Acupuncture Essay Research Paper What is AcupunctureAcupuncture

Acupuncture Essay, Research Paper What is Acupuncture? Acupuncture is one component of a health system called Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM. TCM is a complete system for the treatment of health disorders. It is not limited to any particular disorder, and can be used to treat almost anything, supposedly. Acupuncture is recognized world-wide for its ability to effectively treat a wide variety of disorders naturally, without the use of harmful drugs or surgery, and with virtually no side effects. Acupuncture stimulates the body’s own healing abilities. Because Traditional Chinese Medicine is holistic, it treats the entire person: Mental, physical, and emotional complaints can all be addressed. Some people fear acupuncture because they fear needles, or imagine acupuncture to be painful. Acupuncture needles are very different from the needles used in the western health care system, which are of a heavier gauge, hollow, and sometimes serrated. Acupuncture needles are barely thicker than a hair, solid, and polished smooth. When these needles are inserted it is usually painless, though some people feel a slight sensation at the moment of insertion. Most people find that the health benefits far outweigh any discomfort that might accompany treatment. Usually people feel deep relaxation during an acupuncture treatment, and may fall asleep. Acupuncture needles are sterile, and packaged to be used only once, so you can?t catch anything from the needles. However there is another option for peoploe who just can?t take the idea of gettin poked with needles, electro-acupuncture. Electro-acupuncture is a needle-free technique that can often help people who just can’t tolerate the idea of needles. Conditions Most Commonly Treated by Acupuncture AllergiesAsthmaHeart Problems PalpitationsAnxietyDepression High Blood PressureArthritisJoint Problems Immune System DeficiencyBack PainInfertility Bladder/Kidney ProblemsKnee PainChildhood Illnesses Neck Pain/StiffnesConstipationDiarrhea Pre-Menstrual SyndromeColdsFlu NumbnessCoughBronchitis Sexual DisfunctionDrug AddictionSmoking Shoulder PainFatigueSkin Problems Gynecological DisordersStressTension HeadacheMigraineVision Problems The History of Acupuncture Acupuncture needles dating from 4000 years ago have been found in China. The first needles were stone and then later, bronze, gold, or silver were used. Today needles are usually made of steel. At first, needles were used only to prick boils and ulcers, but soon were being used for a wide variety of disorders. 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 through the meridian lines. According to this theory, diseases are caused by interrupted energy flow, and inserting and twisting needles restores normal flow.