Acupuncture

Presentation created by: Stacie Eddleman

Overview of Acupuncture
Acupuncture

originated in China more than 2,000 years ago. It became widely known in the United States in 1971. Currently, an estimated 1/3 of certified acupuncturists in the U.S. are medical doctors.

Acupuncture Theories
Traditional Chinese medicine theorizes that there are more than 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body. These connect with 12 main and 8 secondary pathways called meridians, which allow for the flow of vital energy. Meridians conduct energy or qi (see next slide) between the surface of the body and internal organs.

Qi: (pronounced chee, vital energy or life force)

Qi regulates spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical balance. It is influenced by yin (negative energy and forces) and yang (positive energy and forces).When yin and yang are balanced, the normal flow of energy is unblocked. Health is restored to the body and mind.

Mechanisms of Action

Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). The result is the release of chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. Chemicals either change experience of pain or cause the release of others that may stimulate the natural healing abilities.

Conditions Appropriate for Therapy Successful treatment for:

Digestive -Hyperactivity -Indigestion -Abdominal pain -Constipation Miscellaneous -Addiction control -Stress reduction -Chronic fatigue Emotional -Anxiety -Depression -Insomnia -Neurosis Musculoskeletal -Arthritis -Back Pain -Neck Pain -Muscle pain and weakness Eye-Ear-Nose & Throat -Cataracts -Gingivitis -Toothache Neurological -Headaches -Parkinsons disease -Postoperative pain -Stroke Gynecological -Infertility -Menopausal symptoms Respiratory -Asthma -Common cold -Smoking cessation -Tonsilitis

FDAs Role
The FDA approved acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners in 1996. Needles are required to be labeled for single use only. Relatively few complications have been reported to the FDA considering the millions of people treated each year.

Acupuncture and You

Lifestyle,

age, physiology, and other factors combine to make every person different. Thus, results of treatment may differ. You as a healthcare consumer should discuss acupuncture therapy with your doctor.

Check a Practitioners Credentials

About 30 states have established training standards for certification to practice acupuncture. The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture can provide a referral list of doctors who practice acupuncture. (http://www.medicalacupuncture.org) A list of thousands of practitioners can also be found on the website of The National Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Alliance. (http://www.acuall.org)

Check Treatment Cost and Insurance Coverage

An estimated 70 to 80 percent of the nations insurers cover some acupuncture. The cost of treatment typically ranges between $30 and $100, but may be appreciably more. Physician acupuncturist may charge more than non physician acupuncturists.

Check Treatment Pocedures

Make certain that the practitioner uses a new set of disposable needles in a sealed package every time. The puncture site should be wiped with alcohol before insertion. The patients medical history and the use of current medications and health behaviors should be discussed.

The Sensation of Acupuncture Acupuncture needles are metallic, solid, and hair thin. The experiences varies with each patient, but most feel minimal pain as needles are inserted. Improper needle placement, movement of the patient, or a defect in the needle can cause soreness and pain during treatment.

For More Information

Contact

the NIH National Library of Medicine. They have published a bibliography of more than 2,000 citations to studies conducted on acupuncture. Bibliography:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/pubs/cbm/acupuncture.html

******************************

The End
******************************