PARA OS NOSSOS AMIGOS DE LINGUA INGLESA

Description of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a type of health care system. It is said that this system is in practice, especially in Chine, since more than 2,500 years. According to the acupuncture theory, disruptions in the energy flow patterns (Qi) in the body are considered as the main reason behind occurrence of disease. By acupuncture therapy these imbalances are corrected through puncturing identifiable points. Despite being in vogue in China for thousands years acupuncture was rarely used in the America till 1972. It was after 1972 (when President RM Nixon visited Chine) that the America and Europe started applying acupuncture techniques to Western medicines.

Acupuncture is a group of procedures that involves stimulating anatomical locations using various techniques. These anatomical locations (commonly known as points) can be on the skin or in the skin. The approach of diagnosis and treatment of diseases, through American acupuncture, is based on the medical traditions from other countries like China , Korea . Japan etc. The mechanism behind acupuncture treatment is to stimulate acupuncture points, through electrical stimulation or manual manipulation, by penetrating them with the help of solid but thin metallic needles.

Acupuncture Needles

In fact initially the acupuncture needles were categorized by the FDA ‘experimental medical devices’ in United States . However, now the acupuncture needles are regulated like other surgical devices. These needles are produced under good manufacturing practices and single-use sterility standards.

This is how Acupuncture works

Number of studies conducted on humans and animals produced positive results which show that acupuncture can make various biological responses that could be either local (at the site of application or close to application site) or at distance. Responses produced through acupuncture are mainly mediated through neurons to various structures within the CNS (Central Nervous System). This leads to pathways activation affecting different physiological systems, both physiological systems, in the brain and in periphery. Endogenous Opioids plays major role in acupuncture analgesia. There are proven results which show that opioid peptides are generated during acupuncture and they have partial affects in analgesic acupuncture effects. Acupuncture stimulation can activate pituitary gland and hypothalamus that could produce broad systemic effects. Some studies revealed that changes in the blood flow and alterations in neurohormones and neurotransmitters can be obtained through acupuncture stimulation. Some studies have proven that acupuncture stimulation can produce immune functions alterations. However, scientists are yet to decide on which physiological changes produce the clinical effects.

Medical conditions that could be treated with acupuncture

In America , acupuncture is practiced as a therapeutic intervention. There are differences between various researchers regarding use of acupuncture in treatment of various diseases. However, al most all researchers agree that acupuncture can produce useful effects. Following are some of the medical conditions in which use of acupuncture is commonly accepted by the researchers as an alternative treatment, part of comprehensive management program or adjunct treatment.

• Nausea and vomiting (occurred as post-operative condition and chemotherapy treatment).
• Post operative dental pain
• Stroke rehabilitation
• Addiction
• Tennis elbow, osteoarthritis, myo-fascial pain, low back pain
• Fibro-myalgia, menstrual cramps, headaches
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Asthma

Side effects of Acupuncture

Following are some of the commons side effects of the acupuncture.

• Accidental puncture of lung that can lead to pneumothorax (partial collapse of lung)
• Liver infection like viral hepatitis
• Bacterial infection at site of application.

The above side effects can be avoided by maintaining good hygiene and obtaining the treatment from a qualified expert acupuncturist.