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Acupuncture is a single discipline of the
complex tradition of Chinese
Medicine. The practice of acupuncture involves the stimulation of anatomical sites
(acupoints) along the skin surface by a variety of techniques, including but not
limited to:
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Needling: placement of thin, solid, metallic needles (with
subsequent manual or electrical stimulation)
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Moxibustion: the burning of a compressed, powdered, combustible
material at specific points
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Pressure
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Heat (by laser)
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Cupping: placement of a cup suction device at specific points
for stimulation
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Intradermal needling: placement of dermal needles
It is believed that stimulation at the acupoints allows for qi to enter
and exit the channels systems, thus restoring balance and health.
(For a review of traditional Chinese medicine, please see the Intro
to Traditional Chinese Medicine page.) The practice of acupuncture has
been utilized by the Chinese for centuries for many illnesses and
conditions.
What are Acupoints?
Acupoints are specific points along channels
that are used to administer therapy. Morphologically, they are areas of
1-5 square millimeters along muscle cleavage lines. Structure analysis in
humans as well as animals has provided the model of a vertical column of loose
connective tissue surrounded by a denser supporting tissue. Within the
column lies a network of myelinated and unmyelinated nerves, a corresponding
arteriole and venule, and lymphatic drainage. The skin overlying the point
has been demonstrated to be of thinner epidermis, contributing to their
hypersensitivity.
Practitioners usually locate these points by
palpation of the underlying landmarks. Occasionally they must make use of
an electronic resistance device to locate the precise points.
The Practice of Acupuncture
Although acupuncture has been used to describe treatments from
acupuncture to non-invasive electrical stimulation, in a strict sense,
acupuncture is the practice of needle placement within the skin.
There are several methods and theories which have developed over its thousands
of years of existence. The discussion here will focus on the practice of
acupuncture within the scope of traditional Chinese medicine.
Traditionally, Chinese medicine uses needle placement at
specific acupoints along their corresponding channels to target precise
symptoms. Generally, very short (1 inch and smaller are used), solid metal
needles are used. Their placement may be any one of the following:
Needles may then be stimulated manually or with electrical
current, either high or low frequency. The number of needles used, form of
stimulation and duration of therapy are all tailored to the patient's specific
symptom-complex.
For further information on what to expect, please see our For
consumers... page.
The following websites may also serve for more
information:
www.acupuncture.edu/
www.acupuncture.com
www.demon.co.uk/acupuncture/
www.medical-acupunctur.co.uk/
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