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Acupuncture
Has Become Much More Accepted Today
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| Acupuncture
was first used in China about 3000 B.C.. It was refined over the
next 4500 years and finally introduced in Europe in 1671 by a Jesuit priest
who had been to the Orient. It was first recommended by European
physicians several years later and used until the 1920's. President
Nixon underwent an appendectomy using acupuncture for anesthesia and post-operative
pain in 1971 while on a trip to China. However, it wasn't until 1994
that the needles were fully FDA approved and classified. This was
despite the fact that the prior year over 500 million dollars was spent
on acupuncture treatment. Thus, as we approach the new millennium
and 5,000 years after it's first use, acupuncture is being accepted by
Western Medicine. But what exactly is acupuncture? |
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| Acupuncture
is the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate
the flow of healing energy called Qi (pronounced chee) and balance the
Yin (mother energies) and Yang (father energies) or opposing energies of
the body. The needles are sterile and disposable. There may
be some discomfort when the needles are inserted, but it is only slight
pain. Treatments are safe because they are drug free and avoid the
side effects drugs can cause. You should always inform your doctor
if you have a pacemaker or are pregnant because of the energy flow (These
are the only contraindications for acupuncture.). Recently, it has
been used in conjunction with traditional medical treatments for pain control
and lessening the side effects of drugs. |
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It is felt that aligning
the main forms of Qi energy promotion of well-being is attained.
The five main forms of Qi are:
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Qi (matter energy) the vital
energy of all living things and the source of all movement and change in
the Universe
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Xue (blood) the fluid that
vitalizes
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Jing (essence) The essential
energy of all living organisms, inherited from our parents and absorbed
from the food and air of our daily lives
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Shen (spirit) The mental and
emotional aspect of consciousness stored in our spiritual being
-
Jin Ye (body fluids) The functional
secretions of the body
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five substances depend on each other to function properly for growth and
development, defending the body against disease, warming the body, controlling
the flow of blood and fluids, and metabolizing. |
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The needles are placed along meridians, the pathways of the body through
which energy flows. There are several theories of why acupuncture
works, but none have been proven. It has been found to be superb
in treating pain, and many other things that require heavy medications. |
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Always be sure your acupuncturist is fully trained. You can find
this information at the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture. |
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