Acupuncture

Résumé du document

The term acupuncture comes from Latin acus which means “needle” and pungere which means “prick”.
In China, the practice of acupuncture can perhaps be traced as far back as the first millennium BC and archeological evidence has been identified during the period of the Han dynasty (from 202 BC to 220 AD).
However, this form of acupuncture was different from what it is nowadays because it was using stone, which was not used to pierce the skin, but rather to press on acupuncture points. The first acupuncture needles that have actually been found date back to 600 AD. These needles were made of bronze, copper, tin, gold, or silver. Recent examinations of Ötzi, a 5000-year-old mummy found in the Alps, have identified over fifty tattoos on his body, some of which are located on acupuncture points that would today be used to treat ailments Ötzi was suffering from.

Extraits

[...] The twelve primary meridians run vertically, bilaterally, and symmetrically and every channel corresponds to and connects internally with one of the twelve Zang Fu ("organs"). This means that there are six yin (which are in relation with organs) and six yang (which are in relation with viscera) channels. There are three yin and three yang channels on each arm, and three yin and three yang on each leg. Of the eight extra meridians, only two have acupuncture points of their own. [...]

[...] The first acupuncture needles that have actually been found date back to 600 AD. These needles were made of bronze, copper, tin, gold, or silver. Recent examinations of Ötzi, a 5000-year-old mummy found in the Alps, have identified over fifty tattoos on his body, some of which are located on acupuncture points that would today be used to treat ailments Ötzi was suffering from. Some scientists believe that this is evidence that practices similar to acupuncture were known elsewhere in Eurasia during the early Bronze Age. [...]

[...] So, the acupuncture is not incompatible with classical medicine, it is a complementary and supplementary tool. So, Oriental Medicine and acupuncture are powerful healing tools, but they are not the solution to every health care problem. Both Western and Oriental Medicine have their respective strengths and weaknesses, that's why in modern China, the two systems are used together. When appropriately combined, the patient is well served. That's way, many acupuncturists and doctors prefer to consider acupuncture a complementary therapy rather than an alternative therapy. [...]

[...] Patients are usually treated lying down in order to reduce likelihood of fainting. Infection Infection is an important risk that may arise due to use of unsterile or re- used needles. Reused needles can transfer blood-borne diseases such as HIV and hepatitis. Other injuries Other risks of injury from the insertion of acupuncture needles include: Nerve injury, resulting from the accidental puncture of any nerve. Brain damage, which is possible with very deep needling at the base of the skull. Kidney damage from deep needling in the low back. [...]

[...] III Efficiency and risks For occidental medicine, acupuncture may be considered sometimes as a complementary therapy. Efficiency When performed by a properly trained and licensed practitioner, acupuncture is safe and effective, free from adverse or addictive side effects. Quite often, a sense of relaxation and well-being occurs during and after treatments. When acupuncturist treats one ailment, other problems may be resolved concurrently. This is a common side benefit that again demonstrates the value of balancing the quality and quantity of "vital energy" within the entire person. [...]