Acupuncture: Acupuncture is defined as the insertion of fine needles into specific areas of the body. This form of Chinese medicine has been practiced for approximately 3000 years. Classical Chinese teaching holds that throughout the body there are meridians or channels of energy (qi) that when in balance regulate body functions. Pain reflects an imbalance or obstruction of the flow of energy. The purpose of acupuncture is to restore the flow of qi, thereby diminishing pain.
Several theories have been proposed to explain the physiological basis for pain relief by acupuncture. The majority of acupuncture sites are located in proximity to neural structures. One proposed theory is that acupuncture blocks pain stimuli from reaching the spinal cord by activating the gate mechanism described in Melzack and Wall's theory. Another theory hypothesizes that acupuncture works by stimulating the release of endogenous endorphins and opioids.
Research examining the efficacy of acupuncture has a number of issues that confound attempts to draw conclusions. Many different styles of acupuncture exist; including traditional Chinese acupuncture, auricular acupuncture, and acupuncture that includes the use of heat or electricity. In addition to variation in style, techniques can vary as to the depth of insertion, duration of treatment, number of needles, and sites used for treatment. (Florence, Donna, Palmer & Denise, 2003)
Acupuncture involves stimulating specific anatomic points called hsueh where each meridian passes close to the skin surface. The primary goal of acupuncture is the manipulation of energy flow throughout the body following a thorough assessment by a TCM practitioner. Puncturing the skin with very fine needles is the usual method but practitioners may also use pressure (shiatsu), friction, suction, heat, or electromagnetic energy to stimulate points. Moxibustion is an application of heat from certain burning substances at acupuncture points on the body. Ear acupuncture is a complete system within itself and is quite powerful for balancing the hormones and overall energy of the body........
