Acupuncture

 

Acupuncture, in traditional Chinese medicine, is a technique that is based on the theory of Qi and the meridians. Meridians carry Qi (our energy) throughout our body, and if there is any obstruction in their path, there will be a lack of energy. This will cause imbalances which will eventually affect the person’s health in a negative way. Therefore, acupuncture points are located along the meridians pathways where there is usually a Qi obstruction. Therefore, traditional Chinese doctors insert thin, sterile needles in the specific point of blockage (acupuncture point) for a period of time (which is usually half an hour) and they remove it in order to free the meridian from it. In this way, the meridian would be able to return to its normal cycle of carrying energy, and the person will be able to feel better and cure his/her diseases (Palermo 2015).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What does acupuncture treat?

 Acupuncture can successfully treat the following conditions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Does acupuncture hurt?

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Acupuncture does not hurt. However, the majority of people feel how the needles are inserted, and they feel a similar sensation to a mosquito bite. The reason why the needles do not hurt is because the needles are very, very thin and they are solid needles not like the common hypodermic needles. Patients claim that they have a kind of electrical sensations during acupuncture, which is the Qi that is moving or it could also mean that the Qi has been released from a blockage (Schoenbart & Shefi 2007).