Acupuncture, Theory, Practice and Advantages
By Madan, 11th Dec 2011 | Follow this author
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Acupuncture is a Chinese alternative system of medicine that is totally opposite of modern medical systems
The Science of Healing
If you look at the map of the globe, a large portion of Asia is occupied by China. It's a land for centuries that has remained obscure, though having a very ancient civilization. Even now Westerners have not understood the Chinese fully. The Chinese isolated from the Western line of thought developed many ancient healing systems and medicines. These can be termed traditional healing systems. This is distinct from Western medical system.
The Science of Healing Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the name given to this branch of healing by the Chinese. For centuries this system was unknown to westerners. But with the opening up of China in the twentieth century this system has spilled over to the outside world. Western nations are now having a scientific evaluation of this traditional healing system of the Chinese. What is acupuncture? Acupuncture is a science that does not follow the normal medical theory. This science -if we can term it as a science is based on the principle that certain points located at vantage areas in the human body, actually govern the chemistry of the body.
These points as per this line of thought are interlinked to certain organs of the human body and can help stimulate these organs. It may sound weird, but it is a traditional method of Chinese medicine and more important has been in vogue for over 2500 years. China and Japan are the leading practitioners of this form of healing. But from the twentieth century it is spreading to all parts of the globe including Europe and the United States. Reports suggest that over 12 million Americans have turned to Acupuncture for help. Its healing effects have been experienced by many well known western physicians as well as medical researchers.
The Chinese are the sole inventors of Acupuncture. However it defies rationale, but the results are cogent and successful. Followers of rational scientific thought are somehow skeptical of this method of healing, for the simple reason that it defies modern medical thought and practice. Rationalists thus insist that there is no anatomical or histological basis for any acupuncture points or meridians to be in existence in the body. What is really Chinese acupuncture theory?
Basis of Acupunture
The Chinese believe that there are 365 acupuncture points in the human body which corresponds to 365 days in a year. In addition there are 14 major meridian lines in the body. Out of these 12 are supposed to represent the 12 main organs of the body. The spine has one meridian aligned with it while another is supposed to be aligned with midline of the abdomen. This does sound out of context of modern medical thought. However Neuroimaging of the human body and further research does give a clue at the possibility that certain acupuncture points may have distinct effects that cannot be predictable anatomically.
Acupuncture theory as enunciated by the Chinese refers to an energy force called "Qi". This energy force is supposed to circulate throughout the human body. The circulation takes place through special pathways called Meridians or channels. The points that connect the body tissues to the organs through the meridians are called 'acupuncture points'. The Chinese believe that this energy force Qi needs to be free flowing for a person to be healthy. In case the flow of Qi is disturbed for any reason then an imbalance is created and is the cause of any subsequent illness. By Acupuncture therapy the Chinese believe that the imbalance is restored and once the energy force Qi is restored the patient recovers.
Acupuncture gives practical results for pain relief. Migraine, backache, period pain, arthritic and rheumatic pain, post-operative pain, and post-injury pain are known to be greatly reduced by use of this therapy. The Chinese believe that by inserting small needles at these points the process of restoring Qi can be commenced.
Essence of Acupuncture
Acupuncture is not just a simple method of inserting needles in the human body, but is a complex system that combines other complimentary techniques as well including Massage, Herbs, Moxibustion, laser devices etc. Acupuncture has greater effect along with usage of herbs. This is supposed to enhance the healing effects of acupuncture. Western scientists have tried to find a rationale for acupuncture points and the physiology behind it. But there are no clear cut answers available and it will not be wrong to say that this Chinese healing therapy defies logic.
Modern medicine cannot reconcile the Chinese concept of Qi, meridian system and their connection with various organs of the human body. But this form of alternative medicine is very much in vogue and the results are beyond expectations. Coming to Qi -what do the Chinese have to say about it? In simple parlance it is the life energy prevalent inside a human body. A combination of 3 factors like the air breathed in through the lungs, kidneys and the energy absorbed from food and water through the digestive system is the essence of Qi. This life force circulates throughout the body, and when flowing freely, the person remains in good health.
Acupuncture helps restore this life flow and is safe and effective and has no side effects of any type. It has been observed that after treatment a large majority of patients experience a sense of relief. In this connection its worth recounting an incident related by a friend. The man was suffering from sinusitis and no amount of allopathic me dices helped him get a permanent cure. He was recommended by a friend who advised him to try acupuncture. Subsequently after one sitting itself the patient recovered and till date there is no recurrence. Needles being seen inserted in the body may give the feel that this process is full of pain.
But in reality it is virtually a painless affair. There are some mild sensations like tingling, numbness, electrical pulsations in areas distant from the site of insertion. Once the needles are removed the sensations ease off. Acupuncture needles are very small in size compared to standard hypodermic needles. They are sold and cannot be used to draw blood. In the United States this form of medicine came quite late, but is increasing in popularity. A large number of Americans are now having a look at treatment through acupuncture. An important plus point in this type of therapy is that the role of drugs and medicines s is completely obviated as the treatment involves an attempt to stimulate the body's own resistance mechanism. Side effects are also a big zero.
Comments
11th Dec 2011 (#)
Amazing. Qi, chi, or prana, called the "Universal Life Force" seems to be the vital component of acupuncture. Ancient knowledge handed down through generations to China and also India baffles the modern world. Fascinating.
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11th Dec 2011 (#)
thanks Buzz
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11th Dec 2011 (#)
Nice Read
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11th Dec 2011 (#)
Thanks Vats
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11th Dec 2011 (#)
Excellent. I'm a big believer in acupuncture. It really works. it's amazing and magical in its healing powers.
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