What is acupuncture?
Introduction and history
Acupuncture means "precise insertion". This procedure is done with thin sterilized disposable needles inserted shallowly into the body's surface. The medical theory is based on a concept called Qi. The term Qi is commonly translated into energy or life forces. This Chinese character Qi  is metaphoric. It is used broadly to define biophysical actions and relationships between substantial and non-substantial forces and matters.
Ancient practitioners observed the stars and planetary movements, flows of body of water in relationship to its landscape, and mapped the physics of these in comparison to the body. The theory came from observing the universe and nature, finding the biophysical parallel from a macro to a micro level. Eventually this mapping became known as the meridians that flows through the human body. Qi travels in meridians and resides in the body's organs. Inserting needles at strategic spots on the body moves the Qi dynamic and thus can affect the energetic flow. Qi flows through them and some of these forces turn into matter and reside in the organs. It is also true in reverse. As Einstein best puts it, matter can neither be destroyed nor created. Meridian pathways are like the formula E=MC2, where Qi = body x flow2.
 |
 |
The meridians flow within the body in the same manner as water flowing through a landscape. When waterways are blocked and directed to another direction the landscape changes. It is why needles are used. They are easy to handle and provide precision for inserting into the right spot on the body. The thickness, length and material of the needles vary. Each combination like the different types of building material for a dam will provide different results.
Web sites
There are numerous ways of defining acupuncture and how it works. Here are some websites on this subject.
- United States Department of Health and Human Services: Alternative Health Medicine
This government organization monitors health issues within the United States and the world.
- Acupuncture.com
A well organized website of vast information and diverse topics on acupuncture and current news. There are also testimonials sorted by the type of ailments.
- GanCao.net
A site with great sense of humor. Like Acupuncture.com, provides lot of information. In addition, there is a list of collected acupuncturists by zip code.
- TCMWorks.com
A private Canadian practitioner Wei Yuan with great insight on traditional Chinese medicine.
- Mitchellwolf.com
A private New York City based practitioner Mitchell Wolf explains the simplicity and beauty of Chinese medicine.
Cautions and side effects
In general, acupuncture is very safe. There are a few incidents where it is at the practitioner's judgment to perform acupuncture. They are if the patient is:
- Intoxicated
- Over-eaten
- Famished or fasting
- Over-fatigued
- Dehydration
- Extremely nervous or fearful
- Extreme emotions: agitation, fright, or sadness
- Engaged in sexual intercourse 1-2 hours prior to treatment
- Just traveled from a long distance and arrived at the treatment room restless or tired
- Under influence of drugs, such as cocaine, LSD, etc...
Please note there are revival and calming points. Practitioners might do other protocols first, such as massage, or acupressure, or ask patient to rest for at least fifteen minutes. If patient's state is unchanged, practitioner might ask patient to return another day.
If after a treatment, patient experience fainting, nausea, disorientation, or bruising, these are usually temporary and will resolve quickly. This is not necessary a gage on treatment effectiveness. At times, another point is pressed or the use of moxabustion to relieve the symptom.
Special considerations and additional care are given to infants, pregnant women and the elderly.
Also check out this webpage about the differences between a licensed acupuncturist by the State Board verses others who are trained under different certifications:
www.medicalacupuncturefacts.com
Ask your practitioner if they have at least 2,000 hours of class and clinical instructions.
  back to top
|
is translated as rice. Rice is an essential sustenance in Chinese diet. The upper portion, 
is a radical that indicates air and acts as an adobe for the rice. Together they imply the essentials for life, food and air. Qi is also seem spelled as "Chi" or "Chee".