Acupuncture has been used to treat a multitude of body aches and pains for thousands or years. It is believed to have begun more than 2,500 years ago in China. It is known as an Eastern approach to healing the body using a family of techniques to alleviate physical discomfort--such as back pain.
Chinese Philosophy
Chinese philosophies recognize five elements of the body to treat. They are known as water, wood, fire, earth and metal. The kidneys are water, the liver is wood, the heart is known as fire, the stomach is earth and the lungs are metal. Acupuncturists believe that if one body system is in pain, then many may be affected, according to "Chinese Philosophy," by Paul Karus.
Acupuncture Theory
Acupuncture is based on a theory of energy flow through the body. Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that energy normally flows through the body and then gets stuck in locations of pain and discomfort. The acupuncture points are located along the lines that the energy follows, called meridians. The goal of acupuncture is to stimulate the energy qi, which is pronounced chee, to flow. Acupuncturists believe that the imbalance of energy flow will result in disease and pain in the body, says the Oriental Medicine Centre website.
Types of Acupuncture
The most common form of acupuncture is the use of sterilized needles, one inch in length or longer. The practitioner evaluates where the energy is stuck and then inserts needles at key points. This is done using a manual tap technique and up to 20 needles are inserted at one time. They remain in place for 15 to 20 minutes. Treatments often are done three times a week until the pain subsides. At that time, the sessions are tapered to once or twice a month. There also are other techniques available, including acupressure, which does not use needles, cupping in a suctioning fashion, herbal remedies and laser therapy.
Warnings
It is very important to investigate your acupuncturist before treatment begins. Not all states require a license, but there are membership and education requirements. Your state's office of professional or medical licensing can provide details. Another reliable source is the Better Business Bureau to ensure that no complaints have been filed. Determine if the provider has experience and please ensure that sterile needles are used from unopened packages.
Effects
In the largest investigation of acupuncture vs. conventional nonsurgical treatment for low back pain, the German researcher, Heinz Endres, M.D., stated, "Acupuncture represents a highly promising and effective treatment option for chronic back pain. Patients experienced not only reduced pain intensity, but also reported improvements in the disability that often results from back pain--and therefore in their quality of life."
