Acupuncture
Acupuncture
Acupuncture
Overview of Acupuncture
Acupuncture
originated in China more than 2,000 years ago. It became widely known in the United States in 1971. Currently, an estimated 1/3 of certified acupuncturists in the U.S. are medical doctors.
Acupuncture Theories
Traditional Chinese medicine theorizes that there are more than 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body. These connect with 12 main and 8 secondary pathways called meridians, which allow for the flow of vital energy. Meridians conduct energy or qi (see next slide) between the surface of the body and internal organs.
Mechanisms of Action
Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). The result is the release of chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. Chemicals either change experience of pain or cause the release of others that may stimulate the natural healing abilities.
FDAs Role
The FDA approved acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners in 1996. Needles are required to be labeled for single use only. Relatively few complications have been reported to the FDA considering the millions of people treated each year.
age, physiology, and other factors combine to make every person different. Thus, results of treatment may differ. You as a healthcare consumer should discuss acupuncture therapy with your doctor.
The Sensation of Acupuncture Acupuncture needles are metallic, solid, and hair thin. The experiences varies with each patient, but most feel minimal pain as needles are inserted. Improper needle placement, movement of the patient, or a defect in the needle can cause soreness and pain during treatment.
the NIH National Library of Medicine. They have published a bibliography of more than 2,000 citations to studies conducted on acupuncture. Bibliography:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/pubs/cbm/acupuncture.html
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The End
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