Overview of Acupuncture

ACUPUNCTURE

Sheila Hnida

History

Acupuncture is thought to have originated in China. It is mentioned in documents dating from the Common Era.[1] The earliest written account is found in the Nei Ging (The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine). The document is believed to be from around 200 B.C., and is one of the oldest medical text books.[2] Acupuncture has been a major part of primary healthcare in China for the last 5,000 years and is uses go from prevention and treatment of disease to relieving pain and anesthesia.

The past two decades has seen an increase in popularity of acupuncture in the United States. In 1993 the FDA estimated that Americans have spent as much as 500 million dollars per year on as many as 9 to 12 million treatments.

The National Institutes of Health has funded a variety of research projects for controlled studies so we can learn more about this complex procedure.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is inserting very fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate Qi. The practitioner can use needles as well as heat, pressure, friction, suction, or electromagnetic energy.

Acupuncture helps to maintain balance which is essential for a long and fruitful life.

Acupuncture Theories and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Since Chinese medicine is based on their life philosophies, the following is a brief explanation of those philosophies.

Chinese believe that every living thing has Qi. Qi is our energy or vital substance. It is

the life force and the organizing principle that flows through all things and interconnects

them.