are called electro, in some electronic. Let me explain this part first. In reality, this is a machine with an electronic circuit, which is producing low current electrical pulses, that you actually feel on your skin through electrical pads (or other devices) connected to your body. So, both would be correct. In some cases they are called acupuncture in some acupressure. Electrical pulses are directed to the acu-points and at the same time, by pulsating they are slightly pressuring those points as well. Again, both are correct. I will call those machines electro acupuncture massagers (EAM), or acupuncture massagers (AM). Now I’ll explain a little bit about TENS, EMS. This is the definition: “TENS or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is a non-invasive, drug-free method of pain relief. It is ideal for the treatment of arthritis. Pads are placed on or near the area of pain. TENS uses soothing pulses that are sent via the pads through the skin and along the nerve fibres. The pulses suppress pain signals to the brain. TENS also encourages the body to produce higher levels of its own natural pain killing chemicals called Endorphins and Encephalin.” The same can be said about Electrical Muscle Stimulation or EMS The difference, as you can see, is one is used more for treating nerves and the other is used more for muscles. One more fundamental difference between TENS, EMS and EAM or AM is the frequencies at which they operate. TENS are usually in the range of 1-152 Hz EMS are approximately the same. EAM or AM are more at the lower level of this range 1-52 Hz, but with a higher level of pulse’s strength. In my opinion and the opinions of many doctors and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, I have spoken with, low range frequencies are more suitable for pain relief and muscle stimulation and the higher range frequencies are used more for treating specific illnesses and must be done under the supervision of a doctor. So, all of them are very useful tools. For More Information About Acupuncture, Acupressure, Massage and Pain Relief hometherapies com au Go to http://www.HomeTherapies.com.au For More Information About Acupuncture, Acupressure, Massage and Pain Relief. 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