What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is derived from Latin and the literal translation is “needle prick” from “acus” and “pungere.” The ancient healing arts of acupuncture and oriental medicine are readily taught throughout the world.
To illustrate acupuncture, one will have to initially get to the root of its historic backdrop. Going back as far as 2,000 BC, this age-old art parallels the Han dynasty. Even earlier in contrast to that, acupuncture may have perhaps originated nearly 4,000 years ago, based on hieroglyphic findings and stone (bian) and ceramic acupuncture needles, that have been documented through the centuries.
But what precisely is acupuncture? In common understanding, it is a holistic healing art that is used to treat the “whole person,” instead of just the components of an individual. Traditionally, acupuncture and oriental medicine academies train students to use hair-fine needles made of copper, silver and stainless steel. The “needling” that is administered to patients is done in a distinct manner, at distinct points of the body. “Acupoints” are based on meridians (energy channels) throughout the body, and are used as a template (picture a country map with key points) for acupuncture treatment. By inserting these ultra-thin acupuncture needles at various acupoints on a person’s body, the corresponding internal organs (heart, kidneys, etc.) to the meridians are considered to be positively affected. Theoretically, the movement of Qi (vital energy force) is ultimately set back into stability so restoration and healing can occur.
For skeptics out there, oriental medicine may sound like a far-fetched concept for treatment. But if you ask patients who have had a beneficial outcome from traditional chinese medicine, you may be amazed by the results. Through controlled trials, acupuncture has demonstrated to be an effective treatment for the side effects of radiation treatment and radiotherapy, as well as allergies, despression symptoms, complications and migraines, high blood pressure, musculoskeletal pain, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, and many other health conditions and diseases.
For aspiring acupuncturists, a college that teaches both acupuncture and chinese medicine can prepare graduate students to expertly administer acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to patients.
In addition to in depth acupuncture studies, the general educational program could ordinarily include Chinese herbology, Chinese Tuina, moxibustion, oriental medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and various associated topics. Further courseworkmay incorporate typical classes in anatomy, pathology, physiology, psychology, neurological and other musculoskeletal conditions, business and practical management, and various associated classes. For example, students are usually presented to related studies, such as chiropractic medicine, massage and therapeutic massage therapy.
If you wish to know if acupuncture really works, that is dependent on whom you ask. If you’re open minded and accepting of a not-so-new healing art which has been proven to be beneficial for 1000′s of years, then perhaps you may simply tweak your thinking. Still not impressed? Check into a community training program or certificate program in traditional chinese medicine, and permit the ancient art to be revealed to you.
In closing, acupuncture is practiced by experts who have acquired the essential level of high quality education, training, and clinical internship to acquire a Masters in Acupuncture Degree from an accredited school, and the appropriate license.