Acupuncture Explained - Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture

Chinese medicine was developed thousands of years ago in the Far East and acupuncture was seen as a prominent branch of this ancient tradition. The Chinese call it Zhue Jiao and it translates as "needle heat". The needle regulates "Qi"; an inner force, which is responsible for the health of the body and with acupuncture controlling Qi energy the health of a person, can be improved by the release of stress. Pathways of Qi energy should flow freely in a healthy person and any symptoms of illness will indicate any barriers to this movement. The free flowing energy provides everything the cells need and removes all waste that has formed, the consequence being an improvement in the emotional and physical health. Symptoms of any illness will become manifest if Qi is blocked at any level.

The needles are placed with the purpose of returning the flow of energy to normal and one or several treatments will be indicated by this analysis. Many Chinese undertake regular treatments of acupuncture as a way of keeping the bodies in tune. Acupuncture practitioners in China only get compensated as long as their clients sustain sound health.

Other forms of acupuncture are available besides the use of needles, including electric stimulation, burning and herbs. Unlike Western doctors, who use hollow tube needles; traditional acupuncture is carried out using solid needles and licensed acupuncturists in the west use needles that are pre-sterilized. In most cases the needle acts exclusively on the Qi energy and no medication is used on the needles. For optimum results and depending on the patients needs the needles are either inserted at a specific angle or manipulated.

As well as seeking treatment when suffering from illness or disease acupuncture can be used as a preventative treatment by maintaining optimum health. The number of consultations required is dependant on you physical or emotional health, from a single visit to several over a period of months. Several needles maybe inserted during each visit, but at different points for subsequent visits. Different locations for the needle insertions maybe selected as the condition improves, affecting a change in Qi flow to hasten the recovery to good health. Needles can be inserted up to a depth of three inches or just below the surface of the skin depending on the course of treatment. Many patients experience no pain as the needles are inserted. When the needle is inserted some clients remark of an occasional pinching sensation. When the needles are in place they can well be ignored. Sensations of a warm and relaxed nature will be experienced at the insertion point when the Qi energy is being directed properly.

One of the most beneficial ways to improve or sustain good health is with acupuncture. Considering acupuncture as a health option is becoming more popular in the western world. Largely, conventional western medicine is starting to understand the benefits of this ancient practise.

John Philips is the author of Chinese Healing an informational website with various articles about Chinese Medicine. To read more articles from various sources on Chinese Medicine visit www.chinese-healing.info