The World Health Organization listed Acupuncture as an effective method to treat conditions as such: arthritis, neuralgia, insomnia, dizziness, neck and shoulder pain, depression, anxiety, hypertension, angina pectoris, arteriosclerosis, anemia, addictions to alcohol, nicotine and other drugs, emphysema, sinusitis, allergies, bronchitis, food allergies, ulcers chronic diarrhea, constipation. indigestion, intestinal weakness, anorexia, gastritis…
In the USA it is successfully used to help with: headaches, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, chronic fatigue, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, asthma etc.
Acupuncture is a form of treatment in Traditional Oriental Medicine. Today in most western cultures it is considered a part of “new” alternative medicine. However, the first record of acupuncture is found in the 4,700 year old Huang Di Nei Jing(Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine). This is said to be the oldest medical textbook in the world.
Several scientific theories have been presented to explain how acupuncture is restoring the balance in the body. The “Gates” theory suggests that pain impulses are blocked from reaching the spinal cord or brain at various “gates” to these areas. Since a majority of acupuncture points are either connected to (or are located near) neural structures, this suggests that acupuncture also stimulates the nervous system. The “Endorphin” theory states that acupuncture stimulates the secretions of endorphins in the body (specifically encephalin). The “Neurotransmitter” theory states that serotonin and noradrenalin levels are affected by acupuncture.Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles (sometimes in conjunction with electrical stimulation) in the body’s surface points, in order to influence physiological functioning of the body. The acupuncture points are located and join together in “channels” or “meridians”, along which Qi flows. The points are specific locations where the meridians come to the surface of the skin, and are accessible for treatment. Qi is the energy force, which consists of all essential life activities including spiritual, emotional, mental and physical aspects of life. Personal health is influenced by the flow of Qi in the body, in combination with the universal forces ofYin and Yang. If the flow of Qi is insufficient, unbalanced or interrupted, Yin andYang become unbalanced, and illness may occur.
