acupuncture

Acupuncture is a therapeutic technique based on the traditional Asian theory of life energy or Qi (chee), which flows through the body along specific channels, called meridians.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, imbalance in the flow of Qi is responsible for or contributes to a wide variety of medical conditions, which can therefore be treated by restoring this balance.

The acupuncturist inserts needles into specific points along the meridian called acupoints, most of which are located in the hands, feet and ears, in order to stimulate or retard the flow of Qi along that meridian. This stimulation is often enhanced with the burning of an herb (referred to as moxibustion) or more recently with the application of low-voltage electricity.

Acupuncture has been used for treatment of a very broad variety of conditions, from strokes to cataracts to cerebral palsy, but is most often used in pain relief or to treat chronic conditions such as allergies. Its effectiveness against pain is demonstrated by its use in China as an anaesthetic during surgery.

Recent studies of the observed effectiveness of acupuncture suggest that it has a stimulating effect on the nervous system, improving the flow of electrochemical energy along nerves, encouraging the production and flow of neurotransmitters, and increasing the level of endorphins in the brain.

Despite risks such as infection and nerve damage if performed improperly, the technique is now widely accepted as effective within the medical community, although much study has yet to be done.

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