ACCUPUNCTURE
Introduction to Accupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese
method of treating ailments. The word acupuncture is made of two parts –
‘acus’ – which means a needle, and 'puncture'. This method provides
relief from illness by needle puncture of specific points on the body. Reference
to acupuncture as a modality of treatment can be found in ancient Chinese literature
when stone needles called ‘Bien’ were used for this purpose. With
the advent of metal era needles of copper and iron were used by practitioners
of this form of medicines. This form of alternative medicine is based on the
concept of Qui or Chi (pronounced ‘chee’). This is a vital energy
force comparable to ‘prana’ in Indian philosophy. According to traditional
Chinese concept the structure of the universe is explained on the basis of Yin
and Yang. They represent two aspects of energy, imbalance of which results in
a disease condition. ‘Yin’ stands for all that is negative like peace
endurance, weakness etc. And ‘Yang stands for all positive influences like
strength, warmth, sun, heaven, male. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) states
that the body is made up of five hollow organs. These are represented on the
body surface according to their energy flow on ‘Meridians’. Specific
points or acupoints were charted out on these meridians. The stimulation of
these points by needles leads to a balance of energy forces and this is responsible
for cure of diseases caused by imbalance of body energy.
This is an alternative system of medicine which treats ailments by insertion
of needles at acupoints. To be effective a specific sensation called Quichi
or Teichi should be elicited during needling. It is a pleasant tingling sensation
radiating along a specific direction. Needling produces subjective sensations
like pain, numbness, soreness, heaviness and distension objective beneficial
effects produced are:
- Analgesia i.e. pain-relieving effects useful in variety of painful conditions.
- Sedation or calming effects useful in epilepsy, insomnia & mental
disease like mania & anxiety states.
- Homeostasis or maintaining the normal balance of the body.
- Immunity improvement –better immunity & protection from infection.
Scientific basis of its effectiveness is based on Gate control of pain and
production & release of pain relieving mediators called endorphins.
Conditions responding best to acupuncture therapy
are:
- Allergic rhinitis
- Osteoarthritis
- Lumbas and Cervical spondylitis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Migraine
- Buerges’s disease
- It is also effective in management of
- Bronchial Asthma
- Skin conditions like Eczema
- Obesity, Diabetes & B.P.
- Obstentric problems like unstable lie, premature labor, lobar analgesia
- Post operative pain relief
- Ear conditions like Tinnitus & vertigo
- Sports medicine
- Facilities for acupuncture therapy are available at all major hospitals
in the pain clinics run for management of chronic pain. Specialized clinics
are also run by trained acupuncturists who provide treatment through this
method.
Newer modifications
Electrical Acupuncture
This involves electrical stimulation of acupoints through AP needles.
Lesser sittings are required & pain relief is faster.
Aculaser
This involves use of soft laser to stimulate AP points. It avoids use of
needles and hence problems associated with use of unsterile needles like
spread of blood borne diseases like HIV & Hepatitis. Another major drawback
of Accupuncture is the fear of pain & therefore Aculaser being a painless
condition has a very high patient acceptability today.
