Home | Alternative Medicine
Along with many branches of Chinese medicine, acupuncture originated in China many centuries ago. Acupuncture is the art of healing with needles and is known in China as Zhue Jiao, which translated means "needle heat". Qi energy, which accounts for the well being of a person, is regulated by acupuncture and releasing stress using acupuncture develops physical and mental health. Pathways of Qi energy should flow freely in a healthy person and any symptoms of illness will indicate any barriers to this movement. Any unwanted waste is removed and all cells requirements are provided once the Qi energy is flowing freely. Significant improvement in the physical as well as the mental health is the consequence of this. Symptoms, indicating a physical or mental illness, will become apparent if Qi is blocked at any stage. The intention of the needle positioning is to regain an optimum flow of energy. The number of treatments needed are be influenced by the initial analysis. Regular visits to an acupuncture clinic are seen as a way of maintaining optimum health in China and Chinese acupuncturists only receive payment while their customers enjoy good health. The common belief is that acupuncture is all about needles, but other techniques are also used including burning, herbs and electric stimulation. The instruments used are different with traditional practitioners utilising solid needles as opposed to the hollow tube, pre-sterilized, disposable needles employed by western doctors. The needle alone acts on the Qi energy and no medicine is used in most instances. The needles are inserted at a defined angle or manipulated for optimum results depending on the clients needs. Undergoing regular treatments to maintain constant good health is normal for clients of acupuncture practitioners in China. Your emotional or physical health will determine the number of consultations required to restore your body to optimum welfare and at each subsequent stage of your treatment different locations will be used for needle insertion as your health improves. By selecting these changing positions the Qi energy is altered, eventually reaching its optimum level. The course of treatment required influences the depth of needle insertion varying between just below the skin surface or up to a depth of three inches. As the needles are inserted most patients experience no pain, but some clients comment on an occasional pinching sensation when the needles are first inserted. The needles can be easily forgotten after insertion and as the Qi energy is being directed properly a warm, relaxed sensation will be felt at the insertion point. One of the most beneficial ways to improve or sustain good health is with acupuncture. As an alternative to conventional medicine more and more people are turning to acupuncture and the benefits of this ancient practise are becoming better understood and encouraged by conventional western medicine.
Article Source: http://www.thehealthmanual.com
John Philips is the author of Chinese Healing an informational website with various articles about Chinese Medicine. To read more articles from various sources on Chinese Medicine visit www.chinese-healing.info
Please Rate this Article
5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5
Not yet Rated
