Acupuncture as Alternative Medicine

Acupuncture is the form of alternative medicine that uses needles that are interested along various meridian points in the body.  Acupuncture is believed to balance the flow of energy, qi, which runs through the body. Acupuncture originated from China and has been used as traditional Chinese medicine dating back to 3000 B.C.

In acupuncture the body contains meridians named after an organ or function.  The main meridians are kidney, lung, gall bladder, stomach, spleen, heart, intestines, and pericardium.  The body also contains over 1000 acupuncture points that are labeled by name, number, and meridian they are classified to.  When the needles are inserted across each specified point for a specified amount of time, it begins to increase blood and energy flow.

Acupuncture has proven to stimulate the immune system, control the production of red and white blood cells, and the amount of gastric acid released.  It also helps to balance hormones associated with response the body has due to injury or stress.

Despite its history acupuncture has only started becoming popular over the last 40 years.  According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is believed to restore health and a sense of well being allowing a person to live a much longer life. Acupuncture has been used as an alternative medicine for chronic pain and mind body disorders.

Acupuncture has many benefits as an alternative medicine. It allows the body, mind, and spirit to heal as one which is a popular theory among alternative medicine practitioners.  Disorders such as anxiety and depression affect both the body and mind, and both are related to stress.  Acupuncture relieves the effects stress has on the body, thus healing these particular disorders.

Research on acupuncture as an alternative medicine is limited but growing over time.  It is believed that acupuncture can help conditions such as:

• Acute or chronic pain
• Constipation/Incontinence
• Anorexia
• Anxiety
• Drug Detoxification
• Headaches/Migraines
• Weight Loss

Doctors have been performing controlled trials to prove that acupuncture as an alternative medicine has been an effective treatment for conditions including;

• Reactions to radiation therapy and chemotherapy
• Depression
• Arthritis
• Muscle pain

There is still a large debate on the effects of acupuncture as an alternative medicine due to the lack of knowledge.  It is best to consult a health care professional or alternative medicine practitioner for advice on treating certain conditions.