Acupuncture
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Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical procedure
involving insertion and manipulation of needles at more than 360 points in the
human body. Its uses vary and can be applied to relieve pain during surgery,
and to treat many other illnesses, acupuncture is used worldwide, in China is mainstream in Europe a complimentary Therapy.
Acupressure, is used also to help with pain and other conditions, however instead of breaking the skin the therapist uses there hand to manipulate the areas of your body. Also known as shiatsu, acupressure is administered by pressing with the fingertips-and sometimes the elbows or knees-along a complex network of trigger points in your body.
In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed an energy called chi flows along invisible energy channels called 'meridians' which are believed to be linked to internal organs. Sticking needles at particular points along those meridians is believed to increase or decrease that flow of energy.
Chinese traditional medicine sees that a
balance has to be kept between two opposing yet complementary natural forces called
'yin' (female) and 'yang' (male). Yin force is seen as being passive, tranquil,
and represents darkness, coldness, moisture and swelling. Yang force is seen a
being aggressive and stimulating, and represents light, heat, dryness and contraction.
History
Acupuncture needles dating from ancient times have been found in China. The first needles were made of stone; later, bronze,
gold, or silver were used, and, today, needles are usually made of steel. Initially,
needles were used only to prick boils and ulcers. Acupuncture was developed in
response to the theory that there are special "meridian points" on the
body connected to the internal organs, and that "vital energy" flows
along the meridian lines. According to this theory, diseases are caused by interrupted
energy flow, and inserting and twirling needles restores normal flow.
Treatment
The primary use of acupuncture in China is pain relief. Other physiological conditions treated with acupuncture are peptic ulcers, hypertension (high blood pressure), appendicitis, and asthma.
In 1979, the World Health Organization listed some 40 diseases that could be successfully treated with acupuncture, including breathing difficulties, digestive problems, disorders of the nervous system and painful menstruation