More Complementary & Integrative Healthcare Articles
History of Acupuncture
Acupuncture, simply stated, is a health science which is used to treat both pain and dysfunction in the body. It has its roots deeply planted in China. In fact, authorities agree the science is between 5,000 and 7,000 years old. Its use spread throughout ancient Egypt, the Middle East, the Roman Empire and later into western Europe as merchants and missionaries to China told of the amazing discoveries the people of the Orient had developed.
Acupuncture did not become known on a national level in the U.S. until about 1971 when diplomatic relations between China and America where improved. At first glimpse, acupuncture appears strange, as it is known for the use of needles placed in the skin at various locations to relieve pain or affect a body part.
Early Chinese physicians believe there is an energy network traversing just below the surface of the skin which communicates from the exterior to the internal organs and structures at over 1,000 “acupoints” on the body. This energy is believed to work in harmony with the bodys circulatory, nervous, muscular, digestive, genitourinary and all other systems of the body. When this vital energy becomes blocked or weakened, an effect in a body system or anatomic location becomes evident. Stimulation of one or a combination of key acupoints on the body may restore harmony to the affected area.
How Does It Work?
The belief is that the human bodys energy flow courses over twelve meridians, or channels, that are normally well balanced. If a disruption of energy flow exists, it can alter the entire system, producing pain or symptoms in the body.
If we were to compare a 175 pound person on one end of a seesaw and a 45 pound child on the other end, it becomes obvious the seesaw would be out of balance due to the fact the heavier person would be sitting on the ground and the lighter would be dangling in the air. Even though the seesaw is out of balance, examination would not reveal anything wrong with the seesaw itself. Correction of the imbalance corrects the problem. This is acupunctures goal to restore normalcy to the bodys energy balance by utilizing a combination of acupoints located on the twelve meridians.
Now, a word about chiropractic.
What does a Chiropractor do?
The primary focus is the spine (bones), nervous system and discs and their relationship to the whole body in reducing pain and assisting with the natural healing process. If this relationship is interrupted, what is known as a spinal misalignment can occur, causing pain and decreased body function. To make sure this relationship is maintained, a chiropractor can perform manual adjustments to move bones back into proper alignment taking pressure off the nervous system.
What is an adjustment?
An adjustment is accomplished by applying gentle pressure to a specific area of the spinal bones, to line the bones up and take pressure off the nervous system. That can help to reduce pain and restore the normal relationship between the bones of the back and the nervous system.
How do I get misalignments?
There are three basic causes of misalignments. Physical causes could include slips, falls, accidents, repetitive motions and improper lifting. Emotions such as grief, anger and fear can cause misalignments. Chemical causes include alcohol, smoking, drugs, pollution, and poor diet.
