What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a type of alternative health treatment that uses tiny needles inserted into the skin to treat a number of different medical issues, especially chronic pain.

The practice originated in China, and other forms of it have developed in Japan, Tibet, Vietnam, and Korea.  It has been around for hundreds of years, and is considered a part of traditional Chinese medicine.  In fact, a crude version of acupuncture using needles made of stone was discovered as far back as 3000 B.C.!

Acupuncture may have even been practiced in Eurasia as long as 5,200 years ago.  While modern acupuncture did originate in China, it may have been practiced all over Eurasia in a crude and ancient form much earlier than the current Chinese form.

The World Health Organization and other international medical institutions have studied acupuncture and concluded that there is enough evidence to warrant further research into the technique.

The needles used in acupuncture are extremely thin.  They are inserted into the skin along lines called meridians.  There are twelve primary pathways on the body.  There are six yin and six yang channels, including three of each on each arm and three of each on each leg.  There are also channels on the hands and feet.

Acupuncturists use certain body signs to diagnose medical issues.  They inspect the tongue, body order, listening for sounds like wheezing, asking questions about chills and fever, perspiration, and appetite, and palpation of various parts of the body.

Once a diagnosis has been made, the needles are placed into the body at the appropriate points along the various channels.

Acupuncture is used for treating dozens of illnesses and disorders, including:

• Chronic pain
• Allergies
• Anxiety
• Arthritis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Digestive issues
• Drug detoxification
• Headaches
• Hiccups
• Strokes
• Weight Loss
• And many more