Acupuncture Science

From East to West – Osteopathy and Acupuncture

With the recent surge of interest in Eastern healing solutions to illnesses, it often seems like the east and western medicinal practices are at odds with each other. This is not always the case. Now more and more osteopaths are recommending that clients do both: a combination of Western osteopathy and Eastern acupuncture.

Acupuncture is holistic approach to health that has its origins in China, having been refined and developed evolved over 2000 years. It is based on the philosophy that our health relies on the free flow of our bodys energy " known as Qi " through a system of channels that lie beneath our skin. The pathways are all connected to the bodys vital organs, so if the flow of Qi is upset in some way (either by physical illness or emotional disturbances), the health and harmony of our body comes out of balance.

The way acupuncture works is that very small needles are placed into certain pressure points in our bodies which exist along the energy pathways underneath our skin. This is aimed to disperse the built-up tensions and stimulate the flow of Qi, tapping into the body's own healing response which helps restore its natural balance.

But what does acupuncture have to do with osteopathy? The two actually have very similar philosophies. Both believe that a problem can only be solved if you eliminate the source of the illness, rather than merely treating its symptoms. They see the body and mind as being interconnected, which is why osteopaths often recommend acupuncture in combination with osteopathic treatments.

While acupuncture can be seen as merely a means of relieving pain, it helps heal specific problems and diseases. Below are some of the problems and conditions that acupuncture can help with:

- High blood pressure and circulatory problems

- Cranial complaints, as well as headaches and migraines

- Respiratory problems, including asthma, breathlessness, and various others.

- Musculo-skeletal complaints, helping alleviate pain in the muscles and joints. Deals with many osteopathic problems such as sciatica, frozen shoulder, arthritis, and stiffness in the knees and neck.

- Allergies

- Insomnia or aiding relaxation

Many patients also note that acupuncture also gives them a general sense of wellbeing " improving their energy levels, vitality, and overall health.

But there are also those who cast acupuncture wary glances because they think it looks painful. Needles?! Therapists are quick to reassure their clients that these not the same ones they use at the doctors office for injections. They are a lot thinner and do not penetrate the body in the same ways other needles do. While everyone responds to pain differently, many do not find the procedure painful at all.

Not everyone is convinced that practices such as acupuncture work better than painkillers or sleeping pills. Others are adamant that natural healing processes are the only option. There does not always need to be a choice. If you have suffered from chronic pain or feel constantly overwhelmed by stress, combining East and West may be your best option to feeling healthier, refreshed, and more energetic.

About the author:

Andrew Mitchell, editor of the Osteopath Network, writes articles about osteopathy, osteopaths, London osteopaths , back pain, neck pain, injury management. Andrew is interested in many aspects of alternative medicine.

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Acupuncture Points

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Time to get started on this topic. Take a few moments to read every aspect of this paper hopefully it will be of great help. The term Acupuncture is a combining of two Latin words 'acus' which means needle and 'pungere' means prick. It is in truth an ancient Chinese medical process in which needles were inserted into patient along some well-defined meridian points. In ancient China, stone needles were exploited for the treatment; then as metals were revealed subsequently needle were made of bronze, silver and even gold. In modern days, needles are made of stainless steel.

Acupuncture points are most crucial part of Acupuncture therapy. These are really the various stimulation points from various body parts. According to ancient theory; all these points have a direct access to stimulate the meridians, which are imaginary channels from where critical energy flows. There are more than 360 input points; when needles are inserted or someway stimulation of these points is done then it either interrupts or stimulates the energy flow.

This interruption or stimulation of points can cause analgesic effect that will cut down or totally eliminate pain. It can even suffer a more strong energy flow which can cure the various health problems. All theseAcupuncture points are mapped to Fourteen major meridian lines, for group Twelve inner organs one meridian; one meridian along the spine which is known as governing vessel and one more along the midline of abdomen which is named as conception vessel. The measure that is exploited to findAcupuncture points is named "Cun". Generally one Cun is equal to space between the distal interphalangeal joint and proximal interphalangeal joint on middle finger.

All these Acupuncture points are categorised as per their functions. First category of such Acupuncture points is Five transporting points system: This system explains the flow of vitality (which named as 'qi' in Chinese) exploitation analogy of rivers and points are described as points along the flow line.

According to this system; "qi' bubbles up from a spring and step by step grows in depth and breadth like a river fluent down from mountain to the ocean".In this five transporting system there are points;* Jing well points are the points that bring about energy flow when it bubbles up; these points are placed on tips of fingers and toes.* Ying spring points are where the energy river glides down the channel, these points indicate heat of the body and they also show the changes in our complexion.

* Shu stream; these points indicate heaviness of body along with afflictive areas in joints and intermittent diseases.* Jing river points give indication of cough and dyspnoea, fever and chills and foe bone diseases.* He sea points are where qi unites and heads deeper into the body; these points are useful for indicating diarrhea. The counter flow of qi and these points also indicates the disorders caused by irregular feeding and drinking.

Along with Five transporting points, there are some other sets of points like five phase points, Eleven cleft points, Yuan source points, Luo connecting points, Back shu points, front Mu points, Hue meeting points. Acupuncture treatment is successfully exploited to treat ear, nose and throat disorders, and then respiratory disorders.

Thank you for taking the time to read my article it is greatly appreciated. Try searching through my other Acupuncture Points related articles that you may find interesting

Source: Free Articles

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

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There are over 50 Acupuncture Schools in the United States. Acupuncture laws differ from state to state, therefore, each acupuncture school entails its own philosophy and instruction outline. Acupuncture School education and training is approximately 3,000 credit hours. Because there are varying therories of Acupuncture, some schools teach the 5-Element style of acupuncture as opposed to the more familiar TCM style. While some acupuncture schools have mandatory herbal curriculum, other acupuncture schools list this course-study as an option.

The main purpose of attending an acupuncture school is to be educated and trained to be healers in the art, to learn the science and philosophy of acupuncture, and to be instructed in herbal and Oriental medicine. Attaining a professional license as an acupuncturist is rewarding in many ways. One not only learns to heal others but also learns to heal himself - spiritually, mentally and physically.

Fundamentally, all aspects of traditional Oriental medicine are introduced in the first year of academic instruction. This includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, anatomy, body therapy, biosciences and Tai Chi. This prepares the aspiring acupuncturist for clinical apprenticehsip. During the second year at an acupuncture school, classroom experience teaches in-depth philosophy of acupuncture practice, Oriental medicine and advance needling techniques.

Apprenticeship begins with licensed acupuncturists in a clinical setting. During the third year of acupuncture school training, students begin practicing on their own patients as interns. Acupuncture school classroom instruction is mainly comprised of clinical case discussions; thus, deepening acupuncture therapy understanding. If you'd like to learn more about acupuncture schools, please visit the link below or click on the directory button at the top of the Holistic Junction homepage for more targeted search by category and state.

©Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
by C. Bailey-Lloyd/LadyCamelot in conjunction with Holistic Junction

About the Author

C. Bailey-Lloyd/LadyCamelot is the Public Relations' Director & Staff Writer for Holistic Junction -- Your source of information for Acupuncture Schools