Acupuncture is an ancient medicine that can improve wellness
Vail CO, Colorado
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It never ceases to amaze me that I practice a form of medicine that has been in use for more than 3,000 years. Oriental medicine was, in fact, developed and practiced in ancient China as a primary health care system. It was, and is still today, used to diagnose and treat illness, prevent disease and improve overall wellness.
The practice of Oriental medicine includes several different modalities of healing. Chinese herbs and acupuncture, diet therapy, exercise (tai chi and qi gong), and bodywork (accupressure and shiatsu) are all examples of Oriental medicine that are based in specific ancient healing principles.
The most basic principle followed in all these disciplines is that of qi (“chee”). Qi is often loosely translated as energy, but really, qi is an all encompassing life force. It regulates the body’s spiritual, emotional, mental and physical balance and is influenced by the opposing forces of yin and yang energies. According to traditional Chinese medicine, when yin and yang are balanced, they work together with the natural flow of qi to help the body achieve and maintain health. The modalities of Oriental Medicine are used to obtain this balance between yin and yang and thus keep qi flowing smoothly in the body.
Many people are aware of the benefits that using acupuncture and oriental medicine can afford. According to a National Institutes of Health consensus panel of scientists, researchers and practitioners who convened in November 1997, clinical studies have shown that acupuncture is an effective treatment for nausea caused by surgical anesthesia and cancer-related treatments, as well as for dental pain experienced after surgery. The panel also found that acupuncture is useful by itself or combined with conventional therapies to treat addiction, headaches, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, asthma, and to assist in stroke rehabilitation.
Outside the United States, the World Health Organization (WHO), the health branch of the United Nations, lists more than 40 conditions for which acupuncture may be a useful treatment.
Conditions appropriate for acupuncture therapy, according to the World Health Organization.
Digestive
Abdominal pain
Constipation
Diarrhea
Hyperacidity
Indigestion
Emotional
Anxiety
Depression
Insomnia
Nervousness
Neurosis
Eye-Ear-Nose-Throat
Cataracts
Gingivitis
Poor vision
Tinnitus
Toothache
Gynecological
Infertility
Menopausal symptoms
Premenstrual syndrome
Miscellaneous
Addiction control
Athletic performance
Blood pressure regulation
Chronic fatigue
Immune system support
Stress reduction
Musculoskeletal
Arthritis
Back pain
Muscle cramping
Muscle pain/weakness
Neck pain
Sciatica
Neurological
Headaches
Migraines
Neurogenic
Bladder dysfunction
Parkinson’s disease
Postoperative pain
Stroke
Respiratory
Asthma
Bronchitis
Common cold
Sinusitis
Smoking cessation
Tonsilitis
While acupuncture may seem daunting and painful, most people are pleasantly surprised by the treatment and the results. The practice of acupuncture involves the use of sterile, single-use, fine gauge (really, really small) needles. The needles are inserted into specific points on the body to elicit a therapeutic effect. Insertion of the needle is nearly painless and oftentimes is not even felt by the patient. The needle is then carefully manipulated by the acupuncturist, at which time patients may briefly experience a dull ache or fullness under the needle. This is what we call “deqi” or “getting the qi,” which is where the effects of acupuncture take place.
In honor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day on Oct. 24, put your curiosity to rest and give acupuncture a try. This ancient medicine, still in use after more than 3,000 years, may surprise you and make you better!
Dr. Eliza Klearman is a Naturopathic Doctor and acupuncturist practicing in Eagle. For more information call 970-328-5678 or e-mail liza@drklearman.com.
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