Showing posts with label acupuncture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label acupuncture. Show all posts

Monday, May 24, 2010

Can Acupuncture Help with My Depression?

One of the things that many people have to deal with nowadays is depression. As a matter of fact, more people have to deal with depression than most people realize. Although there are a lot of medicines that a person can take in order to deal with this problem, many people do not want to manipulate their bodies in such a way. For those individuals, it is a much better idea to do things naturally in one way or another. One way in which many people have found relief from their depression is through acupuncture.

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese art in which the energy within our body is manipulated and balanced through the insertion of very tiny, hair thin needles. According to traditional Chinese medicine, all of us have an energy that is often referred to as Chi and this energy is what causes all life to flow within us as individuals. A balance between the good and the bad energies in our body is necessary for us to maintain health. This balance can be realized and maintained through the use of acupuncture.

According to many naturalists, depression is often caused by an imbalance in the body in some form or another. It often happens as a result of stress because of lifestyle changes that we may be going through, problems that we are experiencing with work or other situations in our lives. The depression that we feel is quite real and can be life altering and make it difficult for us to lead a normal life. By bringing our body back into balance, however, we are able to overcome many of the difficulties that are experienced in life, including that of depression.

Acupuncture has come under a bit of scrutiny in the past several decades since it has gained popularity in the United States. Rather than disproving the theory, however, it actually has done much to promote it. Although it is difficult to use acupuncture in the control group, some studies have shown that by manipulating acupuncture points, an increase in blood flow and energy can be seen in the targeted areas.

If you are experiencing depression or are having a difficult time in life then acupuncture may be able to help you. It has been practiced for thousands of years and has helped an untold number of individuals to deal with their life as they know it.

Friday, May 21, 2010

Acupuncture - Asian Roots and a New World Treatment

By some estimates, acupuncture was first being practiced in ancient China almost 5000 years ago. Traditional Chinese medicine is something that is of interest to many people because of the centuries of practical use and because of the fact that most of the medicine is natural and not pharmaceutical. As the practice of acupuncture began to spread out through the Asian world, many things were added to it but the general roots of acupuncture itself can be traced back to China.

Over the past several decades, the practice of acupuncture has gained quite a bit of popularity in Western lands, specifically the United States. Many people have turned to acupuncture in order to help them with their overall health as well as with specific problems that they are experiencing. These problems range anywhere from headaches and overall pain to an inability to conceive a child. Is acupuncture actually able to help you with these individual treatments, especially when they are at a specific as these?

Several tests have been done on acupuncture since the popularity of the practice has increased in the United States. Although it is difficult to administer improper acupuncture in order to offer a control group to the testing process, some of the experiments that were done actually monitored blood flow throughout the patients. Whenever the individuals were under the acupuncture treatment, there was a noted blood flow increased to certain areas of the body, specifically those that were being targeted.

Although acupuncture is one of the least dangerous medical treatments that can be taken, there are still some problems that need to be considered. One of these is the use of prepackaged, one use needles in acupuncture treatment. Reusing the needles, even if they are sterilized is an invitation to infection and disease. The FDA is now monitoring the use of these needles and their production. This has led to a much safer practice overall and one that many people are enjoying without having to worry about infection or other related problems.

As we continue to learn more about the practice, more people will, no doubt, turn to acupuncture in an effort to take care of their physical problems. Although some new methods have been added, we will always look back to the roots of acupuncture for guidance. Although it may be changed to a certain extent because of modern treatment, it's still is something that was founded many centuries ago.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Restore and Maintain Your Health with Acupuncture Treatment

For thousands of years, acupuncture has been practiced in China and has spread throughout most of Asia. These particular treatments have also become very popular in other lands in recent times. This is because of an upsurge of interest in people taking care of their overall health through natural means. Many individuals are trying to get away from the pharmaceutical cures that are often held out as a way to overcome physical problems and other maladies. By manipulating our life force through the use of acupuncture, many people have experienced relief from their trouble.

One example of how acupuncture can help individuals is through the treatment of pain. Not only is acupuncture able to help people who are experiencing such things as headaches or carpal tunnel syndrome, it is also becoming very common for use before, during and even after surgery. This is because, by manipulating the flow of energy within the body, we are able to disrupt the sensors which send the pain throughout our body. We are also able to get into a balanced state in which many of the diseases and problems that caused this pain in ourselves is unable to thrive.

Another interesting way that acupuncture is now used in order to restore and maintain health is through appetite suppression. The acupuncture points for appetite suppression are located in and around the ear and by manipulating these points with acupuncture needles, many people are experiencing relief from their insatiable appetites. It also has a side benefit of detoxification at the same pressure points and also benefit us in that particular way. Although acupuncture for appetite suppression is not always the main goal of a visit to the acupuncturist, it is often requested as a side benefit to the treatment.

One other way that acupuncture is used on a regular basis is in order to help people to conceive a child. Many people that are unable to conceive naturally go for in vitro fertilization treatments which are costly and very uncomfortable. By using acupuncture, many people have been ample to increase their odds of conceiving children by up to 10%. Not only is it good for those who are going through in vitro fertilization, it has also been shown to help with the actual conception of a child by normal means. By bringing the body back into balance, it is able to help us to do things in a natural way.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Maintaining Balance in the Body through Acupuncture

There are many different things that we can do in order to improve our overall health. One of the main things that involves our health in general, however, is the balance that is within our bodies. This balance has had many different names over the centuries but for the most part, it was simply a way of keeping the negative and positive parts of our body in check. The ancient Chinese culture used to refer to the energy that was our life force as Chi. they also began to manipulate this life force in various ways, one of them was through the use of acupuncture.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, the flow of energy through our body took place in one of dozens of different channels. If one of these channels should happen to get redirected or if the flow of energy was not constant through our body, illness took place. The various illnesses that we could experience as a result of this imbalance ranged from pain to cancer and anywhere in between. Acupuncture offered a way to manipulate the flow of energy in our body through the insertion of hair thin needles to various depths, according to the particular channel that needed adjusted.

Along with acupuncture, however, the acupuncturist has always offered suggestions on other ways to treat yourself naturally. Most of them do not consider acupuncture to be the end-all when it comes to natural medicine but only a step that will help to get you into a balanced state. They may also provide you with information on supplementation and other health regimes that will help to keep your body in check as well. By following a proper course of health, which includes the use of acupuncture in many cases, you can experience a more balanced life force and a better overall sense of well-being.

Although this art of acupuncture is, by some estimates, 5000 years old, it is still one that has many uses and benefits that are experienced even today. Not only is it a way for us to restore our health, it is something that could keep us in balance balance. It also a way that we can maintain our health even if we are not feeling any ill effects at the moment. Through regular visits to the acupuncturist and a general healthy lifestyle, we may be able to keep ourselves free from the diseases that plague most of mankind.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Suppressing Your Appetite through Acupuncture

One of the most difficult things to overcome is a problem with overeating. As a matter of fact, it is more common for a person to have the difficulty with overeating then for them to be balanced in their diet. This shows up as the epidemic of obesity that we are experiencing in many nations around the world. Often, the problem with overeating is something that comes from our childhood and is a learned trait that may have been with us for many years. If we do not have the willpower to overcome these urges then what can be done to help us along?

Although acupuncture is typically used for pain management and to bring the body back into a balanced state, it can also be used in order to suppress the appetite. In fact, many people who go in for acupuncture in order to help with the physical malady that they are experiencing end up having this supplemental form of acupuncture administered in order to help them with their eating disorder. Many people who use acupuncture for this reason experience relief from their insatiable appetites and actually can begin losing weight as long as the treatments are being administered.

The acupuncture points for appetite control and weight loss are located in and around the ear. By manipulating these particular acupuncture points through the use of needles, you are able to block your appetite and the same points can also be used for general detoxification. Not only can it to suppress your appetite in general, it may also be able to block certain cravings that you have for things such as carbohydrates or highly fatty foods. All of this can benefit you in the way of weight loss.

Although the practice of acupuncture has been around for thousands of years, it has really only become popular in western lands in the past several decades. Since that time, however, many people have embraced acupuncture as a way to keep the body balanced and working in union. The benefit of using acupuncture to decrease your appetite is actually only one of the number of things that can be done through manipulation of the body's energy with acupuncture. If appetite has been a problem for most of your life, however, it is difficult to ignore this way of being able to overcome your difficulty and finally gain control of your weight.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Effective Acupuncture Treatments before Surgery

There are times in which our health necessitates us going in for surgery for one reason or another. For some of us, it may be what is referred to as a routine procedure but for others, the surgery that we are going through may be life altering and very severe. Regardless of why we are going in for the surgery or of how severe the treatment, acupuncture is one way that has been used to help us to get through the process easier. What different things can acupuncture do for us when we need to have surgery?

Acupuncture has actually been used for thousands of years but it is only recently become popular in the westernized world. As more people are using the procedure, they are finding that it benefits us in many different ways. One of the ways in which it benefits us is through pain management and by keeping our body in a balanced state. The entire concept of Chi, the energy that flows through our body and of the balance that needs to exist in all things is what brought about the art of acupuncture. Now, they're using this ancient Chinese medicine in order to help us when we are undergoing surgery.

Acupuncture can be administered before and after surgery as a way to reduce the amount of pain that an individual is feeling. As a matter of fact, it is sometimes administered during surgery in order to keep the individual from feeling some of the pain of the surgery itself. Not only is it available to block pain to a certain extent, it is able to help us to heal so that we have a shorter recovery time that involves less pain. It also keeps us from having to take too much pain medication during that time.

Another thing that acupuncture is able to do is to reduce the amount of nausea that is experienced by women who are undergoing breast surgery. Nausea is a fairly common side effect that is felt by these women but acupuncture is able to overcome some of the discomfort and negative experiences that they may have.

As we continue to learn more about the benefits of using acupuncture during surgery, it's hard to tell how frequently it will be used in order to control pain and to help keep the body in a balanced condition.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Stopping Your Headache with Acupuncture

There are a lot of things that we have to deal with on a regular basis which affects our health. One very common thing that is experienced by people in general are headaches. As a matter of fact, some people have headaches so frequently that they simply learn to live with them and deal with the pain as best they can. Still others have headaches, such as migraines, which are almost impossible to ignore and become a life altering because of their intensity. As a result of these headaches, many people have turned acupuncture in order to find some relief from their suffering.

There are really two different types of individuals who come to an acupuncturist in order to seek relief from their headaches. There are those who are currently experiencing a headache and those that are to are trying to get some kind of preventative care in order to stop the next headache from coming or to decrease its intensity. These are two very different situations and are treated differently from the acupuncturist's standpoint. Depending on your situation when you enter their office will make a difference in how you are treated.

The reason why this is the case is because acupuncture is a way of moving energy throughout your body and it also can increase blood flow to certain areas. The way of treating an existing headache differs somewhat from the treatment that will assist in blocking future headaches. Your doctor will be able to make that determination and to adjust the treatment accordingly.

Many people try acupuncture treatments to stop their headaches but they are nervous whenever they enter into the office. Perhaps they have never experienced acupuncture before and are wondering how it is going to feel or if it is dangerous. The fact is, acupuncture is one of the least dangerous medical treatments that exists. Although it is possible for problems to happen, it is very rare and if the doctor is competent and uses sterile means when inserting the needles there is little need for worry. The needles themselves rarely hurt whenever they enter into the skin and often make the individual field either relaxed or even rejuvenated.

So, if you are experiencing headaches, the ancient Chinese art of acupuncture may be able to assist you in dealing with them. By bringing your body back into balance, you may be able to overcome your headaches once and for all.

Friday, May 07, 2010

Acupuncture for Pain Relief

It's amazing the number of people who live with pain on a regular basis. For some people, the pain is something that they simply live with but it does not alter their life necessarily. For others, the pain gets quite intense and they have to live around the pain instead of simply incorporating it into their lifestyle. One thing that almost all pain has in common, however, is an imbalance that exists in our body. If we were to bring our body back into line with where it should be, most of the pain that we feel would stop happening.

Although there are many different ways for people to deal with pain that range from prescription medications to therapeutic exercise, one way that is often overlooked is acupuncture. The fact is, acupuncture is able to help with pain in a lot of different ways and to help individuals to get over pain or to be able to reduce it so that it is easily manageable. How is acupuncture able to do this? It does this by bringing our body back into balance with where it should be.

Acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years in Asia and is now becoming very popular in the Western world. It is based on the principle that we all have an energy which is referred to as Chi. It is a balanced energy that exists in between two extremes, the negative and positive. If all things in our body or balanced, according to these theories, then we can enjoy good health. Acupuncture is a way of manipulating the energy that flows through our body and brings us back into a balanced state.

What kind of pain can be controlled by acupuncture? People actually visit acupuncturists for a wide variety of pain that includes lower back pain, headaches, arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. It is also very common for people to visit the doctor before and after surgery for additional pain management. So not only is acupuncture good for the relief of pain, it also may help with the prevention of pain as well.

As acupuncture continues to grow a popularity and additional testing helps to prove what it can do for us, more people will use these treatments in order to deal with their ill health. By bringing us back into a balanced state naturally, acupuncture is able to allow us to heal from the inside out.

Wednesday, May 05, 2010

Should I Worry about Getting Acupuncture

It's natural for a person to worry about something that they are not informed about. One thing that many people are nervous over is their first acupuncture treatment, especially if they have preconceived ideas about the practice that are inaccurate. Let's talk a little bit about acupuncture, where it came from and what you can expect from your visit to the acupuncturist.

Acupuncture is actually in ancient Chinese medical treatment in which small needles are inserted into specific areas of the body in order to promote a flow of energy throughout our body. This energy, known as Chi is important to keep balanced in order to maintain proper health. By manipulating the flow of Chi in our system, we are helping ourselves to maintain this balance and to enjoy the overall health benefits that come as a result.

The insertion of the needles is relatively painless and is typically totally painless. Many people experience either in exhilaration or relaxation whenever the needles are inserted. They are so thin, much thinner than the typical needles that you see at the doctors office that they don't cause the pain that is typically associated with doctors and needles. Once inserted in the body, they may be manipulated in one way or another or perhaps even heated in order to help with the flow of energy.

Your first visit to the acupuncturist may not actually include any needles at all. Your doctor will want to take the time to get to know you and to understand your particular circumstances so that he can treat you in the proper way. It will also give you the opportunity to ask any questions that you may have on your mind, most of which I'm sure that he has heard and can answer quite easily.

Acupuncture is used for dozens of different problems that people are experiencing from flatulence to severe pain management. Anything that has to do with the natural flow of energy in our body and our overall natural health can be maintained or enhanced through the use of acupuncture. Although it is not a total treatment unto itself, as many acupuncturist will actually also put you on a health regime, it can help individuals in many cases to overcome problems that medical science is unable to handle. So don't be nervous about your trip to the acupuncturist, be optimistic.

Sunday, May 02, 2010

Your First Acupuncture Visit

Even though acupuncture is becoming more prevalent in today's society, there are still many people that are nervous about the practice in general. These people may have preconceived ideas that are inaccurate or may be resting their ideas on the fact that it is actually a medical practice that was first done in ancient Asia thousands of years ago. Regardless of why they are nervous or hesitant about going to an acupuncturist, however, they need to have their minds put at ease. If you are facing your first visit to the acupuncturist, here are some things that you can expect.

First of all, you are not going to enter into your acupuncture session and immediately be stuck full of needles. Not only that, you are entering into an environment that is not unlike an environment that is typically found in many doctors offices. Even though this is a form of natural medicine, it is still considered medicine and most acupuncturists hold to the medical profession's idea of what is expected in their practice. Don't be overly worried about your first session because you may not actually end up getting acupuncture on your first visit at all.

The first visit is an introductory visit in which the doctor will ask you a lot of questions about your medical history, your particular problem in any surrounding issues that may also need to be taken into consideration. It will also give you the opportunity to get to know your doctor a little bit and ask them any questions that you may have on your mind. Depending on what your problem is, you may not even have an acupuncture treatment on your first visit. If you do, by the time you actually have the treatment done, you will be more at ease because of having the time with your doctor before any treatment is actually administered.

The acupuncture itself is actually done by inserting hair thin needles into the skin to various depths. Most people do not feel uncomfortable whenever this is done other than a slight stinging in some instances. The needles are much smaller than the needles that are typically used by a doctor so there really is not much pain, if any involved. These needles will remain in your skin for anywhere from five to 20 minutes until they are removed. That's basically all that there is to your first acupuncture visit. It's not much to worry about.

Friday, April 30, 2010

What Can I Expect from My Acupuncture Treatment?

Although it is been done for thousands of years in Asia, some people are still very nervous about going to an acupuncturist for treatment. As the practice becomes more accepted, however, and the use of acupuncture is becoming more prevalent, many individuals will find themselves getting this treatment for the first time. If you are a little bit nervous about your acupuncture treatment, you are in good company but that doesn't mean that you have a need for alarm. Here is what you can expect from your visit to the acupuncturist.

The first visit will actually be a question-and-answer session and may or may not include acupuncture at all. Your doctor will want to know almost everything about your medical condition, and the underlying issues and anything else that may help him in his treatment of your condition. Once the proper treatment is discerned, however, your treatments will start, perhaps even on the first visit.

This is where most people get nervous because they are unsure about the dangers that may exist from acupuncture. Let me put your mind at ease. It is very rare for there to be any problems from acupuncture treatment and, as long as you're acupuncturist is using clean needles and knows what they are doing, you have little to worry about at all. It is possible for infection to set in or for an organ to be punctured but this is very rare if you're acupuncturist is qualified.

Each session will last about one half hour and your doctor will insert very tiny needles into the acupuncture points and may manipulate them somewhat with his hands, induce a very light electrical pulse or even warm them with moxa. The needles will remain in your body for anywhere from five to 20 minutes. Most people do not feel any discomfort at all from having these needles inserted and actually may feel invigorated in some cases or perhaps very relaxed.

After your first time of receiving acupuncture, you will find that it is not an unpleasant situation at all. As a matter of fact, you may leave the acupuncturist feeling very good, relaxed and with an overall sense of well-being. In fact, once you begin with your acupuncture treatments you will probably wonder why you waited so long to begin them in the first place. It's an ancient medical practice but it can still take care of many things for us today.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Erasing Lines with Acupuncture

Getting older is something that none of us really enjoy. Not only does it make it more difficult for us to live life in general, it also begins to show, such as in the wrinkles on our face. Far too many people try to remove these wrinkles by use of dangerous medical treatments that include injecting chemicals under our skin or using them to actually peel part of our face away. Many people have turned to natural medicine in an effort to turn back the hands of time. One of the ways that they use is that of acupuncture. Is acupuncture actually able to give you a face lift?

As acupuncture becomes more common in Western society, many people have turned to this natural practice in order to help with their healing and their overall health. Although this practice is able to bring a balance back to our body, it cannot be considered as a facelift, regardless of what it can do for us individually. This is because acupuncture does not do anything to us medically that could be considered a facelift such as make incisions or use chemicals. That doesn't mean, however, that I cannot give us a more youthful appearance.

Maintaining our health from the inside out is one sure way for us to look younger and to feel younger. Acupuncture is simply one way for us to maintain this style of health. When used in conjunction with other natural methods such as supplementing with vitamins and eating a proper diet, you would be surprised at what it can do for your overall appearance. It can also help to stimulate areas of the face that will assist in removing some of the wrinkles hopefully but it will really do its wonders when it comes to improving our health from the inside.

Whenever we are healthy and in balance we sleep better, eat better and are overall more relaxed. This will do a lot for the way that we look on the outside because we are feeling good on the inside. Acupuncture can bring your body back into a naturally balanced condition that will give you this glow and make you feel and look younger. Of course, your acupuncturist may also ask you to maintain your help in other ways, but this Chinese practice can point you in the direction of a more youthful look.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Acupuncture As a Facelift Alternative

Something that all of us struggle against is time. As a matter of fact, all of us are aging from the time we are born and as we get older, that age begins to display itself in one way or another. For some, it comes as a decreased metabolism and an inability to keep off excess weight. For others, it comes in the form of facial wrinkles and noticeable signs that point to the fact that we are getting older. Some people spend countless dollars on all kinds of treatments in order to get rid of these wrinkles, some of which are very unhealthy. A new way of looking at an old medicine, however, may give us some hope in order to turn back the hands of time. Is acupuncture actually being used as a facelift alternative?

First of all, you need to know that acupuncture itself is not a facelift at all. There is no surgery, chemical injections or any other alterations that are done through acupuncture that would classify it as such. That doesn't mean, however, that you're not able to enjoy a healthier complexion and more youthful look as a result of acupuncture treatments. The fact of the matter is, acupuncture is known to help with your general health and this can offer you a lot in the way of reduced aging.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is a way of bringing the body back into a naturally balanced state. Two opposing forces that govern our body in general often get pushed toward one extreme or the other. By maintaining a balance between these two extremes, we allow our life energy, or Chi to flow naturally throughout our body and to give us balance. This can help us in many different ways but for the most part, it helps us to enjoy natural health and all of the benefits that it gives to us.

So, can acupuncture remove your wrinkles? No, it can't remove the wrinkles from your face but it can give you a health that will radiate from within. It can help to remove a lot of the negative effects of aging that show up as a wrinkles on your face. If you maintain a healthier balance in your body, you will give off a more youthful appearance that will be plain for everyone to see.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Do Acupuncture Treatments Hurt?

There are so many different ways that we can maintain or restore our health. For most of us, we understand that it is often a matter of restoring a balance in our body in order to enjoy the most helpful response. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical treatment that was developed in order to help maintain the balance between positive and negative charges in our body. Although these had specific terms attached to them that were used in Chinese philosophy and religion, the basic principles behind acupuncture are not generally brought into question, even my medical science. In fact, some studies that have been taken on acupuncture actually show that it does promote a flow of energy in the body.

One thing that many people are concerned about is the pain that is associated with acupuncture. One thing that many people do not like, even into their adulthood, are the needles that are typically associated with doctors' offices. Many of these needles are rather large and capable of producing quite a bit of pain in the human body. Most people just assume that the needles that are inserted during acupuncture also produce this kind of pain in on us as individuals.

The fact of the matter is, the needles that are used for acupuncture are much smaller than the needles typically found in many doctors offices. Whenever they are inserted into the body, many people do not feel any discomfort at all and, in fact, many actually find the experience pleasurable. As a result of their acupuncture treatment, it is also possible for individuals to feel relaxed or even accelerated.

A little more good news about the practice of acupuncture is that it is almost always safe to undergo. The only problems that may occur typically come as a result of the acupuncturist being inexperienced. As long as they are well practiced and are sure to use clean, one use needles then there is rarely ever a problem. The worst thing that can happen is that an organ can be punctured during a treatment but this is extremely rare.

All in all, acupuncture is a safe and effective way for you to maintain your natural health. Although you may be nervous about undergoing this treatment, there really is nothing to be nervous about. Once you take the plunge and go through with the treatment yourself, you will wonder why you waited so long to do it.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Does Acupuncture Interfere with My Regular Medical Treatment?

In an effort to restore and maintain their health, many people have turned to the ancient practice of acupuncture. Acupuncture was actually conceived and tested in China thousands of years ago before it spread through other areas of Asia. It is a way of manipulating the energy in our body through the use of acupuncture points in order to bring it back into a natural balance. This balance which is found between the cold and hot forces that regulate our body is often the key to better health and an overall sense of well-being.

Unfortunately, many of us are riddled with illnesses and we may have already come under the care of a medical doctor. Although doctors are able to do some good things for us and to take care of our maladies to a certain extent, it may also interfere with our ability to be healed in a natural method. Acupuncture does not use any kind of medicine and is a totally natural way to bring our body back into balance. Many people are concerned, however, that by using acupuncture they are actually interfering with their regular medical treatments. Where does one strike a balance in this particular regard?

The best thing that you can do is to discuss the possibility of using acupuncture with both your acupuncturist and with your medical doctor. Whenever you go in for your first acupuncture visit, you will be asked a series of questions which will help the doctor to understand your particular situation and any surrounding circumstances in regards to your situation. This would include, of course, any current medical treatments that you're undergoing. It is very important that you let your acupuncturist now of any of these treatments as they may have a bearing on what kind of acupuncture treatment you will be able to receive.

Of course, in most cases acupuncture is perfectly fine even if a person is undergoing some other form of medical treatment or is taking a prescription medication. There may be some instances, however, that acupuncture is not a good idea such as when a person is wearing a pacemaker or is currently pregnant. As long as you don't hold back any information from either your doctor or your acupuncturist, you should be able to find out if you are able to take this kind of a treatment and seek a natural cure for your maladies.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Acupuncture - the First Step to Natural Health

In recent years, there has been an increased interest in natural health. People are trying a variety of different things in order to bring their bodies into a balance state and to enjoy health that does not involve pharmaceutical solutions. They do this for a number of different reasons but for the most part, it is because they realize that not all medical treatments are actually making them 100% better. In fact, some people are actually becoming sicker as a result of taking pharmaceutical medication because of the side effects or because it does not agree with them in one way or another.

Although there are many different ways to bring your body into a balanced state, acupuncture is one way that should not be overlooked. It is an ancient Chinese procedure in which small needles are placed throughout the body at particular acupuncture points in order to manipulate the flow of energy in an individual. According to traditional Chinese medicine, this energy, otherwise known as Chi, is what controls everything in regard to our health. If that energy should be blocked to a certain extent or if it should lose its natural balance, a number of different problems could occur in our bodies that range from depression the whole way through to terminal illnesses.

The actual practice of acupuncture has been taking place in China for thousands of years but it has only recently come to the attention of those in the Western world to a large extent. Since that time, some different methods have been administered such as producing prepackaged, one time use needles and in different ways of manipulating the acupuncture needles electronically. Some of the more traditional methods of using acupuncture are still included within the new treatment, such as the use of moxa in order to heat the needles.

As we continue to learn more about this particular type of treatment, more individuals will look to acupuncture as a way to bring the body back into balance. As a result of coming into this balance, these individuals will be able to lead a more normal life, one that is free of pain and living with an overall sense of well-being. Although there are many different ways in which we can bring our body back into this balance, acupuncture as a part that cannot be overlooked. It is the first step to improved natural health.

Friday, April 16, 2010

Can Acupuncture Help Me Quit Smoking?

Several thousand years ago, traditional Chinese medicine came up with a way of manipulating the channels that went through our body and distributed our life force. This life force, known as Chi is one of the basic parts of all Chinese medicine. As long as that energy is balanced between the positive and negative forces in our body, our health will be good as well. Since that time of its ancient beginning, however, many things have changed as far as acupuncture is concerned but the principle still remain the same.

People go through acupuncture treatment for a wide variety of reasons. Some of them go through this because of pain that they are experiencing or perhaps they are trying to get pregnant and want to bring their body into a natural balanced state. Still others go through acupuncture in order to get over a habit, such as smoking. Since smoking did not really take place in Chinese culture, at least to the point where it would be given up, can it really have a positive effect on our trying to quit?

Having a balanced environment within our bodies is very important for a number of different reasons. First of all, it promotes good health whenever our energy in our body is flowing freely. Another reason why acupuncture is great is because it gives us an overall sense of well-being. This can help us whenever we are trying to quit smoking because one of the problems with addiction withdrawal is that we lose our sense of well-being and are driven by our craving for another cigarette.

Another reason why acupuncture may be helpful with quitting smoking is because it has to do with our life force. This force, which is present in all of us needs to have a free flow in order for us to be balanced and healthy. If we are doing things that are harming our body, such as smoking cigarettes, we are interrupting the flow and causing a pattern which is sending us into a free fall. By using acupuncture in order to bypass the bad that the cigarettes are producing in us, we are giving ourselves the ability to quit without some of the negative side effects.

The fact of the matter is, people will try almost anything in order to kick the habit. By using something such as acupuncture, you may be up to give yourself the boost that you need and you will be doing it through natural means.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Acupuncture Effective for Severe Menstrual Cramps

Severe menstrual cramps, otherwise known as primary dysmenorrhea, is one of the most common gynecological complaints. It can affect as many as half of young women.

A recent study in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology might have an answer for this painful disorder in the form of acupuncture treatments. A group of Korean researchers looked at 27 studies done on acupuncture for dysmenorrhea, which involved a total of 3,000 women.

By comparing findings, they determined "promising evidence" for the use of acupuncture to treat dysmenorrhea, as compared to either herbal or pharmacological medicine.

For more information on the many benefits of Oriental medicine, visit http://www.acupuncturetoday.com

Reference: Cho S-H, Hwang E-W. Acupuncture for primary dysmenorrhoea: a systematic review. BJOG 2010 Feb 17 [Epub ahead of print].

Herb of the Month - Lepidium Seed (ting li zi)

Also known as pepperweed and tansy mustard, lepidium is an annual plant, which grows to a height of 18 inches and bears feather-like leaves and white flowers. The plant grows in the Hebei and Liaoning provinces of China. The entire plant is harvested in the summer and dried in the sun. After drying out, the seeds are collected for use in herbal remedies.

In traditional Chinese medicine, lepidium seed has bitter, pungent and cold properties, and is associated with the Lung and Urinary Bladder meridians. Among the conditions lepidium seed is used to treat are asthma, edema and pleurisy. It can also be used to treat abdominal distention and dry mouth. Lepidium seed is often used with zizyphus and rhubarb.

The typical dose of lepidium seed is between 3 and 9 grams, boiled in water and taken as a decoction. It is often mixed with honey. Whole, dried lepidium seeds can be found at most Asian markets and specialty stores. Some herbal shops also sell lepidium seed powder, which can be mixed into herbal decoctions.

Some side effects have been noted in patients taking large amounts of lepidium seed, including nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate and lowered blood pressure. As a result, it should not be taken before consulting with a licensed health care provider. As always, make sure to speak with a qualified health care practitioner before taking lepidium seed or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.

Ask an Acupuncturist

Question: Could acupuncture help shin splints? I am a 70-year-old woman who exercises nearly every day on the treadmill and stationary bike. For the last 5 months, I have been having pain with exercising, which appears to be shin splints. I have had x-rays, etc, and nothing shows up. I have also had treatments with a chiropractor. It will seem to be better and then get worse. I really miss exercising.

Answer: It is quite likely acupuncture treatment can help to relieve your pain. There are questions about it the acupuncturist will ask you to know more about it. In general, you would have ten or twelve treatments to find out how you are able to respond.

Is Acupuncture Safe for My Child?

Many people are aware of the benefits of acupuncture and what it can do to increase the balance inside our body and to give us an overall sense of well-being. What many people are unsure of, however, is if acupuncture treatments are safe for children or not. It would stand to reason that the same things that are of benefit to us as adults will be of benefit to our children. The fact of the matter is, acupuncture is used in children for a variety of different reasons and has been shown to give some benefits to them. What are some of these benefits?

Children tend to experience a lot of things that we no longer experience whenever we reach adulthood. The hormonal changes that are going through our body, especially during adolescence tend to throw it into a turmoil. By taking us out of our natural state which should be balanced, it throws us into an area of imbalance that can affect us in a number of different ways. Problems such as acne, mood swings and the difficulty in concentrating are only some of the signs that our body is no longer in balance. Acupuncture treatments may be able to help to restore this balance to your children.

Many people are concerned about acupuncture, not out of something that they know but out of something that they do not know. Even though this process is becoming more and more accepted in the Western world, there is still a lot of mystery that surrounds it. What can you do as a parent in order to help your child to go through the procedure without being nervous over the procedure itself? Even as adults, some of us are concerned and have a natural fear of needles because of the pain that they tend to inflict.

The best thing that you can do for your child is to inform them about acupuncture and let them know that it actually does not hurt at all. Of course, on their initial visit they will speak to the doctor and he will inform them about what is going to happen during the treatment. Typically, the fear that they are experiencing soon disappears whenever the initial treatment takes place.

Acupuncture can help your child in a number of different ways. By bringing their young bodies back into balance, it can improve their health and get rid of a lot of the problems that are indicative of youth.

Monday, April 12, 2010

What Is Acupuncture, Anyway?

It doesn't matter how popular a natural medical technique becomes, there will always be some mystery that surrounds it. This is especially true in cases such as with acupuncture where the treatment itself is steeped in ancient medical customs. If you're apprehensive about going through acupuncture treatments because you're unaware of what is involved, you may actually be surprised to find out exactly how westernized the practice has become. Let's take a look at acupuncture and find out what you can expect whenever you go in for your visit to the acupuncturist.

Acupuncture has been around for about 5000 years but it really has only become popular in the United States in the past couple of decades. It is increasing in popularity, however, and millions of people are introducing themselves to this natural way of healing on a yearly basis. The process of acupuncture has more to do with the energy that resides in all of us than with the actual inserting of needles. If the energy that is within our bodies is out of balance, it can be readjusted and put back into a balanced state through acupuncture.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, this energy, known as Chi, flows through all of us through about 14 different channels. If one of these channels should distribute this energy improperly, it can cause physical maladies that we experience such as pain or depression. The needles that are used by an acupuncturist stimulate these different channels and cause a free flow of energy to the area that is being affected.

Most people are nervous over the needles that are used, mainly because they are accustomed to being hurt by needles at the doctor's office. The fact of the matter is, the needles that are used during an acupuncture treatment are much smaller than those that can deliver vaccines to us. Whenever they are inserted into the skin, more often than not, nothing is felt at all. If there is some pain, it is very slight and goes away quickly.

The best thing that you can do for yourself if you're apprehensive about visiting an acupuncturist is to go in for an initial consultation. You will see that they are not some kind of weird doctor but they are actually in the medical profession and willing to help you medically. By talking to them face to face, you will no doubt find the confidence that you need in order to go ahead with the treatment.

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