THE FINER POINTS OF ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of treatment known. The Chinese have used it as a therapeutic treatment for more than 3000 years, and its use is growing exponentially worldwide.
The central tenant of acupuncture is simply to tap into the body’s ability to heal itself. Classical acupuncture describes 361 acupuncture points arranged along 14 meridians, or channels, in the body. These pathways allow the circulation of an energetic force or chi. If this energy becomes blocked it causes an imbalance in the system, resulting in illness or disease. Insertion of needles into specific points removes the obstruction to the flow of the chi, restoring the balance. This stimulates the body’s own defense mechanisms and promotes healing.
Each meridian is related to the organ from which it gets its name. For instance, the large intestine meridian lies on the upper limb, but also extends internally to the large intestine. By working with the points on the surface of the body, acupuncture affects what goes on inside the body. An imbalance of chi in the large intestine could result in constipation or diarrhea, or tennis elbow or frozen shoulder. This explains why needles are often inserted far from the site of the problem.
Acupuncture is based on the philosophy of Taoism. It’s symbol, the black and white circle is often associated with acupuncture. The circle represents the two ruling forces of life, Yin and Yang, which are responsible for harmony in both the universe and in the body. They are not static conditions, but are always changing and balancing to maintain harmony. Illness occurs when an imbalance occurs between the two forces within the body. Acupuncture is used to restore balance and therefore health.
Western scientists explain how and why acupuncture is successful. Acupuncture needles stimulate nerve endings which send impulses to the spinal cord. Messages are sent to three places, the spinal cord, the midbrain, and the brain. The pain signal is then blocked by the release of hormones from the brain, preventing the pain signal from being transmitted from the body to the brain.
One of the most attractive aspects of acupuncture is the almost complete absence of side effects and complications from its use. It is not a drug, it just kick-starts the body to heal itself. The types of injuries and problems for which Anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed are often those, which respond best to acupuncture treatment.
There are no real contra-indications to the use of acupuncture; however there is a risk of a bruise. Acupuncture is successful in treating conditions such as frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tendonitis, tennis and golfer’s elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck and back pain, sciatica, disc herniations, knee pain, plantar fascitis, arthritis and headaches. The amount of treatments required varies among individuals and according to the condition. Most patients report improvement after a single treatment, however, the more chronic and severe the condition, the longer it will take for a response. If a positive response is not achieved after six treatments, further medical investigation should be conducted.
There is minimal risk of infection from acupuncture needles, because in Alberta practitioners are required by law to use single-use disposable needles. The needles are opened in front of the patient and disposed of in sharps containers.
Health care practitioners in Alberta must complete several courses and examinations to be licensed to perform acupuncture.
If you’d like to receive acupuncture for a condition that has been nagging you for some time, or an acute problem contact your local physiotherapist.
Bragg Creek Physiotherapy
949 4008
Lisa Le Poole
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