acupuncture

Acupuncture: Get the Point

Acupuncture in historical records from 550 B.C. using stone needles

Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine :

It serves to explain the organic structure, physiological functions and pathological changes of the human body, and in addition guides clinical diagnosis and treatment.

The underlying premise is that the human body is an integrated whole. All its organs and tissues are organically connected. The root cause for the occurrence and development of disease is imbalance in the body. The occurrence of a disease is the pathological manifestation of the dysfunction of the organs and their related tissues. When one internal organ is afflicted, the other organs and tissues become involved. Qi, blood and body fluid are fundamental substances which maintain the normal vital activities of the human body. They are the foundation for the physiological functions of the organs, tissues and meridians.

Qi:

Qi functions to protect the muscular surface and defend the body against exogenous pathogenic factors. Deficiency of qi impairs the function of the organs and blood circulation. Because it is part of the blood it provides nourishment to the whole body. Dysfunction of any of the organs may cause abnormal blood circulation, which gives rise to symptoms. Qi and blood are the material foundation for the functional activities of the body. If the body does not receive sufficient nourishment from the blood its parts can not sustain their physiological activity.

Meridians:

Meridians are the pathways in which the qi and blood of the human body are circulated. They maintain normal function of the organs by keeping them in balance. Symptoms and signs of disease can be treated by needling the specific points on the meridians. They are closely connected with the tissues and organs of the body and play an important role in human physiology, pathology, prevention and treatment of ailments. The meridians also work to nourish the tendons, bones, organs, and improve joint function. Each meridian presents its pathological manifestations. Diseases are related to meridians and symptoms are caused by diseased meridians.

Causes of disease:

Imbalance between the human body and the external environment can affect the organs. If external influences exceed the body's ability to adjust to changing conditions, disease will develop.

External Factors that cause disease:

• Emotions ( Normal emotional responses of the body do not normally cause disease. Severe, continuous or abruptly occurring emotional stimuli can surpass the body's ability to adapt. This can directly affect the organs and blood.) Emotional factors affect circulation.
• Improper diet (Although food is necessary for maintaining life, improper diet can be one of the biggest causes of disease. Quantity of food should be appropriate to the requirements of the body. Overeating will impair gastrointestinal function. Overindulgence in a particular food may result in malnutrition. The human body can only obtain its nutritional needs when food intake is balanced.)
• Lack of physical exercise ( Normal physical exertion and rest do not cause disease, but they are the basic constitution for preventing it. Lack of physical exercise can impair the circulation and eventually cause softening of the bones and tendons, poor energy, poor appetite, obesity and shortness of breath.)
• Traumatic injuries (Overstrain and stress or lack of physical exertion will weaken the body. Contracture or sprain due to physical overload can result in muscular swelling and pain, stagnation of blood, injury to the tendons, fracture of bones, and degeneration of the joints.)

If the body's resistance is low because of one or more of these factors, disease can develop. This is the basic viewpoint of traditional Chinese medicine. (An example is the common cold.)

Acupuncture takes the theory of traditional Chinese medicine as a guide to treat patients based on differentiation of syndromes. History, signs and symptoms can help determine what deficiency or excess may be present in order to treat the right points to improve the blood flow through the body. It is a holistic concept, which means it looks at the body as a �whole� by treating any imbalance in the body. It follows the concept that the course of a disease is the process of struggle between the body and pathogenic factors. Strengthening the body resistance and eliminating the pathogenic factors are important in treatment and will lead to health. The root cause has to be treated or eliminated to achieve health permanently. This theory includes prevention before the attack of a disease and prevention from deterioration after occurrence of a disease. Acupuncture has been used as a traditional remedy to prevent disease and preserve health. Early diagnosis and treatment is important.

Conditions or symptoms managed with Acupuncture:

• Digestive disorders (diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, bloating, gas and pain)
• Menstrual and Hormonal disorders (PMS, irregular menstruation, menopause)
• Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia (General muscle pain, trigger points and tension)
• Asthma
• Dizziness
• Bells Palsy
• Headache
• Allergies
• Fertility
• Insomnia
• Weight Loss (Auriculotherapy)
• Nausea
• Pain (Neck, Low Back, Leg, Arm, Facial)
• Depression

Research is available at:

www.internethealthlibrary.com/Therapies/Acupuncture-Research.htm
www.acupuncturecenter.com
www.mesothelioma.com/alternative_acupuncture.htm
www.mesothelioma.com/types_malignant_mesothelioma.htm