All about acupuncture

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1. I remember well that I used to be a big fan of "Kung Fu" movies. Most of these films were set in the Far East. Regularly there was a scene where a man was lying on a treatment table and then a lot of needles were inserted.

2. I remember well that I used to be a big fan of "Kung Fu" movies. Most of these films were set in the Far East. Regularly there was a scene where a man lay on a treatment table and then a whole bunch of needles were inserted.

1. This phenomenon is still relatively new throughout Europe, but in China it has existed for more than 2500 years. What kind of treatment is this? What condition does it make sense for and how does it actually work?

1. After I have done some research on the effect and possible health benefits I will share my findings with you.

2. After doing some research on the effect and possible health benefits I will share my findings with you.

1. Click on a heading below to directly read the relevant subject, or read through the entire article. 1. History of acupuncture 2. What is acupuncture? 3. Acupuncture for health complaints 4. Acupuncture in practice 5. Conclusion

History of acupuncture

1. Acupuncture is a form of healing that has been around for a long time. Acupuncture is thought to have originated in China. Unfortunately, the exact data is lacking, making it difficult to say when acupuncture was invented.

1. One theory holds that acupuncture was discovered accidentally because at the time soldiers were regularly wounded by arrows and other weapons typical of the Stone Age. Among the less serious injuries, a number of soldiers commented that certain health complaints have diminished.

1. This was the beginning of acupuncture, and it grew in popularity through a long process of trial and error.

2. This was the beginning of acupuncture, and it grew in popularity over a long process of trial and error.

1. In the beginning mainly needles from the trunk of a bamboo were used. At a later stage, metal, gold, silver, and even copper needles were used. The great advantage of using metal needles was the great accuracy.

2. In the beginning mainly needles from the trunk of a bamboo were used. At a later stage, metal, gold, silver, and even copper needles were used. The great advantage of using metal needles was the high accuracy.

1. It appears that acupuncture has evolved over thousands of years. Today acupuncture is still popular and used for a variety of purposes.

1. However, acupuncture has also received a lot of criticism. The well-known documentary on the BBC (1) in which someone underwent a heart operation using acupuncture for anesthetic. Later it turned out that medication was used, which made people very critical of whether acupuncture actually works.

1. In addition, experts cannot agree on the role of acupuncture in modern medicine. It is used for some complaints. While in other conditions acupuncture is completely rejected.

2. In addition, experts cannot agree on the role of acupuncture in modern medicine. It is used for some complaints. While acupuncture is completely rejected in other conditions.

1. This has to do with the fact that acupuncture is not easy to test over a large group, as is the case with medication.

1. Nowadays acupuncture is mainly used to treat pain. Similarly, acupuncture is used for more serious conditions. That while the WHO (World Health Organization) has labeled acupuncture as safe when sterile needles are used.

1. But first let me explain what acupuncture is exactly?

What is acupuncture

1. According to traditional Chinese medicine, there are different types of qi, depending on its role in your body:

1. This qi energy flows throughout your body, from the organs to the skin etc. This energy is supported by the meridians as you can see in the picture below. These are strategic places to let the qi flow through your body as smoothly as possible.

2. This qi energy flows throughout your body, from the organs to the skin etc. This energy is supported by the meridians as you can see in the picture below. These are strategic places to let the qi flow through your body as well as possible.

1. Now there are several acupuncture points scattered around your body. The first acupuncture points are on the meridian. While the second points are located a bit further from the meridian. These second points are unique and each has healing properties. After all, you have A-shi points and they do not have a fixed position on the body. These disappear when the condition disappears too.

1. Originally there were a total of 365 points because of the days in a year. Today, something like 670 points are known for new development.

1. Acupuncture is a form of treatment that falls into the category of alternative medicine. As mentioned earlier, it is already 2500 years old, but in the "West" it is only just around the corner. During this treatment, needles are placed on specific points on the skin.

2. Acupuncture is a form of treatment that falls into the category of alternative medicine. As mentioned earlier it is already 2500 years old, but in the "West" it is only just around the corner. During this treatment, needles are placed on specific points on the skin.

1. Traditional acupuncture only uses stainless steel needles. Before I can explain to you how and what this treatment does exactly, first a few basic principles and starting points how the Chinese see disease and health:

1. 1. When you are sick (any condition whatsoever) it is assumed that your life energy (also called qi) is out of balance.

1. 2. This life energy flows through the 12 meridians and branches out to all organs and bodily functions.

1. With the help of needles, acupuncture tries to restore the balance of your qi (life energy).

1. The first term that may not seem familiar to you is meridian. A meridian is actually a kind of network of vessels that runs through your body. In Chinese medicine, there are 12 meridians that run throughout your body. Below is an overview of the 12 meridians and how they run throughout your body.

1. See photo: Source reference

Acupuncture for health complaints

1. According to the ancient Chinese beliefs, the life energy is made up of â € ˜â € ™ qiâ € ™ â € ™ and our bodies, planet and the entire universe is made up of it. Everyone is born with a certain amount of qi and is transferred from the mother through the kidneys to the child.

1. If there is an imbalance in this flow of energy, health complaints can develop. Traditionally, illness has been thought to be due to an imbalance between qi, the organs and the meridians.

1. Especially environmental factors such as the climate, diet and stress can cause this imbalance.

1. Acupuncture is a collection of procedures to correct this qi imbalance. This by stimulating the skin in specific places (acu points). Metal needles are placed in these places during a treatment. These needles may be loaded to increase effectiveness.

1. The first thing a therapist will do is to make the correct diagnosis. This person will examine your tongue, your breath, smell, voice, pulse, etc. In doing so, the therapist asks specific questions and listens carefully.

1. The therapist uses four pillars to make the best diagnosis, namely:

1. Inspection: carefully analyze the body. Mainly the tongue, shape, color and possible layer are examined.

1. Auscultation: listening to the sound coming from your body. This way your breathing is carefully listened to. But your sweat is also analyzed.

1. Investigations: Research is being done on your digestive health (appetite, thirst, etc.), excretion (urine, faeces), body temperature, breathing, pain, sleep, blood and fluid.

1. Palpation: feel with the hand or hands where there may be problems. Shi points are considered.

1. Now that the diagnosis has been made, the next question is, of course, what complaints does acupuncture work for?

1. Pain: according to research (2) acupuncture is an effective treatment for pain, this can be pain in the back, pain in the arms, pain in the joints, muscle pain etc. offer a solution to reduce fibromyalgia (3) complaints.

1. Nausea: Originally acupuncture was used to reduce nausea and stomach discomfort.

1. Fertility: no clear studies are available. However, there are claims that acupuncture could help increase fertility.

1. Asthma and Respiratory Problems: Acupuncture may provide relief from asthma and other respiratory problems.

1. Addictions: One of the best known purposes of acupuncture is against addictions such as smoking, medication, etc.

Acupuncture in practice

1. Now there is certainly a right and wrong way to practice acupuncture. Incorrect treatment is certainly not without side effects. Serious complications can arise when you have acupuncture practiced by someone with little knowledge. That is why it is certainly advisable to only be treated by qualified therapists.

1. But what should you pay attention to when selecting a therapist?

1. A great tip for finding a therapist is to do online research. This way you can see at a glance which therapists are available in your area. In addition, the internet is also a great tool to track down some customer reviews right away.

Additional tips

1. If you want to try to undergo an acupuncture session against certain complaints. Then I have some useful tips for you:

Conclusion

1. Acupuncture certainly falls under the heading â € ˜â € ™ alternative medicineâ € ™ â € ™. However, there have certainly been some studies on its effectiveness. Experts do not even agree what the role should be in modern medicine, one thing is clear: acupuncture certainly has potential, but it must be seen as a medical procedure. That is why it is important to always consult with your specialist before trying a session.

1. Remember to be very critical in the selection of therapists, do thorough research first and only allow treatment by therapists with sufficient practical experience. Do you happen to have experience with acupuncture? Let me know by leaving a comment below. [!/ vc_column_text] [!/ vc_column] [!/ vc_row] [!vc_row] [!vc_column width = "1/1"] [!vc_toggle title = "Sources:" open = "false"]

1. Book: Accupressure's Potent Points: A Guide to Self Care for Common Ailments [!/ vc_toggle] [!/ vc_column] [!/ vc_row]