By Janine Maere, MD, Ohm Energy Medicine
Acupuncture has existed in China for over 3,000 years and is among one of the oldest healing practices in the world. It is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Acupuncture is the practice of placing very thin needles into specific points in the body to treat illness and improve health. These points generally follow energy flow pathways called meridians. The belief is that the life energy called qi (chi) is out of balance, thus contributing to disease. Stimulating acupuncture points can help the body regain this balance and promote healing.
The theory and practice of Acupuncture has gone through many changes and innovations since prehistoric times when stone probes were applied to painful areas and to the acupuncture body points used to treat inner organs and damaged tissues. It is likely that this form of acupressure was the beginning of the ancient acupuncture art. Needle punctures as local pain relief on specific channel points were recorded in the Chinese Annals of Medicine even before the Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine (Huang Di Neijing), which dates to approximately 200 B.C. This classic work establishes the basic theory, philosophy, as well as the practical application and benefit of acupuncture-acupressure.
TCM asserts that vital energy known as “qi” moves within the body along 12 energy lines called meridians. The interrelationships of the organs and tissues is essential for the unified functioning of the body. The meridians mostly correspond to anatomical structures, blood vessels, and neural pathways. According to the western science, the effects of acupuncture treatment are attributed to the brain’s endorphin secretion, which leads to a sense of relaxation and alleviation of pain. Other theories about how acupuncture works are:
- Acupuncture influences the release of neurotransmitters, substances that transmit nerve impulses to the brain
- Acupuncture influences the autonomic nervous system
- Acupuncture stimulates circulation
- Acupuncture influences the electrical currents of the body
Acupuncture is generally considered to be safe when performed by qualified practitioners who use sterile needles. Acupuncture needles are metallic, solid, and hair-thin. People experience acupuncture differently, but most feel no or minimal pain as the needles are inserted. Some people feel energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed. Considering the millions of people treated with acupuncture each year, there have been very few reported complications. Practitioners should use a new set of disposable needles taken from a sealed package for each patient and should swab treatment sites with alcohol or another disinfectant before inserting needles.
According to the 2007 National Health Interview Survey, which included a comprehensive survey of Complementary and Alternative Medicine use by Americans, an estimated 3.1 million U.S. adults and 150,000 children had used acupuncture in the previous year. Many prominent medical facilities offer acupuncture as an option for their patients’ treatment regimen including Mayo Clinic, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, MD Anderson, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and Cleveland Clinic.
Acupuncture can be used to treat a variety of acute and chronic illnesses. The World Health Organization currently recognizes more than 100 medical problems for which acupuncture has shown a proven benefit. Some of the more common conditions are:
- Arthritis
- Low back pain
- Headaches
- Adverse reactions to radiation and chemotherapy
- Smoking
- Drug addictions
- High blood pressure
- Most pain issues
The benefits of acupuncture are sometimes difficult to measure, but many people find it helpful as a means to control a variety of conditions. Since acupuncture has few side effects, it may be worth a try if you’re having trouble controlling pain or disease with more conventional methods.
If you or someone you know is interested in acupuncture, homeopathy treatment, energy therapy, or vibration therapy, contact Ohm at 309-268-9304 or visit www.ohmenergymedicine.com. They are located inside of Energy Therapies Alliance of Central Illinois at
211 Landmark Dr., Suite E1 in Normal.