What is acupuncture? A detailed explanation by a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner on the principles, effects, and precautions of acupuncture!
Release time:
2024-10-11
Acupuncture, as an important treatment method in traditional Chinese medicine, has a long history and a profound theoretical foundation. From the primitive stone needles, bone needles, to modern stainless steel needles, the evolution of acupuncture tools witnesses the development of this treatment method.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture, as an important treatment method in traditional Chinese medicine, has a long history and a profound theoretical foundation. From the primitive stone needles and bone needles to modern stainless steel needles, the evolution of acupuncture tools witnesses the development of this treatment method. The "Huangdi Neijing" is one of the important representatives of ancient Chinese medical literature and is regarded as the cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine. It includes two parts, "Lingshu" and "Suwen", which cover the theories, methods, and clinical applications of traditional Chinese medicine. "Lingshu" is also known as the "Acupuncture Classic", which details the theory of meridians and acupoints in traditional Chinese medicine, making acupuncture hold an important position in traditional Chinese medicine. With the rise and development of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is increasingly valued and respected worldwide. Not only in China, but the medical community in many other countries has also begun to pay attention to and explore the application value of acupuncture. As a safe and effective treatment method, acupuncture will continue to play an important role in modern medicine, serving human health.
The basic principles of acupuncture
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the meridian system of the human body is an energy channel that runs throughout the body, with each meridian corresponding to specific organs and having corresponding acupoints on the body surface. Stimulating these acupoints can regulate organ functions, promote blood circulation, and achieve therapeutic effects.
In traditional Chinese medicine treatment, the practitioner will select appropriate acupoints and treatment methods based on the patient's symptoms and physical characteristics. For example, if a patient has digestive issues, the practitioner may stimulate acupoints related to the spleen and stomach to regulate their functions; if a patient has sleep problems, the practitioner may stimulate acupoints related to the heart to assist in regulating sleep. By stimulating the appropriate acupoints, it helps restore body balance, harmonize yin and yang, improve conditions, and enhance the patient's quality of life.
Main effects of acupuncture
From relaxing muscle fascia, reducing inflammation and pain to refreshing the mind, acupuncture can effectively improve people's health conditions. In dealing with pain issues, acupuncture helps relieve muscle stiffness and soreness, assisting the body in releasing stress and fatigue. Additionally, acupuncture can alleviate pain caused by inflammation, promote blood circulation, and effectively reduce discomfort. Acupuncture has been proven to be one of the common methods suitable for post-stroke sequelae, as it can adjust the flow of yang energy, promote the recovery of various disordered functions, and help patients regain flexibility in their limbs. Electrical stimulation of muscles or relaxing muscle tension can help restore nerve connections. Head acupuncture can promote the circulation of qi and blood, facilitating the recovery process of the nervous system.
The scientific theory of acupuncture
As a traditional therapy, the pain-relieving effects of acupuncture have been explained and confirmed in modern scientific research. The gate control theory suggests that the stimulation produced by acupuncture can block the transmission of pain signals through the nerves to the brain. The sensations triggered by acupuncture, such as soreness, numbness, swelling, and heaviness, can interfere with pain signal transmission, thereby reducing or blocking the perception of pain. The endorphin theory indicates that acupuncture stimulation can prompt the brain to release endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving hormones. The release of endorphins triggered by acupuncture can effectively alleviate pain. Additionally, different frequencies of electrical stimulation combined with acupuncture can produce different endorphins, achieving more precise pain relief.
Precautions for acupuncture
Before receiving acupuncture treatment, patients should inform the practitioner of their medical history in detail, including any bleeding disorders or blood-borne infectious diseases. This can help the practitioner better understand the patient's physical condition and reduce the chances of unexpected occurrences during the acupuncture process. Additionally, before acupuncture, patients should ensure that their bodies are in a relaxed state, avoiding treatment when fatigued, hungry, or thirsty, as acupuncture requires the regulation of the flow of qi and blood, and treatment under such conditions may affect efficacy. During acupuncture treatment, patients should remain calm and avoid panic and struggle. After treatment, patients should protect the acupuncture site to avoid the risk of infection. If there is soreness or bruising at the needle site, patients can apply warmth and gently massage, but should avoid excessive rubbing of the needle site to prevent worsening the condition.
Common questions about acupuncture
During acupuncture treatment, patients may experience some adverse reactions that require special attention and handling. Some patients may experience fainting during their first acupuncture session, which may be due to mental tension, physical weakness, or excessive fatigue. Therefore, during the second acupuncture session, patients should inform the practitioner of their previous experience to ensure the practitioner pays extra attention. If fainting occurs frequently, it may indicate that the patient's constitution is not well-suited for acupuncture therapy. Additionally, after needling, there is a small probability of the needle remaining in the acupoint or bending or breaking, so excessive joint movement should be avoided during acupuncture.
How to choose a qualified acupuncturist?
Patients must pay attention to the following matters when receiving acupuncture treatment. First, it is very important to seek treatment from a licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioner or other relevant healthcare professionals, as this ensures that the therapist has the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct effective treatment. Additionally, patients should pay attention to the hygiene environment of the treatment location; the area where needles are applied should be kept clean to avoid the risk of bacterial infection. During acupuncture treatment, the practitioner's hands, acupuncture needles, and the patient's skin must be thoroughly disinfected to effectively prevent the spread of bacteria and ensure the safety of the treatment. Finally, patients should pay attention to whether the needles used are disposable and ensure they are sealed in packaging. After treatment, disposable needles should be immediately discarded to avoid the risks associated with reuse.
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