ACUPUNCTURE

A Chinese medical technique; acupuncture is a medicine originating in th

e orient over four-thousand years ago. Used primarily for pain relief, but also
in curing disease and general health improvement. Oriental Medicine views (illn
ess and pain) as an imbalance of one's energy. With Acupuncture the energetic ba
lance can be restored, thus helping the body to rid itself of disease. Often ill
nesses can be diagnosed and treated at an early stage. Acupuncture consists of
inserting hair thin needles through specific spots in the skin called acupunctu
re points. These specific spots of insertion are over neuroreceptors in underly
ing muscles. These needles are inserted along meridian points throughout the bo
dy; There are hundreds of these meridians, all serving different purposes. "Ev
idence proves that needling simulates peripheral nerves in the muscles which sen
d messages to the brain to release endorphins (morphine-like peptides in the bra
in). These natural chemicals then block the sending of painful messages from th
e brain." (Acupuncture-Microsoft Network Nov. 30, 1996). Acupuncture needles a
re typically inserted 1/10 to 4/10 on an inch deep. Although some procedures re
quire needles to be inserted as deep as 10 inches. Acupuncture points are then
stimulated by various forms of needle stimulation. Acupuncture is an incredibly
effective form of medicine; This essay will present details explaining some of
the uses of acupuncture.
Acupuncture; the insertion of needles into the body through specific spo
ts, over neurorecepters. These needles are then stimulated by either: rotation,
heat, or by a weak electrical current. Acupuncture is a medical technique used
primarily as a relief of pain, but is known to cure disease, as well as improve
general health. "The theory suggest that acupuncture blocks the transmission o
f pain impulses from parts of the body to the central nervous system." (Compton'
s interactive encyclopedia). Three main sites have been found for endorphin acu
puncture analgesia. This type of acupuncture blocks the sending of pain message
s from the brain. The pituitary gland being one; this gland, when stimulated by
needles, releases endorphin. The second site are the periaquaductal gray neuro
ns in the mid brain which release endorphins when stimulated. The third, electr
ical stimulation to the spinal cord endorphin system. The spinal cord releases
endorphins to block the release of neurotransmitters, which carry the painful me
ssages from the brain.
Acupuncture, used in Asia for over four thousand years; Originally for t
he relief of pain. "Acupuncture appears to be undeniably effective in relieving
pain." (Compton's interactive encyclopedia). Western observers witnessed, ordin
arily painful surgical operations carried out on fully conscious patients. These
patients were only locally anesthetized by acupuncture and exhibited no signs o
f discomfort. The reason for acupuncture's success is not known, except for the
belief that acupuncture needles stimulate the body's production of such natural
pain-killing chemical substances as endorphins and enkephalins.
Acupuncture; known to cure disease and improve general health. With th
e enormous problem of high blood pressure in the United States, acupuncture has
been very effective in the control of pressure; aiding Americans in the fight to
keep their blood pressure down. In many arthritis patients, acupuncture has al
most completely eliminated the pain and suffering. We as a society understand t
he problem with obesity in the United States; acupuncture successfully aided in
the control of appetite. "At one time acupuncture was believed to be related t
o hypnosis, but extensive experiments in animals undergoing surgery in veterinar
y hospitals have disproved that theory." (Compton's interactive encyclopedia).
Meridians; the entire theory of acupuncture is on the belief of these meridians.
These "meridians" are energy trails or channels throughout the body; believed
by the Chinese to hold the opposite forces Yin and Yang, acupuncture keeps these
two forces in balance. For example, the ancient Chinese designated that a maste
r force or vital energy called Ch'I coordinates and controls the fundamental act
ivities of different organs in the body. Modern physicians have a difficult tim
e accepting these elaborate systems of fanciful theories developed thousands of
years ago to explain the mechanisms of acupuncture.

Modern science teaches t
hat the nervous system and various hormonal substances perfo
rm the functions that these ancient doctors attributed to
Ch'i. These energy channels are like rivers flowing through the body to
irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these
energy rivers is like a dam that backs up in others. The meridians can be
influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles
unlock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow
through the meridians. (Acupuncture-Microsoft Network, Nov. 30, 1996).
Stimulation of acupuncture needles; once all the needles are inserted for the s
pecific meridian, the needles must be stimulated. The stimulation is what cause
s acupuncture to be so effective. There are several ways in which stimulation i
s reached: One being, a gentle twirling motion. The physician, by use of his/her
fingers gently rotates the needles. Second, there is heat stimulation, the phy
sician heats the needle with a cigar looking tool designed specifically for acup
uncture. Third, electrical stimulation; the physician agitates the needles with
a low powered 2 hz electrical current. The physician connects the needles to a
low output electrical stimulation machine. Stimulation is key to the success of
acupuncture.
Acupuncture, a medical technique originating in the Orient, more than four-thous
and years ago. Used primarily for reduction of pain, but to cure some disease,
as well as improvement of general health. The most spectacular reason for acupu
ncture's success is: Stimulation of needles by the acupuncturist. Stimulation o
f the meridians; the rivers of energy throughout our bodies. These rivers get s
topped up from time to time, acupuncture is the key to clearing the stop... Acu
puncture a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to impr
ove bodily functions.