Acupuncture is used in the treatment of various conditions ranging from the common cold and flus to complimentary treatment of auto immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Originating over five thousand years ago in China, acupuncture is considered a complete system of healing that helps to balance the flow of the vital life energy found in all living creatures, commonly refered to as Chi or Qi energy.
Acupuncture is commonly used to alleviate pain and increase immune response. According to Acupuncture theory the vital life energ flows throughout the body along twelve major energy channels or pathways called meridians.
Each meridian is linked to vital internal organs and organ systems. There is believed to be over one thousand acupoints within the meridian system that can be stimulated to enhance the flow of energy throughout the body.
Evidence of the meridian system was discovered by Professor Kim Bong Han and a team of researchers in Korea during the 1960s and further identified by French researcher Pierre de Vernejoul. Research has concluded that the meridians comprise a system of pathways in the body which are separate from the vascular and lymphatic systems.
Current research concludes that there is a specific relationship between acupuncture points, meridians, and the electrical currents of the body. It has been confirmed that 25% of the acupuncture points identified by Chinese Acupuncture specialists thousands of years ago serve as amplification points to boost minute electrical signals as they travel throughout the body. The remaining points are considered to work in conjunction with the major Acupoints to address specific treatments or areas of the body.
Conditions Treatable With Acupuncture
The World Health Organization has cited over one hundred condtitions that can be treated with Acupuncture. Common conditions include the common cold, migraines, asthma, addictions, gastrointestinal disorders, osteoarthritis, sciatica, depression and anxiety.
Acupuncture has proven to be very effective in pain management, addictions, mental disorders and AIDS.
For patients suffering with pain It helps to stimulate the release of endorphins and enkephalins, the body's natural pain killers and has been found to be especially effective with pain relief for younger patients.
Acupuncture has proven effective in various areas of addiction treatment. It has been noted to increase the probability of completion of detoxification programs for alcoholics, alleviating withdrawal symptoms for opium and heroin addicts and curing a range of addictions relating to gambling, sex, food and nicotine.
Acupuncture is noted to provide quick and lasting relief in cases involving depression, insomnia and nerve disorders.
In patients suffering from AIDS acupuncture has proven quite effective in helping to improve immune function, increasing white blood cell production and T-cell production. It has helped to increase the life span and the quality of life in patients and has been noted to convert from HIV positive to HIV negative in a small number of patients.
