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What Is Acupuncture? – Part 2
Acupuncture is part of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This technique of treatment dates back as far as 1000 years BC. It is based on the concept of holistic treatment which regards illness as a form of energy imbalance in the body. Traditional Chinese Medicine is concerned about balancing the energy level in the body. Energy is called Qi and is described in two ways. They are the yin energy and yang energy. The yin energy is quiet and calm while the yang energy is aggressive and exciting. Though opposite, they complement each other. In health, they are dynamic and but exist in a balanced state in the body. TCM practitioners believe that when certain acupuncture points in the body are stimulated, the yin-yang balance is restored that becomes imbalance in illness.
The various techniques for applying acupuncture include:
Conventional Acupuncture:
Conventional acupuncture involves the use of pre-sterilized needles of varying lengths, widths and materials [Link]. These needles are disposable and are used to pierce the acupuncture points of the skin. The acupuncture points are determined by licensed acupuncturists on the basis of an assessment of the illness that caused the imbalance. Quite a number of needles are used during each treatment and are allowed to stay in the skin for about 30 minutes.
Trigger point needling is also used to produce relaxation in certain muscles after traumas.
Laser acupuncture:
Laser acupuncture is the use of a laser beam in treatment. Laser stimulation with the use of needles can be used to perform an acupuncture treatment. This form of acupuncture is preferably suited for those who are scared of having needles sticking out from their skin: children, nervous patients and for sport injuries.
Moxabustion and cupping:
These are techniques that are used to introduce a certain level of warmth into the acupuncture points. In moxabustion, warmth is introduced at the end of the acupuncture needles and on acupuncture points. Cupping is performed in the areas of the energy (Qi) flow and can help relieve stagnation and pain. Moxabusion and cupping increases energy circulation, alleviates muscle spasms and also helps in removing toxins.
