Acupuncture: Modern Interest in an Ancient Technique
Written by Debra Kirchhof-Glazier
Acupuncture began in China over 3000 years ago. It was introduced to Korea, Japan, and India in the sixth century and spread to Europe in the sixteenth century. With the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 the practice of acupuncture was disseminated more widely throughout the world and now constitutes a popular method of healing in both East and West.
Acupuncture is only one modality in Chinese medicine, which also includes herbology, various forms of massage, and moxibustion, the burning of herbs at acupuncture points. Unlike Western medicine, which is based on determining a precise cause for a specific disease, Chinese medicine focuses on determining patterns of disharmony and imbalance, without identifying a particular disease or precise cause. Its philosophy focuses on the interconnection and continuous transformation of the polar opposites of yin and yang and the classification of phenomena according to the five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles into specific acupuncture points along energy channels in the body, known as meridians. Meridians have no physiological or anatomical counterpart but instead represent channels that carry qi (or ch’i, both pronounced “chee”) throughout the body, linking the exterior with internal organs. There are12 regular Meridians, 8 Extra Meridians, and many small minor Meridians. Acupuncture points, located at specific sites along the meridians and at some sites outside the meridians, influence the movement of qi. Each point has a specific quality of qi and a defined therapeutic action. Although the total number of acupuncture points is now believed to be around 2000, the classical number is 365, and most practitioners routinely use only about 150.
A typical treatment involves insertion of between 5 and 15 stainless steel, sterile needles. The depth of the needle depends on the point selected. Needles are inserted only a few millimeters in the fingertips and toes but may be inserted several inches in the buttocks. There is usually no pain involved. Complications and side effects are rare but may include bleeding, pain at the needling site, and aggravation of symptoms.
Variations on acupuncture include acupressure applied at the points without penetration of the skin, electroacupuncture with currents applied to inserted needles, injection of various solutions into acupuncture points, and moxibustion or burning of herbs at the acupuncture points, directly or in combination with an inserted needle.
Acupuncture is used to treat a wide variety of illnesses and conditions. It is used most often in the West to relieve neck and back pain. Several theories have been suggested to explain its effectiveness in pain control. One is known as the “gate theory”, which suggests that the needles interrupt the nerve bundles and prevent pain messages from getting to the brain. Another theory maintains that inserting acupuncture needles triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-killing substances. Research this year by Harvard scientist, Bruce Rosen, has also shown acupuncture-induced decreases in blood flow to key brain areas. There are probably several mechanisms at work, some of which we have yet to discover.
Other conditions commonly treated by acupuncture include the nausea of pregnancy and chemotherapy, migraine and tension-type headaches, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and temporomandibular dysfunction (TMJ). Acupuncture has also shown promise in some aspects of stroke rehabilitation and in reducing the spasticity of cerebral palsy. Not surprisingly, patients whose symptoms fail to respond to conventional treatments are seeking acupuncture treatment.
Acupuncture training in the U.S. is primarily through masters programs. Doctoral programs are developing, and medical doctors can practice acupuncture if they complete a 200 hour continuing education training program. To be licensed in Pennsylvania practitioners must complete at least two years of college and two years of acupuncture training. A doctor’s referral is also required. To find an acupuncturist consult the yellow pages of the phonebook, the internet (ex. http://www.acupuncturefinder.com/Listings/searchform.asp), or consumers of complementary health care in your area.
In summary, acupuncture is a healing modality that has been used for thousands of years. Although the mechanism of action remains elusive and more research is needed to confirm its efficacy, acupuncture has gained a place in our health care system. Its popularity will persist as long as people continue to experience relief from its use by competent and caring practitioners.
The Huntingdon Health and Wellness Association makes no medical claims or recommendations. Check with your doctor about your specific health care needs.