What is Acupuncture?  Understanding what acupuncture is, its use and its place in history can help you to decide if this alternative therapy is right for you.

Acupuncture is an alternative medical practice that has been in use in China and the far East for thousands of years. In recent decades it has become more popular and accepted in the United States and has been the subject of many medical studies. A 2007 National Health Interview Survey revealed that 3.1 million adults received acupuncture treatment in the past year. Acupuncture involves inserting very thin needles into specific points of the body and is said to relieve the symptoms of many ailments as well as promote good health.

History of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an element of traditional Chinese medicine with a history that can be dated back more than 4,000 years. The oldest surviving medical document describing the practice of acupuncture dates to the second century BC. The practice originated from the belief that energy, or qi, flows through the body through 14 to 20 meridians and that a good balance and flow of energy is required for good health. There are more than 2,000 specific points on the body that are utilized in acupuncture to restore the flow of energy.

Acupuncture Process

At the beginning of an acupuncture session the practitioner will ask questions about your health, lifestyle and behavior and may examine your face, tongue, pulse and the portion of the body experiencing pain or discomfort. A typical session takes between 15 and 30 minutes and will involve inserting between five and 20 needles in various locations. While they are in place, the practitioner may gently twist or move the needles, or apply a weak electric current to the needle. After the session is done the needles are removed and properly disposed. The whole process is generally painless and causes little or no discomfort. 6 to 12 treatments spread out over several months are generally needed to completely treat the pain.

Effectiveness of Acupuncture

Acupuncture has long been used to treat the symptoms of many diseases and ailments, particularly pain. Common acupuncture practices include treating vomiting and nausea from chemotherapy, chronic headaches and migraines, osteoarthritis, tennis elbow and lower back pain. Though many people, including medical professionals, believe in the effectiveness of acupuncture, various studies setting out to prove its effectiveness have simultaneously cast doubt. As an example, in a study published in the May 11 issue of The Archives of Internal Medicine more than 600 adults were involved in a randomized study for the effectiveness of acupuncture on lower back pain. Though the medication use decreased in the acupuncture group, it decreased in the group receiving “simulated acupuncture”, toothpicks never penetrating the skin-a placebo for all intents and purposes. Whether something works or not, the mind is a powerful thing.