Acupuncture definition purpose, as natural therapy for which illness information

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Acupuncture definition

Acupuncture is originally from China, but is also described in the literature of the traditional medicine of India. Acupuncture is the "puncturing", inserting of fine-gauge sterile disposable stainless steel needles, of varying lengths from 1/2 in. (1.27 cm) to several inches, into the skin. The needles are twirled and vibrated in specific ways; the depth of insertion also affects the treatment. Modern technique sometimes adds electrical stimulation applied through the needles. Acupuncture is performed where the flow of energy is blocked, to stimulate specific anatomic points in the body (called acupoints). The traditional acupuncture points (there are about 800) are arranged along 14 lines, or meridians, running the length of the body from head to foot. Treatment of acupoints may be performed locally at the site of a particular problem, or at locations elsewhere on the body, not necessarily near the affected organ, but in places that are considered to be helpful based on either theoretical or empirical considerations. Along with the usual method of puncturing the skin with the fine needles, the practitioners also use heat, pressure, friction, suction, or impulses of electromagnetic energy to stimulate the points. Acupuncturists may use herbs and other natural methods in combination for healing.

Acupuncture Purpose

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends acupuncture as an effective treatment for over forty medical problems, including allergies, respiratory conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, gynecological problems, nervous conditions, and disorders of the eyes, nose and throat, and childhood illnesses, among others. Acupuncture has been used in the treatment of alcoholism and substance abuse. It is an effective and low-cost treatment for headaches and chronic pain, associated with problems like back injuries and arthritis. It has also been used to supplement invasive Western treatments like chemotherapy and surgery. Acupuncture is generally most effective when used as prevention or before a health condition becomes acute, but it has been used to help patients suffering from cancer and AIDS.
The NIH consensus statement noted that "there is clear evidence that needle acupuncture is efficacious for adult postoperative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting and probably for the nausea of pregnancy... There is reasonable evidence of efficacy for postoperative dental pain... reasonable studies (although sometimes only single studies) showing relief of pain with acupuncture on diverse pain conditions such as menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, musculoskeletal conditions such as fibromyalgia, and myofascial pain.
Today it is widely used in China in the treatment of hay fever, headaches, and ulcers, and some types of blindness, arthritis, diarrhea, and hypertension. Acupuncture is also used, especially in China, as a general anesthetic during childbirth and some types of surgery. Unlike conventional anesthesia, acupuncture does not reduce blood pressure or depress breathing; in addition, the patient stays fully conscious and there is no postoperative hangover or nausea.

also see acupuncture for weight loss and acupressure and oriental medicine and shiatsu and reflexology

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