Complementary medicines , Acupuncture , Introduction
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that originated around 2,000 years ago. Acupuncture is based on the belief that the working of the human body is controlled by a life force called Qi (pronounced chee). This flows between the organs of the body along pathways called meridians or channels.
There are 12 meridians for the 12 main organs of the body, including the heart, liver, lungs, kidney and stomach. Although the meridians are named after particular organs, the name refers to other associated organs as well. For example, the kidney meridian is associated with the ears, eyes, bones, genitals, urethra and anus. Qi energy must run in the correct strength through these channels for us to be healthy. Illness occurs when the flow of Qi is blocked or unbalanced.
Acupuncture points are located along the meridians. Needles are inserted in these places to unblock or alter the flow of Qi. This is thought to balance the proper flow of Qi and restore health.
There are 12 meridians for the 12 main organs of the body, including the heart, liver, lungs, kidney and stomach. Although the meridians are named after particular organs, the name refers to other associated organs as well. For example, the kidney meridian is associated with the ears, eyes, bones, genitals, urethra and anus. Qi energy must run in the correct strength through these channels for us to be healthy. Illness occurs when the flow of Qi is blocked or unbalanced.
Acupuncture points are located along the meridians. Needles are inserted in these places to unblock or alter the flow of Qi. This is thought to balance the proper flow of Qi and restore health.
Why is it necessary?
In Western medicine, acupuncture is generally used to treat the symptoms of a condition rather than the condition or disease itself. It can be helpful in relieving pain, and as a result, is the most common used complementary therapy on the NHS. Studies show that acupuncture is effective for treating post-operative nausea and vomiting, chemotherapy related nausea and vomiting, sickness and nausea in pregnancy, and post-operative dental pain.
As yet, research into the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment for chronic pain has not produced consistent results, which is due partly to the small scale of the studies that have taken place. Although research shows that acupuncture is not harmful, several studies suggest it is no more effective than a placebo. Therefore, acupuncture is generally used as a second or third treatment option on the NHS for patients with chronic pain, such as migraine, arthritis or back pain. It is not normally recommended unless conventional treatment has failed.
Symptoms such as pain or sickness can indicate that there is a more serious problem inside the body. Your doctor will try to find the cause of the symptoms before recommending acupuncture.
As yet, research into the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment for chronic pain has not produced consistent results, which is due partly to the small scale of the studies that have taken place. Although research shows that acupuncture is not harmful, several studies suggest it is no more effective than a placebo. Therefore, acupuncture is generally used as a second or third treatment option on the NHS for patients with chronic pain, such as migraine, arthritis or back pain. It is not normally recommended unless conventional treatment has failed.
Symptoms such as pain or sickness can indicate that there is a more serious problem inside the body. Your doctor will try to find the cause of the symptoms before recommending acupuncture.
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