Acupuncture Science

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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

Are Religion and Acupuncture Compatible?

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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.

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