Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese Medicine A broad range of medicine practices sharing common theoretical concepts which have been developed in China and are based on a tradition of more than 2,000 years The doctrines of Chinese medicine are rooted in books such as: ◦ Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon ◦ the Treatise on Cold Damage, ◦ And as well as in cosmological notions like yin-yang and the Five Phases.

ACUPUNCTURE

 is a type of alternative medicine that treats patients by insertion and manipulation of solid, generally thin needles in the body.  originated in China over 5,000 years ago  General theory:  It is based on the belief that living beings have a vital energy, called "qi", that circulates through 12 invisible energy lines known as meridians on the body. Each meridian is associated with a different organ system. An imbalance in the flow of qi throughout a meridian is how disease begins.

Acupuncture aims to correct imbalances in the flow of qi by stimulation of anatomical locations on or under the skin called acupuncture points, most of which are connected by channels known as meridians. There are over 1,000 acupuncture points on the body.

How Acupuncture Works? Stimulates the release of pain- relieving endorphins. Influences the release of neurotransmitters, substances that transmit nerve impulses to the brain. Influences the autonomic nervous system. Stimulates circulation. Influences the electrical currents of the body.

Needle Acupuncture needles are typically made of stainless steel wire. Needles vary in length between 13 to 130 mm with shorter needles used near the face and eyes, and longer needles in more fleshy areas; needle diameters vary from 0.16 mm to 0.46 mm, with thicker needles used on more robust patients.

The needles are left in place for minutes, and the practitioner may manipulate the needles to strengthen or reduce the flow of Qi. Lifting, twisting, and rotating are some of the needling techniques a practitioner may use.

The dangers and risks of acupuncture. Acupuncture is not inherently dangerous but being an invasive technique, it is not risk free.  Haematoma may result from the accidental puncture of a circulatory structure. Nerve injury can result from the accidental puncture of any nerve.  Brain damage or stroke is possible with very deep needling at the base of skull.  Also rare, but possible, is pneumothorax from deep needling into the lung, and kidney damage from deep needling in the lower back.  Needles that are not properly sterilized can transfer diseases such as HIV and hepatitis.