What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a technique of ancient Chinese medicine and skill that has been practiced for thousands of years. In recent years, this form of alternative healing has become more popular in mainstream Western society for a variety of purposes. This therapy is based on the theory that the strategic insertion of needles at different points of the body can encourage the body's natural functions such as those related to healing, detoxification and pain relief. More and more medical professionals and patients in today's society are turning to this and other types of alternative therapies instead of or in addition to traditional Western medicine.

Some people considering this method of healing for themselves may experience some concern or trepidation regarding the needles. After all, no one likes being stuck with a needle, and the thought of having numerous ones inserted into different parts of the body can be quite anxiety provoking. However, the thought of the procedure is often quite worse than the actual procedure itself. The disposable needles used are very thin and completely sterile. They are so thin that most patients do not describe the procedure as painful in any way. The most common sensations reported are numbness, a heavy feeling and mild soreness. Because everyone is different, some people may have intense discomfort and others may have none at all.

The World Health Organization cites 47 uses for this type of holistic medicine. Some of the most common uses include headache relief, back and neck pain relief, arthritis relief, treatment for skin disorders such as acne, bodily detoxification purposes, weight loss, and even the management of anxiety and depression. This is not to say that holistic medicine is a cure-all. In some cases, it may effectively alleviate certain problems. However, you should always consult with your regular physician and think of any kind of natural or holistic therapy as a complement to Western medicine and not a replacement for it. Most every issue for which you would have this procedure performed should be monitored by your doctor.

Acupuncture is considered to be a safe and often effective form of alternative medicine. And it's not just for humans, either. Many veterinarians are using holistic healing on pets these days. If your dog or cat needs to lose weight, has joint or bone issues, or suffers from anxiety, he or she might just benefit from this type of therapy. If you would like more information about this type of therapy for yourself or your pet, speak to a qualified practitioner in your area.

Copyright 2007 James D. Sterling - All Rights Reserved

Acupuncture Reduces Pain, Need for Opioids after Surgery




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Acupuncture News:
The NHS now backs acupuncture: point proven? - Times Online
John Tsagaris, a traditional acupuncturist, is the darling of the glamour glossies and the well-heeled. If you phone for an appointment at his EnergyBodies clinic in Chelsea (140 for a one-hour treatment) youll go on a waiting list and see him ...

For women with PCOS, acupuncture and exercise may bring relief, reduce risks (PhysOrg)
Exercise and electro-acupuncture treatments can reduce sympathetic nerve activity in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), according to a new study. The finding is important because women with PCOS often have elevated sympathetic nerve activity, which plays a role in hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, obesity and cardiovascular disease..

Pet owners, vets turning to alternative medicine - Arizona Republic

Pet owners, vets turning to alternative medicine
Arizona Republic
Veterinarians once shunned because of their belief that such alternative therapies as acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help animals are finding growing .

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Acupuncture, Exercise Spell Relief for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (redOrbit)
A new study shows exercise and electro-acupuncture treatment can reduce sympathetic nerve activity in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).The study published by The American Physiological Society also found the electro-acupuncture treatments led to more regular menstrual cycles, reduced testosterone levels and reduced waist circumference.Researchers looked at looked at whether ...

Acupuncture: Natural Cure for Infertility - Alternative Health Journal

Alternative Health Journal

Acupuncture: Natural Cure for Infertility
Alternative Health Journal
Most people these days have heard of acupuncture for its use as a stress-relieving therapy, few have heard of its reputation as a natural cure for .

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Acupuncture is now part of Daniel Hauser's care - Minneapolis Star Tribune

Acupuncture is now part of Daniel Hauser's care
Minneapolis Star Tribune
Daniel Hauser, the 13-year-old cancer patient from Sleepy Eye, Minn., began acupuncture and acupressure treatments in Mankato .
Hausers using acupunctureMankato Free Press
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Ailing guitarist gets second chance by changing hands
Guitarist Billy McLaughlin was at the top of his game a decade ago, a fingerstyle player noted for his technique of tapping on strings, when he began having problems controlling his left hand, missing notes with no clue why...

Acupuncture works, users say - Patriot-News
Rebecca Barnett June Pecukonis of Upper Allen Twp. has been seeing Linda D'Agostino, a licensed acupuncturist with PinnacleHealth System, for acupuncture treatments for about two months for pain related to fibromyalgia and arthritis. Three months ago ...



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