| Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the most widely practised and respected systems of alternative medicine. Originating in China some 3,500 years ago,it aims to adjust the body's "life energy" - called Qi or Chi, and so restore health and vitality. Qi flows through the body along pathways known as meridians - energy pathways - and disruption of this pathway can create illness. Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into carefully selected acupuncture points along the meridians (energy pathways). This removes blockages or stimulates energy flow in the meridian system and by doing so helps to re-establish equilibrium in the body. In this way the system can be restored to health. Acupuncture can be used to relieve symptoms of ailments or for stress relief. Chi is an energy that allegedly permeates all things. It is believed to flow through the body along 14 main pathways called meridians. When yin and yang are in harmony, chi flows freely within the body and a person is healthy. When a person is sick, diseased, or injured, there is an obstruction of chi along one of the meridians. Traditional Chinese medicine has identified some 500 specific points where needles are to be inserted for specific effects. The most common claim of success by acupuncture advocates is in the area of pain control. Studies have shown that many acupuncture points are more richly supplied with nerve endings than are the surrounding skin areas. Some research indicates sticking needles into certain points affects the nervous system and stimulates the body's production of natural painkilling chemicals such as endorphins and enkephalins, and triggers the release of certain neural hormones including serotonin. Another theory suggests that acupuncture blocks the transmission of pain impulses from parts of the body to the central nervous system. Acupuncture is useful in treating: addictions, arthritis, asthma, anxiety, AIDS, allergies, back pain, bronchitis, bladder and kidney problems, chronic fatigue syndrome, colitis, conjuntivitis, cystitis, constipation, colds, digestive problems, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, eczema, fatigue, flu, glaucoma, gynecologic disorders, hayfever, headaches, high blood pressure, incontinence, insomnia, menstrual problems, migraines, non-specific urethritis, paralysis, PMS, sinusitis, sciatica, sexual dysfunction, smoking, stress, stroke, tinnitus, tendinitis, ulcers. vision problems. |
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