What are Acupuncture Needles?
July 11th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed
Acupuncture needles are disposable, and come in many different brands.
Most modern acupuncturists use disposable stainless steel needles of fine diameter (0.007″ to 0.020″, 0.18 mm to 0.51 mm), sterilized with ethylene oxide or by autoclave. These needles are far smaller in diameter (and therefore less painful) than the needles used to give shots, since they do not have to be hollow for purposes of injection. The upper third of these needles is wound with a thicker wire (typically bronze), or covered in plastic, to stiffen the needle and provide a handle for the acupuncturist to grasp while inserting. The size and type of needle used, and the depth of insertion, depend on the acupuncture style being practiced.
The theory behind acupuncture is that the insertion of acupuncture needles at these strategic points encourages the healing powers of the body by unblocking the flow of chi, the body’s vital energy.
Acupuncture has become popular for those who suffer from chronic pain, as well as those who want relief from stress.
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Arthritis Cure - none exists, but you can get pain relief
July 3rd, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed
There is no known arthritis cure as such. However, you can get pain relief for this disease, and some alternative medical solutions may even slow the progress of your disease.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Studies indicate Traditional Chinese Medicine is an effective and non-toxic way to treat arthritis. While it’s not an arthritis cure, thousands of people swear it makes their symptoms disappear. According to TCM, arthritis is classified as “painful obstruction”, meaning there is a blockage in the normal flow of blood within the body. This blood flow is referred to as Qi or Chi, (pronounced chee) which means “internal energy”.
There are numerous factors that can affect Qi and cause it to become obstructed. Environmental changes such as rain, excessive heat or cold, wind, etc. can disrupt the flow of Qi. Poor dietary habits, smoking, drinking, lack of exercise, and excessive stress can also contribute to obstructed Qi energy.
Traditional Chinese Medicine incorporates a variety of modalities to open these blockages and restore balance to Qi. These techniques include acupuncture, acupressure massage, and herbal dietary supplements.
While acupuncture isn’t an arthritis cure, it certainly can seem to be. Thousands of people report nearly instantaneous relief from this safe and effective treatment. Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to promote circulation. As circulation increases, it eliminates the blockages and relieves pain.
The reason acupuncture helps to alleviate arthritis pain is because it helps the body produce endorphins; the body’s natural painkillers. Endorphins have pain-killing properties similar to morphine, but without the dangerous side effects.
If you simply cannot bear the thought of having needles stuck in your body, than acupressure massage may be the TCM modality for you. Acupressure massage is similar to acupuncture, without the insertion of needles. Pressure is applied to specific points on the body to restore balance to disrupted Qi.
Another TCM modality involves the use of herbal supplements geared to strengthen the immune system. More often than not, supplements are customized and individually prepared for the patient’s needs. These supplements are typically provided in capsule or powder form and purchased through an Apothecary.
For the time being, Traditional Chinese Medicine may be as close as you will come to finding an arthritis cure. While researchers continue their quest to discover an arthritis cure, TCM might be something you want to take a look at.
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Acupuncture for pain relief
June 30th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed
While the idea of being punctured with needles seems odd, there’s no doubt that acupuncture provides sure and easy - and drug free - pain relief. It’s certainly worth considering. Acupuncture is now considered alternative or complementary medicine, and there is evidence that these alternatives can be very helpful to people with certain problems or conditions.
Acupuncture is originally from China where it is still widely practiced for the health of the Chinese people. These alternative or complementary medicines are now widely used in the United States and Western Europe for specific conditions or problems. Most medical professionals are trained in certain methods for maintaining and restoring the health of their patients. Not many medical professionals are trained in acupuncture. Most doctors do not immediately consider acupuncture as a method for treating their patients, but there is more enthusiasm for using these methods as a complement to modern medical practices.
Many cities and towns around the United States now have professionals who practice acupuncture. These professionals are highly skilled in the practice of alternative methods. Patients usually go to the practitioners of traditional medical treatment first, but many then seek help through acupuncture if they do not find satisfaction with regular doctors and nurses. Some insurance companies will now consider payments for acupuncture treatment. People will not usually seek acupuncture for serious conditions such as cancer or heart disease.
People often seek acupuncture as a source of complementary medicine. This type of alternative medicine has been used for people suffering chronic pain, nausea and several other troubling conditions. These alternative medicine techniques are also used to help people break bad habits such as smoking. There has also been some success in using these alternative medicines to help people lose weight. The techniques used in acupuncture seem a bit harsh when first described, but the techniques are not painful or uncomfortable.
The professional acupuncturist uses needles inserted at specific points in the body to achieve the goals of the patient.
The skilled professional uses needles that are hygienic to prevent any type of infection. These needles are much thinner than the needles that people are used to when they are in need of a traditional shot. The needles are inserted at strategic points chosen for specific benefits. The skilled person will insert the needles in specific points for someone with headaches. The same professional will insert the needles differently for those trying to kick a bad habit. There have been many people who have used these alternative medicines with great success, and the demonstrated success for some conditions has led to more people seeking this type of treatment.
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