Showing posts with label Practitioners. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Practitioners. Show all posts
Are Religion and Acupuncture Compatible?
| For every practice or thought, there is an opposite viewpoint. This is true with religious beliefs, political beliefs, and even opinions and studies of the environment. As humans, we both consciously and unconsciously choose to believe a side. There are many, many individuals who can see the reasoning on both sides of the proverbial fence, but there are also those that are staunchly devoted and will see no side other than their own. Medical treatments are no exception to this rule. There are religious groups through out the world, including some who believe that a transfusion of blood is sacrilegious and would never take someone else's blood into their body, as it makes them "impure". There are some who do not believe in modern medicine and still, to this day, practice holistic medicine. However, most religions do not have a prejudice against Western medicine in whole, but may be against particular things, such as prescriptions for depression. Many Eastern religions have given birth to medical practices of their own. An example of this would be Taoism. Taoism believes in studying nature and its influences upon man. From this belief and observation rose the practice of acupuncture, which has to do with the flow of energy, Qi (pronounced chee), and how those affect areas of the body. Many religions consider that believing in outside energies is a farce and their followers will spurn procedures using such magic and mystery. Others discount the studies of researchers, considering the strength of acupuncture to lie in the possibility of something intangible, such as Qi. Bibles and scriptures of all types warn against the "Devil's work" and mysticism, which leaves some individuals to believe that acupuncture is evil or wrong. However, for the most part, acupuncture is receiving a positive welcome in communities around the globe. Perhaps this is because of exercise programs, such as Yoga and Pilates, which have become so popular. Asian culture has exploded into the main stream in fashion, thought, spirituality, technology, and medicine. Years ago, such things as acupuncture and Yoga were only for the "beatniks". The regular Joe did not practice such things and would not have heard the positive benefits, but nowadays, people around the globe want different choices when it comes to their bodies. Many individuals want to try to live a life with minimal medication and invasive procedures, turning to nature to help with illness and pain. Acupuncture is a good alternative. Acupuncture, as mentioned before, has to do with the flow of energy in the body. The energy flows along pathways, fourteen to be precise, which are called meridians. All along the meridian, there are points within that can become blocked. Acupuncture is used to unblock the meridian and allow the energy to flow. This is done with the use of long, thin, solid needles, but most people report that the procedure is painless, so do not worry. The medical field and the health-care services we choose to receive fall into our set of values and beliefs, be they moral or religious. Certainly, the ultimate decision to accept acupuncture or consider it nothing more than psychological smoke and mirrors remains yours alone, depending much on your personal group of beliefs and your opinion. |
| Author Resource:- John Edmond writes regularly for The Acupuncture Alternative where you can read many more articles on acupuncture as a genuine religion and acupuncture and how the acupuncture alternative can help you stay healthy and make the most your life. |
| Article From New Ezine Articles |
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How Dangerous is the Practice of Acupuncture?
| Acupuncture today is a widely used 2000 year old medical procedure stimulating a variety of body pressure points. This technique commonly involves the penetration of a persons skin with thin metallic needles, manipulated by the hands and/ or through electrical stimulation. What is seen by many people to work wonders outside the realms of modern heavily tested medicine, is also seen by a similar number as having limited anecdotal evidence, in terms of actual effectiveness. Whilst many people take this often termed 'alternative' medical method so as to relieve stress and reduce any pains, among other uses, rarely do these patients consider potential inherent dangers. Generally problems don't arise from the application of acupuncture. Since the body's outer defense, the skin, is penetrated infection is the largest concern. Instances have purportedly arisen where re-used needles have spread ailments like hepatitis. Studies in the past on acupuncture infections have apparently shown 35 percent of all needles used to be 're-used'. In this case promoting the use of disposable needles is best, whenever engaging in invasive acupuncture. Haematomas are apparently possible when major blood circulatory structures are punctured. Persons with bleeding disorders or on a course of steroids should not participate in acupuncture due to potential increased fragility of their tissues. Similarly, nerve injury may be possible, brain damage possible with deep skin penetration around the base of the skull. Advice found on the internet states that people who have brittle bones, osteoporosis or a history of injuries to the spine should stay clear of acupuncture since it involves strong applications of localized physical pressure on the patients body. Indeed recommendations exist for keeping people with poor leg blood circulation away from leg acupuncture due to a possible worsening of their circulation, post-acupuncture. Carpal tunnel syndrome (pinching of nerves leading to prolonged numbness and sharp jolts of pain) is also said to potentially get aggravated through the use of acupuncture. Other acupuncture problems encountered have been isolated cases of lung or bladder punctures through too deep insertion of the acupuncture needles. Needles can on rare occasions break, or allergic reactions can take place if the needles are constructed from more exotic materials than the usual steel. The use of acupuncture on pregnant women has been said to increase particular hormones responsible for bringing the onset of labor. The fetus has been claimed to be harmed by the actions of acupuncturists during early pregnancy. Stories abound of all kinds of yet more unusual dangerous happenings. Some acupuncture practitioners have claimed that patients have been admitted to mental hospitals after inappropriate acupuncture sessions, such is their perceived power inherent in this Chinese art. The World Health Organization has apparently claimed that if doctors recognized acupuncture as a so called 'proper' medical procedure unscrupulous practitioners would be less likely to take up acupuncture due to it being more regulated. Another point of view has surfaced stating that acupuncture works with religious, psychological and occult principles, not scientific principles. As such, the scientific community would never accept acupuncture as a truly practical medical procedure. Over reliance on alternative therapies should be kept to a minimum since practitioners are not usually trained doctors that are able to recognize serious illnesses from their symptoms. Acupuncture needs to be administered in hygienic premises on a patient that is not suffering in any way, e.g. exhausted, bleeding or heart trouble. What must be remembered is that all of these dangers can be kept to an absolute minimum through using trained/ professional acupuncturists. |
| Author Resource:- If you want to know the location of the nearest acupuncture treatment center visit http://www.acupuncturetreatmentcenter.com/acupuncturealerts/15/find-acupuncture-schools/ . |
| Article From New Ezine Articles |
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The Ins And Outs of Acupuncture Acupressure
Have you heard of acupuncture? Chances are you have, but may not know what it is. Acupuncture is the art of using small needles to manipulate pressure points in the human body. While some people are terrified of this, there is a new form of alternative healing on the market called acupuncture acupressure. This is much less invasive and people everywhere are starting to take notice. To learn more, read the information below and get educated on the greatness of accupressure.
What Is It?
Acupuncture acupressure is much like normal acupuncture, only there are no needles involved. It is type of alternative treatment done by specialists that have studied the art of traditional Chinese healing and medicine. What happens during acupuncture acupressure is that the specialist puts pressure on certain parts of your body. They may use their hand, the fingers, their elbow, or even instruments to provide this pressure.
Where Can You Get It?
If you are interested in finding someone who can do acupuncture acupressure, you should talk with your local alternative healing expert. There are likely people in your town that are certified to do this. Even some dermatologists will get certified in acupressure and will offer the services to those they treat. If you can't find someone by asking around, look in the business section of your phone book for alternative healing clinics in your area. If all else fails, do a search on the Web to try to find someone near you. Big cities will have tons of these experts, however if you live in a small town or a rural area, you might have to travel for this type of alternative treatment.
What Do You Need It For?
There are many reasons people seek out acupuncture acupressure. Some will do it to relieve stress in their body and their lives in general. The Chinese believe that the technique helps you get your chi back to where it should be and provides you with a balanced outlook. In addition, some people use it to fight off motion sickness or other illnesses. You might have seen the motion sickness wrist bands that put pressure on a point on your wrist. The entire premise for this type of wrist band is acupressure.
As you can see, acupuncture acupressure is an alternative method of healing and feeling better overall. Once you try it, you will love the effects it has on your body. There are no medications or pills to take and no needles involved in the acupressure type of this wonderful alternative healing method. So, there is nothing to fear. Simply look for an expert in your area and schedule your appointment to try it today.
Have you heard of acupuncture? Chances are you have, but may not know what it is. Acupuncture is the art of using small needles to manipulate pressure points in the human body. While some people are terrified of this, there is a new form of alternative healing on the market called acupuncture acupressure.
Dustin Cannon is owner of JustArticles.com and writes on a variety of subjects. To learn more about acupuncture Dustin recommends you visit: World Wide Shopping Mall
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Find Out How Medical Acupuncture Can Help You
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese form of healing, and medical acupuncture is a more recent form that is widely practiced in the west. Acupuncture simply refers to a technique where fine needles are inserted and manipulated into certain specific points to help relieve pain and for other beneficial purposes. When a doctor trained and licensed in western medicine pursues acupuncture training, it is termed as medical acupuncture. As there are many different approaches to learning and practicing acupuncture, a doctor can use one particular approach or a combination of two to treat medical conditions.
Medical acupuncture being a healing process that does not fall within conventional medicine is now being considered to be an alternative medical technique. In the West, medical acupuncture is mainly used to treat pain caused by problems with bones, muscles, and joints. It is also used to treat illness like asthma, irritable bowel syndrome etc. Acupuncture can also effectively provide pain relief for patients suffering from cancer. It can also help in many medical conditions like migraine, headache, back pain, and dental pain. Acupuncture has also been seen to be effective in the treatment of nausea.
Acupuncture helps by triggering pain-releasing endorphins in the brain that promotes mental and physical well-being. It can effectively provide relief from various medical conditions and help prevent illness. Acupuncture can be used to treat many medical conditions, be it respiratory disorders, digestive disorders, neurological disorders, or reproductive problems; acupuncture can be your solution. It is highly useful in solving problems arising from tension and other emotional conditions.
The acupuncturist usually begins the treatment process by taking the case history of the patient and asking some questions concerning your current health facts. This assessment is to determine which acupuncture points would be needed, this way the treatment is unique to each patient and focuses on his/her particular problem. Acupuncturists may make use of cupping and moxibustion to stimulate the acupuncture points. If you are unsure about the needles, do not worry as most people do not face any discomfort and in most cases, brings a feeling of relaxation. Also, the doctor would sterilize the needles before inserting it; therefore, you do not need to worry about infection.
In most cases, acupuncture has no side effects but in some cases, the original symptoms may not get noticeably better or other general changes may take place. However, you need not worry, as this is an indication that the method is working. Also with the first treatments, you may have a feeling of deep relaxation or mild disorientation but proper rest and time would fix that.
Although many are under the impression that acupuncture is ineffective, you should know that in the past 2,000 years, it has successfully treated numerous medical conditions. Now in modern times, it is being widely used by patients and physicians alike. Also, remember that acupuncture can be given with other techniques at the same time.
Now that you know the several benefits of medical acupuncture, why not make use of it to treat your medical condition or illness. Make sure to find a good acupuncturist who is properly trained and skilled. Try this alternative medical technique to find good and satisfactory results.
About the Author: For more insights and additional information about Medical Acupuncture as well as finding a wealth of resources to find out more about medical acupuncture, please visit our web site at http://www.acupuncture-tips.com
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Acupuncture Questions and Answers
Q: Is there anything I need to do before undergoing acupuncture?
A: Large meals should not be consumed within one hour of your acupuncture session since digestion changes your pulse rate. Additionally, food and drink that colors your tongue, e.g. coffee, and alcohol should be avoided prior to treatment.
Q: Does my GP need to know?
A: Only if you are receiving any treatments from your doctor. In some circumstances the fact that you are receiving acupuncture may negate the continuation of some prescriptions/ treatments. Similarly, acupuncturists must be informed of any treatments being provided by your doctor as they may reduce the effects of the acupuncture.
Q: What are the after effects of acupuncture?
A: Typically you will feel calm and relaxed, at ease with yourself and everyone around you. On occasion particularly strong treatment may make you feel drowsy or tired for a few hours. Problematic symptoms that were targeted with the treatment may return in a short burst as your Qi drifts away and resettles.
Q: What are the things I should seek in an acupuncturist?
A: The acupuncture practitioner must be registered through a professional organization and have insurance cover that is appropriate. When speaking to them you should be able to engage well, feel comfortable and know that they have a clear idea of what it is that you want from them. Similarly, the practitioner should be able to confer what they believe the acupuncture will achieve.
Q: How much does acupuncture cost?
A: As such no fixed rates are used. Overheads vary from practice to practice. The best way to get an idea of costs is to phone a few practices nearby, asking how much they charge for their various treatments.
Q: What can the practice of acupuncture achieve for me?
A: This is dependant on whether your problematic symptoms you wish to reduce are specific and current, or rather, that you are looking for preventative treatment. What is generally done is to contact your local acupuncture practitioner and discuss your requirements with them. Specific questions can then be answered by the very people that will be carrying out and monitoring your acupuncture sessions.
Q: What number of acupuncture treatments will I require?
A: The number of treatments you may need varies depending upon the patient. Courses of treatments are common as one-time cures are rare. 4-6 treatments tend to produce noticeable results with regards to improving your condition.
Q: Are acupuncture machines that enable self treatment a good idea?
A: These gadgets and gizmo's are not recommended. Experienced and qualified acupuncturists are who you should turn to. These people are able to diagnose your specific wants objectively and then act appropriately for your particular situation.
Q: Is the practice of acupuncture painful?
A: Some very mild tingling can sometimes result. What is should never be is painful. Many people imagine how they felt when surgical needles were placed in themselves. Acupuncture uses far finer needles with little similarity to injection needles, being solid rather than hollow.
Q: If I'm currently on prescribed medications whilst undergoing sessions of acupuncture should I continue with the prescriptions?
A: Indeed you should, until you have proper discussions with your GP that suggest otherwise. Albeit that many people decide to undergo acupuncture because medical treatments are seemingly failing them, it is very important that you should not cease taking your medication without first consulting with your doctor.
Q: In what way are acupuncture needles used?
A: One-use pre-sterilized disposable acupuncture specific needles are used. Stringent codes of sterilization and hygiene are always adhered to.
Q: How safe is acupuncture?
A: The transmission of diseases or improper use of needles are almost non-existent due to very thorough hygiene and safety practices vetted by the local health authorities and acupuncture bodies alike.
Q: Are there different types of acupuncture?
A: Yes, other forms exist that focus entirely on specific parts of your anatomy, e.g. hand or foot. Electrical stimulation via the needles is also practiced. A form of acupuncture uses no needles at all, instead pressure is applied to various points on the body, usually by the practitioners hands. Consult the internet, libraries and local practitioners for more advice.
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Acupuncture is an Example of Holistic Healthcare
Holistic healthcare by definition is being able to cure an illness through the use alternative means. This means no medication is given to the patient and an instrument like a bunch of needles could do the trick.
Acupuncture has been around for than 2000 years. It is only recently that this holistic form of healthcare has reached the US. Studies have shown that it can treat minor problems and prevent some from happening.
The needles used in acupuncture are very thin but thicker than the human hair. This makes it smaller than those used on hypodermic needles.
Most patients that undergo acupuncture will not feel any significant change after one session which is why a few sessions are needed. Best of all, it is painless so your body will not feel sore afterwards.
Several studies have been conducted about acupuncture and there have been positive results. For instance in the UK, 400 participants who were suffering from migraines claimed they felt better after 3 months worth of sessions.
In the US, acupuncture has also proven to be effective in helping people deal with arthritis because the needles help the body fight against this chronic illness that is much cheaper and more effective than conventional medicine.
Acupuncture can do more than just helping patients deal with arthritis or migraine. Clinical tests have shown that it can help obese people lose weight and those who are suffering from insomnia.
In some countries, acupuncture has even been used to replace chemical anesthesia prior to surgery as there are some patients who are not able to tolerate regular anesthesia.
Another field which acupuncture has proven to be effective is helping patients deal with their addictions such as alcohol, drugs and smoking. One study of smokers revealed that the average patient will cut down by half the number of cigarettes they consume after just one treatment. Just imagine the potential after a few more sessions!
This has resulted in the establishment of clinics nationwide that only use acupuncture as the means of rehabilitation.
Acupuncturists in the US charge from $75 to $150 per session. This usually gets lower in the succeeding treatments. The person will probably have to undergo 10 to 15 treatments 2 to 3 times a week but this really depends on the condition of the patient.
Before you go to one, you should check if this is covered by your insurance. If it isn’t, perhaps you should suggest that it should be included as it is much cheaper than having to undergo surgery.
Although there are risks if you decide to go undergo acupuncture, these can be avoided as long as the one doing it is a licensed professional who makes sure that the needles used are sterilized before they are inserted into the body.
These days, a lot of people in the medical field have accepted the fact that alternative medicine such as this can also help the patient which is why they may refer someone when it is needed.
So, if you are tired of experiencing the side effects of conventional medicine and want to try a holistic form of healthcare, why don’t you see what acupuncture can do for you? It is painless and cost effective. In fact, it is just one of many you can try to help treat a chronic condition.
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The Effectiveness Of Acupuncture
Whenever you are feeling pain and discomfort, you'd usually reach for your painkillers for relief. While they do relieve the pain, they also bring along side effects that comes with taking foreign chemicals into your body. As much as modern medicine has developed drugs that can relieve pain right off the bat, do you really think that the quick fixes you've been taking are actually good for your body? Why not try something safer and more effective like acupuncture.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture has surged in popularity for the last few decades as brought on by the recent health trend. Mostly known as a traditonal Chinese medical technique, acupuncture is seen as a homeopathic method of treatment. While alternative medicine does raise a lot of eyebrows for the scientifically-inclined, it does merit attention before being dismissed as a quack cure.
Basic Procedure
Basically, needles are inserted into the skin, each corresponding to one of the numerous pressure points located throughout the body. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, by inserting a needle into the pressure point, an acupuncturist can manipulate the flow of chi or life force, thus relieving pain and gradually treating the patient. While most would say that the whole chi thing is a bunch of nonsense, science has suggested that with the needles inserted, the body's natural painkillers called endorphins are released, thus helping with pain relief.
Instruments
Modern acupuncturists nowadays use disposable fine stainless steel needles that are 0.007 to 0.020 inches in diameter which are sterilized with either ethylene oxide or by autoclave. Since they are way finer than hypodermic syringe needles, being poked by these needles are relatively painless. The upper third of the needle is covered with either a thicker bronze wire or plastic to make the needle sturdier and easier to handle. The length of the needle and how far they are inserted is all up to the acupuncturist and his practised style of acupuncture.
Example Of Treatment
If a patient has a headache, he/she is diagnosed and is treated by stimulating the sensitive points located at the webs between the thumbs and palms. In acupuncture theory, these points are connected to the face and head and can be used for treatment of headaches and other ailments involved. Needles are then carefully inserted into the skin until the patient feels a twinge, which is usually accompanied by a slight involuntary twitching of the area. During this treatment, a number of things may occur.
- Sensitivity to pain in where needles are inserted.
- A hint of nausea during treatment in case of bad headaches.
- Near-immediate headache relief.
Evolution
As an ancient method, acupuncture has crossed over into the modern age with implementations of technology and recent scientific findings. Electrical stimulation is now a common technique that is combined with acupuncture to produce more effective results. Also, acupuncturists combined this eastern technique with western methods to further enhance the treatment.
Practitioners have eventually realized that leaning towards one school of thought can't propagate progress unless they are willing to move towards the future by looking towards other horizons as well.
Reactions And Research
Not everyone is impressed with acupuncture itself. Most western medical professionals have expressed either doubt or indifference to the oriental method while others have downright driven it down into the earth with criticisms and brutal skepticism. However, recent research shows the efficacy (or lack thereof) of acupuncture, and while more research has to be done, it has been proven to actually positively affect some, but not all, forms of ailments that it claims to cure.
So as the doors open to a new age of acupuncture, give it a try when you feel the need for pain relief and you will not be disappointed. As the Chinese have used it for many centuries, so should we.
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Facial Acupuncture
Looking beautiful both inside and out is something we all want to achieve. Since your face is ridden with emotion and hormonal issues, you have to take care of it. Fortunately, there is a technique that can do that using painless mini needles and this is better known as facial acupuncture.
Facial acupuncture is a painless procedure that renews not only the face but the body as well. This is because it can erase lines and eye bags making you look younger. At the same time, it can also help clear up pimples and acne.
For this to work, fine needles are placed in acupuncture points on the eyes, face and neck to stimulate the person’s natural energies. As a result, this also improves your facial color.
Anyone can try facial acupuncture because it is painless and it has proven to reverse the signs of aging. However, if you are pregnant, suffer from the colds or flu, have acute herpes or an allergic reaction, it is best to wait until this has passed.
But before anyone can try facial acupuncture, they first have to be evaluated by the acupuncturist. This person will evaluate your age, lifestyle and diet. If everything looks good, then you will probably do an average of about 12 to 15 treatments. More could be done if your skin tends to sag, manifest jowls or have droopy eyes.
Facial acupuncture treatment needs to be done twice a week for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. For those who can’t make two sessions in a week, they can opt for the 1 treatment that will last 90 minutes.
After the regular sessions, it is advisable to go back for follow up treatment. It should be every 2 weeks for the next 2 months and then once a month later on.
Aside from needles, most clinics use herbs in the form of masks, poultices and moisturizers. Before you use it, check with your doctor to make sure there is no allergic reaction to any forms of medication that you are taking.
After the first facial acupuncture treatment, you will usually seen an increased glow to one’s complexion which the Chinese say an increased Qi or blood flow to the face. It becomes more open, the wrinkles start to disappear and the skin appears more toned.
In the 5th or 7th treatment, this becomes more evident as your face looks more relaxed as though you just came from a vacation.
The end result is that you will look and feel 5 to 15 years younger but of course this depends on how well the patient has taken care of themselves outside the confines of the clinic.
To sum things up, facial acupuncture can do for you. It can eliminate fine lines and reduces wrinkles, improve your overall facial color and add luster to the skin, relaxes tension in the face and furrows in the brow, brightens the eyes and reduce dark circles and puffiness, improve muscle tone for sagging skin, enhance your natural radiance in the skin and eyes, slow the aging process within, promotes overall health and well being as well as relaxes and revitalizes the entire body.
All you have to now is find a clinic that offers this service to customers so you will soon look radiant to other people.
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