Methods in Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a method of curing illnesses through the insertion of needles in targeted points in the body for improved stimulation. The needles used for acupuncture are very thin. They are only a little thicker than a human hair. The main purpose of acupuncture is actually to normalize the flow of blood and balance the yin and yang in the body but, because it is very effective in curing certain diseases, it is now used as an alternative healing method.

It is actually very difficult to find the cause of certain diseases through acupuncture alone, because you will have to observe how a person responds to treatments and stimuli very closely. Therefore it will take a very talented and experienced acupuncturist to correctly diagnose an illness. You should also note that acupuncture is not only used to cure diseases, it can also be used to relieve back pain, muscle pain, or to just stimulate the flow of your blood so you feel energized. For example, a symptomatic treatment is a very difficult procedure because it requires that the acupuncturist remove the symptoms of an illness. The acupuncturist must know the critical acupuncture points he should stimulate and he must be knowledgeable about how the point relates to other parts of the body.

Many people have the misconception that acupuncture is quite painful; this concept is false, because undergoing acupuncture is actually painless. Most of the acupuncture being performed on television is also misleading because the normal needles used to acupuncture are so thin that it is difficult to see with your eyes alone. The needles as big as injection needles that are used in television are merely for demonstration purposes.

There are various methods in using acupuncture, because curing different forms of illness through this procedure requires different acupuncture techniques. But generally different acupuncture methods share the same concept, which is to cure illnesses through the insertion of needles in acupuncture points in the body. One method of acupuncture involves the use of moxa which is a Japanese herb used for treating certain conditions such as arthritis, bronchitis and diarrhea. This method is particularly effective in removing coldness from the body. Another method of removing the cold is cupping. This method makes use of a glass cup with a burning paper inserted into it to create a vacuum and makes the cup attach to your skin. Cupping increases blood flow in the area being treated, so this is effective in treating fibrositis and bronchitis.

You should also not be surprised if your acupuncturist uses different techniques in treating you in every single session. An acupuncturist's techniques may vary because if one particular area is stimulated too often, that area may become desensitized and the treatment won't be effective anymore. You can also note that an acupuncturist will use different variations in inserting the needle at different stages of the treatment. For example, the acupuncturist may insert the needle in one area for a few seconds then insert the next needle in another area for several minutes. But ultimately, acupuncture will only be effective in that it becomes successful in balancing the flow of energy in your body

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Acupuncture

Acupuncture University: What to Expect

Find an Acupuncture University in the United States and Canada. Aspiring students who desire entrance into an acupuncture university should first evaluate prospective school for any course prerequisites. While entry into an acupuncture university may not always necessitate an undergraduate degree, many ACAOM accredited schools do require some formal education; and some Oriental medicine schools prefer candidates that have already acquired a bachelor?s degree.

As expected, an acupuncture university will offer students comprehensive courses in acupuncture and Oriental medicine. Some of this coursework could lead to a Master of Science or Doctor of Oriental Medicine. Depending on which track you follow, an acupuncture university will supply you with the necessary education, skills and hands-on training to become a successful acupuncture practitioner.

Once enrolled in an acupuncture university, students who are pursuing a Master of Science will gain intensive training in Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture principles, modalities, techniques, and theories. In addition, acupuncture university candidates will learn about biology, medical terminology, biochemistry, physics, general psychology, anatomy and physiology. Though this is just a broad overview of general curriculums provided through an Acupuncture University?s Master of Science program, there is much more subject matter that will be discussed and learned.

In the Doctor of Oriental medicine program, which often goes hand-in-hand with studies extended through an acupuncture university, students will discover that this course-intensive program includes much of what is taught through the Master of Science program but with more advanced classes in medical microbiology, medical biochemistry, integrative medicine, and many others. Both the Doctor of Oriental Medicine and Master of Science programs offered at an acupuncture university usually involve over 4,000 credit hours and may last from two to three years.

Upon successful graduation from an acupuncture university, graduates can go onto becoming certified and licensed in their state of residence. Aside from offering patients a quality, but alternative medical treatment, professional acupuncturists can expect a rewarding career and positive income potential.

If you are interested in finding your dream job, let education within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

Acupuncture University: What to Expect
? Copyright 2007
The CollegeBound Network
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CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com - Educational Resources for Healing Arts Schools, Acupuncture Schools, and other Alternative Medicine Schools.

Acupuncture Quick Basic Facts

Acupuncture is a type of medical procedure that many people have felt benefited them but some might often avoid it due to a lack of knowledge about it. This article, will discuss some facts about acupuncture that will help to give more clarity.

When most people think of acupuncture, they think about someone sticking needles into various points on their body. But in fact acupuncturists may work to activate acupuncture points on the body through different methods. Lasers are sometimes used to activate acupuncture points, as well as magnets, electrical currents, and even certain herbs. The most common thou are the use of needles.

While acupuncture is a type of medical procedure, it has been developed through philosophy. Taoists explored qi and the meridians by meditating and discovering where energy radiated throughout the human body.

Many people avoid acupuncture because of fear of pain when needles are inserted. Stainless steel needles that are used in acupuncture are nothing like the needles that are used to draw blood or administer shots. Medical needles are wider in diameter, since they need to be hollow so that fluids can be injected into the body or blood can be taken out. The acupuncture needles can be as thin as hair, so the difference is substantial.

In addition to treating physical symptoms that someone may be having, acupuncture is very useful for treating mental and emotional problems. Anxiety, stress, and drug detoxification can be helped and often with good result.

Always go to acupuncturist that is certified. People have to learn for at least three years to be certified, ensuring quality care.

Acupuncture is helpful medical procedure. It can help you to keep balanced and in times of stress it is very helpful to maintain equilibrium. You do not even have to have problems since it is considered preventative for disease.

Learn more about acupuncture and how it relates to disease. What is it and how does it work? Is it helpful?

Acupuncture-for-disease.com

Acupuncture For Migraines-Effective or Not?

Migraine. Just the thought of it causes dread for millions of sufferers. Many have learned to expect and live with migraine pain, but they would rather not think of the next episode.

Acupuncture for Migraines ? What Is Involved?

Acupuncture is a type of alternative or complementary medicine, derived from traditional Chinese medicine. This treatment for pain involves insertion of fine needles into particular points in the body known as "acupuncture points". The needles are then gently manipulated.

Acupuncture for Migraine Prevention - Between Attacks

If you decide to try acupuncture for migraines between your migraine attacks, and have an acupuncturist who distinguishes between prevention and treatment, you may receive SES acupuncture for migraines.

You will receive your SES treatment in a sitting position. Fine acupuncture needles will be inserted very shallowly into your skin. The acupuncture points chosen for SES will usually be on your forearms and lower legs. The needles will then be gently manipulated, pushed back and forth, by hand while you exhale.

Acupuncture for Migraine Treatment - During Attacks

If you decide to try acupuncture for migraines during a migraine attack, and receive a typical treatment, fine needles will be inserted into acupuncture points all over your body. The needles will then be gently pushed back and forth. As it is moved, each needle will cause small blood vessels around itself to dilate. This will increase the blood flow throughout your body?s tissues.

Your acupuncturist may take a different approach, however. Since your migraine pain is generally believed to be linked to blood vessel dilation in your head, he or she may not want to insert needles in the head and neck area. To do so might make your pain worse temporarily. Instead, your acupuncturist may use only the acupuncture points on your arms and legs.

Great Britain Research on Acupuncture for Migraines

* On 15 March 2004, four British newspapers reported on a study that found acupuncture helpful to people with migraines.

* The four papers based their stories on a randomized, controlled trial. That trial studied the effects of using acupuncture for migraines along with more common types of care. The trial was conducted in twelve (12) different areas of England and Wales. It involved 401 patients in all. It reported results for 301 of those patients.

* Patients treated with acupuncture for migraines had less severe headaches than those who received more common treatments. The patients treated with acupuncture for migraines also had fewer days off work, took less medication, and visited the doctor less often than did patients given only standard care.

United States Research on Acupuncture for Migraines

Two publications in the United States have published studies that have lead to strong, positive conclusions on the effectiveness of acupuncture for migraine relief.

1. Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)

Under the title, ?Acupuncture for Patients with Migraine,? JAMA published a study involving 302 patients. Most of the patients were female. Patients were grouped into those who received acupuncture for migraines, those who received sham acupuncture for migraines, and a wait-list control.

The researchers concluded that sham acupuncture was no less effective than regular acupuncture. Both acupuncture for migraines and sham acupuncture, however, had much greater positive effect on migraines than did the wait-list control.

2. Blackwell Synergy

In this study, 160 women were studied to determine if acupuncture for migraines was effective or not. This study pitted acupuncture for migraines against the use of Flunarizine for migraines.

* Group A received acupuncture for their migraines every week for two months. After that, they received acupuncture once monthly for four months.

* Group B was given Flunarizine every day for two months. After that, they received the medication twenty days out of the month for four months. The study?s conclusion was profound. Acupuncture for migraines won as the more effective treatment of the two.

Acupuncture for Migraines ? Does It Hurt?

You may be among those migraine sufferers who see acupuncture for migraines as a choice between the pain of the headache and the pain of needles. You may be among those who have an intense fear of needles. How can you get past the fear?

1. FIRST: Seek out a well-qualified, professional acupuncturist. Get recommendations, if possible. Be sure the acupuncturist is licensed and certified according to the law in your area.

2. SECOND: Visit the acupuncturist before making an appointment. Ask to see needle-sterilizing procedures. Ask if they use disposable needles.

3. THIRD: If you still fear the needles, ask if there is an alternative. Some offer magnetic needles, ear cups, and/or herbal methods.

4. FOURTH: Make an appointment.

When you go for your appointment, be sure you explain exactly the problem you are having, its frequency, and intensity. Provide as much medical information as possible. This will help the acupuncturist provide the acupuncture for migraines treatment that is best for you.

NOTE: It is wise to keep your primary health care provider aware that you are using acupuncture for migraines in addition to or in place of any treatment he or she may advise.

2007? Anna Hart. As sister to a migraine sufferer, Anna can sympathize with your problem. Read more of her articles about migraine headaches and their treatment at http://www.migrainereliefblog.com

Acupuncture - What's The Point?

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical procedure, in which needles are inserted into the patient along well-defined meridian points. Stone needles have been discovered that date back over four thousand years. Later needles were made of bronze, silver, or gold, while the modern needle is usually made of stainless steel.

There are more than 360 known stimulation points. These points are, according to the theory, direct access to stimulate the meridians, which are thought of as channels where vital energy flows. The insertion of needles, or other stimulation of these points, is said to interrupt, or to stimulate, the energy flow. This will then cause either an analgesic effect to reduce or eliminate pain, or will stimulate stronger energy flow to heal various conditions.

A variation of this is called acupressure, where the practitioner uses physical pressure to stimulate the meridians. This pressure is applied with the hands, fingers and sometimes the elbow or even the knee. This treatment is very popular in Japan and has many enthusiasts in the United States as well, where it is commonly called shiatsu.

The use of acupuncture is very common in Chinese hospitals for the blocking of pain during surgical procedures. Most Chinese doctors will agree that this is very effective for about thirty percent of patients, while western doctors studying this phenomenon put the number closer to ten percent. Today, applying a small electric current into the needle often provides the stimulation, as opposed to twisting and shaking it by hand. It has been shown quite effective for brain surgery and is claimed to be superior to drug induced anesthesia as it does not disrupt the bodies' normal functioning and thus leads to fewer side effects.

Doctors in China have recorded good success using acupuncture to treat heart disease. In one study of six hundred patients suffering with chest pain due to decreased flow of blood to the heart, almost all were able to significantly reduce their need for medication and a large majority was able to return to active work. Other conditions, such as high blood pressure, appendicitis, asthma and ulcers have also been shown to respond well to this treatment.

In 1998, the United States National Health Institute, (NIH), reviewed several studies of the effectiveness of acupuncture and concluded that it is quite helpful in the reduction of nausea caused by chemotherapy, as well as that caused by pregnancy or drug induced analgesia. NIH also found it an effective treatment for post-dental surgery pain.

How this works from a scientific standpoint is not yet clear, but is undergoing continued study. An experiment conducted by both western and eastern scientists, which produced analgesic effects in rabbits, indicates that this is not just due to the power of suggestion as some had postulated. Enkephalins and endorphins are the body's natural painkillers and were discovered in 1978. Many doctors now feel that acupuncture may increase the production of these substances and therefore produce the pain killing effects.

This is an area of study that should continue to be well investigated for the fantastic possible benefits to people.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Acupuncture

Acupuncture Training Schools

Find Acupuncture Training Schools in the United States and Canada. Currently, there are over 50 Acupuncture training schools in the United States. Acupuncture training laws are independently regulated by individual states and may vary; therefore, acupuncture training schools may integrate customized beliefs and practical coursework into their curriculums.

Acupuncture training schools commonly provide three-year MS Degree programs in acupuncture or four-year MS Degree programs in Oriental medicine. In addition, acupuncture training schools will often extend post-graduate studies in Chinese Herbology, continuing education and Doctoral classes. Acupuncture training schools instruct in a variety of Oriental medicine techniques; including electro-acupuncture, 5-Element acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, Tui Na, and Auricular Acupuncture, other than Traditional Chinese Medicine.

One of the essential goals for students who attend acupuncture training schools is to attain a full understanding in the diversified philosophies and sciences of acupuncture and Oriental medicine. Once successful graduates have acquired their professional licensure, they are able to practice professionally; and have the ability to administer their natural healing techniques on clients seeking an alternative means to achieving better health and well-being.

Upon enrollment in acupuncture training schools, traditional Oriental medicine is one of the first, common subjects of study presented to the future practitioner. During the first year, students will engage in a vigorous course of instruction geared toward acupuncture, anatomy, body therapies, bioscience, herbal medicine and Tai Chi. In the second year, students in acupuncture training schools will gain comprehensive classroom orientation; whereby they will be taught advanced needling methods and in-depth philosophy of the practice of both acupuncture and Oriental medicine.

In the third year of acupuncture training schools, licensed acupuncture practitioners will begin their clinical internship, where they will add practical experience in a clinical setting. Because they are extended the opportunity to practice on their own patients, students of acupuncture training schools will further their expertise and knowledge; and acquire the skills necessary to developing and opening their own entrepreneurial health and wellness offices.

If you'd like to learn more about acupuncture training schools, please see our "schools" section at Holistic Junction.

Find your dream job! Let education within fast-growing industries like massage therapy, cosmetology, acupuncture, oriental medicine, Reiki, and others get you started! Explore career school programs near you.

Acupuncture Training Schools
The CollegeBound Network

CarolAnn Bailey-Lloyd - Freelance Writer and Web Consultant for HolisticJunction.com, in association with CollegeSurfing.com - Educational Resources for Healing Arts Schools, Acupuncture Training Schools, and other Alternative Healing Schools.