What is Clinical
Acupuncture?
Clinical Acupuncture, has also been known as the more
advanced version of acupuncture system that blends Medical Acupuncture which is
developed by western medical PR actioners and the Traditional Chinese
Acupuncture that has been in practice for a thousand years. This involves ‘With
Needle Acupuncture’ as well as the ‘Needleless Acupuncture.’
There are many advantages to this which include the
scientific Biomedical understanding which is based on anatomy, physiology,
biochemistry as well as pathology. It gives quick relief. It requires less time
per session & fewer sessions and it retains the Holistic Health base of
Traditional Chinese Acupuncture.
Under a certain condition called the Aseptic Condition
Acupuncture treatment. This is done completely under aseptic conditions in
which needles of an international brand are used and never reused. Treatment
includes: A Holistic Diagnosis and an Assessment which includes collection of
relevant information about sickness and the factors associated with it. The
clinical examination of patient and investigations are another factor. This is
followed by diagnosis of the sickness which includes both clinical and disorder
diagnosis on the basis of acupuncture and the traditional Chinese medicine. The
Treatment Plan includes a suitable design on the basis of the diagnosis.
Treatment sessions are then undertaken. Which are further followed up by
regular assessments of patient’s health and the effect of the acupuncture.
Decision is taken about number and frequency of further sessions, on the basis
of the Patient’s response.
About Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a treatment that is used without drugs. It
involves specific points known as the acu points that are stimulated to relieve
pain or treat various diseases. These acu points are situated on meridians
along which Qi flows. Every point is related to particular organ &
function. This results in free flow of energy that helps in the betterment of
the organs as well as treatment of diseases and restoration of health. Acupuncture
is safe as only sterile needles are used in acupuncture and discarded. It is
also painless as it uses very fine needles which do not cause more than a small
sensation. It is also effective as World Health Organization has accepted
effectiveness of acupuncture in various diseases & disorders. It is in
practice all over the world.
Type of acupuncture
Starting with the Body acupuncture, Scalp acupuncture, Face
acupuncture, Ear acupuncture, Hand and foot acupuncture.
The Traditional techniques are as follows: Needle
acupuncture that includes a needle, three edged needle, plum blossom needle,
press needle, intra dermal needle etc. Moxibustion is also one form and Cupping
is another.
Modern techniques of Acupuncture
There are several modern techniques which can be used in
conditions in which Classical Acupuncture with needles cannot be used. This is
suitable for children and for people who are scared of needles. Some of these
techniques are Electro Acupuncture, Laser Acupuncture, TENS Acupuncture, and
Ultrasonic Acupuncture.
How acupuncture works
in pain and diseases
There are many benefits of acupuncture, starting with Pain
relieving effect is an Acupuncture that relieves pain and is getting accepted
worldwide as one of the best option in pain control. It increases the pain
threshold which is the level at which pain is felt. The next is sedation effect
acupuncture results in calming down.
Decrease in delta & theta wave activity in brain is seen in EEG.
This effect helps in conditions like insomnia, anxiety, mental agitation, etc.
Homeostatic effect is an Acupuncture that helps in normalization of internal
environment in body. It helps in endocrine balance, balance of autonomic
nervous system, cardiovascular and respiratory balance, metabolic balance and
electrolyte balance. This helps in bringing body functions to normal level, it
helps in immune enhancement, it helps with anti-inflammatory anti-allergic
effect, and it helps with better motor activity.
Scientific basis of
acupuncture
Acupuncture has been a subject of extensive scientific
research. Many studies claimed that acupuncture treatment has significant
benefit in treatment of pain and diseases. Many theories have been forwarded to
explain the scientific basis of acupuncture. Two important theories are the
Gate Control Theory of Pain where the pain feeling is modified by interplay
between excitatory and inhibitory pain pathways and acupuncture helps by
influencing these pathways. The second is Neurohormonal Theory in which the
pain perception is influenced by release of certain neuro hormones like
endorphins. It proposes that acupuncture causes release of these neuro
hormones. The third is the neurotransmitter theory through which acupuncture
works by releasing certain neurotransmitters like serotonin or noradrenaline.
What Patients should
know?
They should keep the body parts clean for treatment and
inform the acupuncturist if they have any of the following conditions like
Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension, Epilepsy, Hepatitis, Pregnancy, On
medication for example anticoagulants, Hemophilia or other bleeding disorder, Cardiac pacemaker or
other metallic / electronic implants, Tuberculosis and other active infection.
They should avoid being too hungry and very tight cloths before the treatment.
They need to empty their bladder before acupuncture treatment.
Precautions in
Acupuncture Treatment
There are conditions in which acupuncture is avoided or used
with great caution. Some are: Cancer and malignant conditions. Mechanical
obstruction like twisted loop of intestine or severed tendon. Surgical cases
like fractured bone, dislocated joint, congenital defect etc. Fulminating acute
infections. In resistant chronic infections, acupuncture can be used as support
therapy. Pregnancy especially in first three and last three months.
Haemorrhagic or bleeding disorders. Caution must be observed or laser
acupuncture may be used. Certain states like very old, debilitated or dying
patients. Excessive emotions and after sexual intercourse. Conditions like
after hot bath, under alcohol influence, after excessive sweating. Patients
with uncontrolled movements.
What diseases are
treated by Acupuncture?
World Health Organization WHO has accepted effectiveness of
acupuncture in various diseases & disorders. Here are some of them.
Physical or Mental diseases like Paralysis, Neuralgia, Migraine & other
Headaches, Epilepsy, Coma, Parkinson’s disease. Musculoskeletal Complaints,
Respiratory complaints like Pleurisy, Gastrointestinal Complaints like Gastritis,
Gynaecological Complaints like Dysmenorrhea, and Obstetric Complaints like
Infertility and Cardiovascular Complaints like Angina.
Benefits of
Acupuncture
A form of alternative medicine, acupuncture is a popular
method that was originated in China many centuries ago. The method involves the
insertion of thin needles into the body. The needles are inserted at a specific
point. The depths vary from person to person. It is a tradition Chinese
medicine and its practice is not based on the scientific knowledge. It is also
known as pseudoscience. The method of using this technique varies from country
to country. Some countries use this method in its purest form while some
countries form a combination in order to treat the patients.
Acupuncture is considered an effective method in healing the
body. The popularity of this method is evident from the clinics that are
situated in different countries. The clinics are available in large numbers
that reflects the popularity of the method. The people who are accustomed to
acupuncture have seen visible results in their well-being.
Are there any risks
associated with this method?
The risks involved in this method are low. The risk can be
reduced if the practitioner has perfected his skill and uses clean needles.
Every method has a certain rate of risk involved with it. In this method,
however, the risk can be reduced if precautions are taken. The reported cases
that showed the adverse effects of this method were pneumothorax and
infections. Since then many improvements have been made to perfect the method.
Techniques of
inserting needles
1. Insertion
The first step is to sterilize the skin and needles. A
plastic guide tube is used in insertion of the needles. The needles can be
inserted by spinning, moving up and down or flicking. It depends on the type of
skin. Since pain is felt in the outer skin so the practitioners recommend a
quick insertion of the needle. It is painful at first but a skilled
practitioner can reduce the pain.
2. De-qi
sensation
It refers to a sensation of numbness or an electrical
tingling. It is produced along the meridian. If the insertion of the needle
does not produce this feeling then it can decrease the rate of a successful
acupuncture. This may be cause by the improper technique of insertion,
insufficient manual manipulation, etc. So all these factor should be kept in
mind.
Some other practices
• Acupressure:
a physical pressure is applied on the acupressure points by the use of hands,
elbow or other devices.
• Moxibustion:
it is combined with acupuncture. It involves the burning of cone shaped moxa
near or on the skin.
• Cupping
therapy: it is another Chinese form of alternative medicine. In this method, a
local suction is created on the skin. This helps in improving the blood flow so
that the process of healing can move at a fast pace.
• Tui-na:
it does not involve needles but can be done by hands in which the flow of qi is
stimulated.
• Electroacupuncture:
the acupuncture needles are attached to an electric device that produces
electric pulses continuously.
• Fire
needle acupuncture: in this method the fire needles are quickly inserted in the
body.
• Auriculotherapy:
it is used for outer ear. It involves the insertion of needles to stimulate
points present on the outer ear. It is also known as ear acupuncture, auricular
acupuncture, or auriculoacupuncture.
• Hand
acupuncture is also known to be an effective method. It was developed in Korea.
• Cosmetic
acupuncture: it helps in reducing the wrinkles on the face.
• Bee venom
acupuncture: in this method diluted bee venom is inserted into the
acupoints.
More Benefits of
acupuncture
1. The use
of this method can give you a strong immune system. The method strengthens your
immune system and helps you fight against the ailments.
2. The
patients who have recently undergone a surgery can find this method to be very
effective. It reduces the nausea and suppresses vomiting that the patients
experience after a surgery.
3. The drug
users can find an escape from the pain and an urge to take drugs through this
method. It reduces the need in the drug addicts and as a result they feel less
compelled.
4. The
patients who suffer from psychological and emotional disorders can find refuge
in this method. It helps them to maintain the balance and overcome the
imbalance.
5. The fatal
and dangerous diseases can also be cured by this method. After a few sessions
of this method, the patients can feel the difference in their body.
6. Acupuncture
also helps in improving the circulation of blood.
7. The
injuries can have a fast recovery with the help of this method.
8. The
patients who have high risk of blood pressure and decreasing heart rate can
benefit from this method.
9. It can
also improve the muscle blood flow.
10. It helps
in regulating the autonomic nervous system.
11. The
gastro-intestinal motility can be normalized by the sessions of this method.
12. The
reproductive hormones are essential in a body. This method can help you in
balancing the reproductive hormones.
13. The side
effects of this method are few and it is the safest option that one can opt
for.
14. It is an
effective method in controlling some excruciating pains.
15. The
patients who have not shown any result to medication or improvement can benefit
from this method.
16. The
patients who are not willing to take pain medication can use this method to
lessen the pain.
So it can be seen that the method is very effective in
treating the patients and ailments. Due to its low risk factor, the method is
very popular in many countries. It has fewer side effects and if the
practitioner is skilled and has a perfect skill then it is the safest option
that the patients can choose. It is also beneficial for treating fatal
diseases. The method and techniques vary from country to country. It is often
combined with different techniques and the results are very significant. So
this method is the safest and appropriate one that can be used to treat the
patients.
Precautions to observe
Traditional Chinese medicine also known as TCM uses many age
old methods that are used to provide relief to individuals. Almost all the
methods used in TCM are pseudoscience and do not have a firm footing set in
strict scientific procedures. Acupuncture is one of these methods that are used
to gain relief from illnesses and general pain.
Acupuncture is largely used in China as well as the United
States of America along with many countries in the Middle East and Africa. This
is a well-known process used by many when modern medicine fails them. However,
even with its popularity many of the common men are hesitant towards this
procedure for a multitude of reasons.
Some people do not believe it is as effective as believed by
most and are pessimistic towards its operational usefulness. While others hold
resistance towards it due to fear and a misunderstanding of how the procedure
works. The mention of several needles being injected into the skin scares many
people and makes them uncertain and doubtful towards it. These people are very
timid and tentative when approaching a procedure like this and make sure to be
extremely cautious.
If you are one of these people, there are certain
precautions you must follow to ensure you get a safe and effective treatment
from an acupuncture session. Although not many problems or issues have been
reported regarding the process of acupuncture, there are still some risks
everyone should be wary of. Due to these risks there are certain guidelines or
rules that must be followed by the person undergoing this procedure.
Acupuncture has been in use for many thousand years and thus
has developed a lot and garnered quite a lot of familiarity among individuals.
An acupuncture session involves the basic acupuncture needling, the art of
cupping, massages, moxibustion, ear acupuncture, electro-acupuncture and lastly
acupressure.
To earn and receive a proper, secure and calming experience
in case of an acupuncture treatment, some prevention and precautions are
advised which help in decreasing the dangers of any side effects that may
result from an acupuncture treatment.
The very first step when getting an acupuncture treatment is
to be fully confident that you have relayed all your medical history to the
specialist or as more appropriately known the acupuncturist. With the purpose
of developing an accurate and fully detailed, secure and suitable diagnostic
report along with guaranteeing a correct and fully relaxing treatment, the
acupuncturist convinces the patient to confide in them and completely inform
them of their condition for which they are receiving the treatment as well as
the medications taken by them or are prescribed to them. This step also
includes giving a detailed report of any other issues that the patient may have
to the specialist so they may treat them properly and without any
complications.
The second step or precaution comes during the actual
session or treatment that is proceeding. The patient should feel fully
comfortable with his or her acupuncturist and inform them immediately of any
distress or anxiety they may be feeling. It is highly important that there is a
trust developed between the patient and the practitioner but it is also very
significant that the patient feels comfortable enough in making the specialist
aware at any time they feel pain or discomfort or any other issue with the way
that the specialist is doing their work. Often many individuals have different
preferences as to how they want to be treated or have specific requirements and
surroundings in which they feel the most calm, in this case they need to talk
to the acupuncturist and enlighten him as to how they want to be treated.
Diet is extremely important when getting an acupuncture
treatment. The scheduling of when you intake your food must be done at least a
day or two prior. For example it is the most ideal to consume a light and
dainty meal just an hour earlier to the treatment session. Having eaten too
much or contrary being too hungry during the session can lead to the patient
feeling an advanced and accelerated rate of nausea or the risks of them
fainting. Because acupuncture is such a delicate and gentle process it is
highly important that such proper precautions are taken to application. In
order to completely diminish or decrease the risk of the individual
experiencing any side effects it is advised for them to not over eat or starve
themselves.
The patients are supposed to be relaxing during the
treatment but it is very important that they pay attention beforehand to all
the details such as making sure that the doctor performing this procedure is
fully clean and observing a hygienic lifestyle. It is imperative that the patient
themselves observe the doctor using brand new acupuncture needles. To do this,
the patient should politely ask the doctor to use a fresh packet and also make
sure that the doctor opens the packet of fresh and new acupuncture needles in
front of them. This ensures the patients safety regarding their health and
dismisses any health, safety or hygienic concerns the patient may have. The new
acupuncture needles are sure to be sterilised and very safe.
It is vital that the individual undergoing the acupuncture
treatment strays away from any alcohol abuse or drugs or any other harmful
substance that will interfere with their health and the treatment. They should
refrain from using such substances before as well as after the treatment for a
certain period of time.
Other than this, it is also stressed that the individual
stays away from any physical work that is too hard and heavy. Strenuous or
exhausting and difficult exercises should not be performed as they take a lot
out of an individual and leaves them gasping and tired. No physical pressure or
strain is to be taken upon by the individual instantly after or before the
acupuncture treatment as doing so can heavily weaken the individual’s body and
leave them drained and weary. This contrasts with the purpose of acupuncture
which is to provide relief and sooth a person.
It is recommended that the individual puts on very
comfortable clothes that are not tight at all rather are loose and warm and put
the individual at ease. They should also be able to be pushed to the elbows and
knees as this helps the acupuncturist seeing as how many of the acupoints are
generally found at the limbs i.e. the arms and legs.
It is suggested that you only seek treatment from the best
of the best as amateurs are more at a risk of doing the treatment wrong. The
most typical problems that have been reported are the development of infections
after a treatment as well as punctured organs especially lungs due to
inexperience and wrong performance and lastly harmful damage to the CNS i.e.
central nervous system.
If all the particulars and specifics of the individual’s
condition aren’t properly relayed to the doctor it is highly possible that
something will go wrong. The individual needs to inform the doctor of all the
details of their medication and problems to confirm that the doctor does not
prescribe them any false medications for wrong parts of the body that endangers
them further. Or interferes with their already prescribed medications in a
lethal way.
Last step is to just warrant that the treatment was
performed accurately and properly, the occurrence of any side effects should be
informed and a detailed plan should be drawn for the future appointment and
sessions.
Details on Types of acupuncture
A good healthy body is essential in life as it prepares you
for the worst and the best phases of your life. A healthy body is ready to face
any challenge that comes its way. However, in some unfortunate situations the
body loses this essential ingredient and then follows a bleak and dull life. It
takes away the essence and in some extreme cases a person is confined to a room
or bed. To avoid such situations there are many ways that can help a person in
maintaining his health.
One such method is acupuncture. It is a traditional Chinese
Medicine and its origin goes back to many centuries. The method is popular for
pain relief and to restore health. The method involves the insertion of needles
into some specific points of the body. It then helps in stimulating the energy
which is known as “Qi”. This is known as life energy. This is the basic
requirement of the body and is needed to maintain balance and health in the
body. The life energy or Qi is affected due to many reasons and some of them
are ailment, load of work, poor diet and illness. The practitioners of this
method have to observe the person and look for the reasons for his bad health.
The approach is then determined and the practitioners opt for the best method.
Different types of acupuncture
It originated in China and with the passage of time it has
spread in Korea, Japan, Europe, America and Vietnam. With its movement towards
different countries, the technique and method have evolved with time. The
reason of this development is the influence of the culture and opinions
expressed by different practitioners. Over the years so many methods have
evolved that one cannot pinpoint the best. The basic method of acupuncture
remains the same; it is just the technique that has changed. Some of the
different styles of acupuncture are given below.
TCM acupuncture
The most common practice of acupuncture is known as
Traditional Chinese Medicine abbreviated as TCM. It is practiced in the United
States. All the aspects of this method are considered while practicing this
form. One of the main focuses of this
method is to restore the balance of the body irrespective of the conditions.
Its practice can lead to the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual balance.
Furthermore, this method also uses the burning of Chinese medical herbs. The
eight principles of complementary opposites are used to create harmony and
balance in the body. The eight opposites are yin/yang, hot/cold
internal/external and excess/deficiency. The herbs give strength to the body.
It helps in treating allergies, insomnia, fatigue, cold, chronic headaches,
osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, stress, depression and anxiety.
Japanese acupuncture
It is slightly different method than TCM. The needles used
in this method are few and thin. It is also known as Classical Acupuncture. It
is based on the Five Element Theory. It uses the minimum amount of stimulation
in order to achieve the best results. It is effective for treating insomnia,
fatigue, knee and back pain, strain, nausea, anxiety and headache.
Auricular acupuncture
As the name speaks for itself, in this method ear is the
major part of the body and has many points that connect the organ with other
major organs. The shape of the ear is like an upside down foetus position. The
ear lobe is the “Master Sensorial Point”. The inside of the ear is “Master
Cerebral Point”. Any stimulation on these points helps fight anxiety,
depression and other mental disorders. It helps in treating anxiety, allergy,
arthritis, addictions, insomnia, sprain, migraine, depression etc.
Korean acupuncture
It has the techniques borrowed from TCM and Japanese
acupuncture. It involves the hand therapy that represents the entire body.
There are 14 meridians and 300 different points that represent the whole body.
In this way any stimulation on these points can help in treating the different
parts of the body. It helps in treating headache, digestive problems, eczema,
cough, shoulder pain etc.
Cupping
This method is effective in bringing back the Qi if it is
blocked in some area of the body. The cups are used for suction and in this way
it stimulates the flow of blood and opens the blocked path. It also eliminates
toxins. It is helpful in treating minor ailments. It helps in the treatment of
eczema, anxiety, blood disorders, coughs, migraines etc.
Moxibustion
It is a heat therapy. The method involves the burning of
mugwart that is a spongy herb and helps in warming the trigger points in the
body. It helps in enhancing the flow of Qi. It helps in treating arthritis,
menstrual conditions, cold, muscle inflammation and digestive problems.
Electro acupuncture
It involves the attachment of electric device that clips
onto the needles. It sends electric pulses that are adjusted according to the
amount that is required.
Medical acupunctures
It is closely related and almost the same as a classical
acupuncture. The only difference is that a licenced medical doctor can perform
this method. It forms the neuromuscular anatomy its focal point and uses
medical science to treat the patient. It is a combination of eastern and
western medical knowledge.
French energetic acupuncture
It is based on traditional Chinese Medicine method that also
combines the eastern and western medical knowledge. It involves the insertion
of tiny needles in the meridians so that the patients can be treated. It is
used for treating chronic illness and injury. It is done by restoring the
balance between yin and yang.
So it can be seen that there are different types of methods
of acupuncture that are used widely to treat the patients. Is the safest option
that one can choose in treating any ailment. The choice of the method depends
on the patients’ problem. The practitioner thoroughly studies the patients and
then decides his approach. It also works on the mental and emotional disorders
that can help in restoring the balance. So avail the opportunity if you are
presented with any.
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