HEALTH All About Acupuncture & the Conditions It Helps

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Introduction to Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

If you are interested in general information about acupuncture, styles of treatment and reasons for seeing an acupuncturist, the following information may be helpful.

Why should I see an Acupuncturist?
What styles of Acupuncture are practiced?
What conditions can Acupuncture treat?
What will my first Acupuncture treatment be like?
Where can I find an Acupuncturist?
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General Acupuncture Articles
Acupuncture Resources

Why should I see an Acupuncturist?

Acupuncture is a safe and effective holistic medicine backed by more than two thousand years of practice and research. It is practiced worldwide both as a primary and adjunctive treatment for a wide range of conditions. While there are somewhat standard treatment protocols for many conditions, the clinical success of acupuncture is related - at least in part - to the wide range of diagnostic signs and symptoms which are taken into effect when looking at an imbalance. For a condition such as arthritis effecting the knees, an acupuncturist may look at your tongue, check your pulse, ask about your diet and lifestyle, palpate your spine, etc. This range of diagnostic information allows acupuncture practitioners to develop a treatment strategy that is unique to you and your experience of a particular condition.

What styles of Acupuncture are practiced?

While there are many schools of acupuncture and oriental medicine worldwide which train people in the general theory and clinical applications of acupuncture, the actual practice of acupuncture is still an art form. Many accomplished practitioners such as Tom Tam, Kiiko Matsumoto and Richard Tan, for example, have developed their own personal styles of acupuncture based on their clinical experience and studies. The styles that we are discussing here, however, are those which constitute the main groupings of practitioners. This is useful as some styles of acupuncture may be more preferable to you for one reason or another, or one may even be more appropriate for the types of issues that you are dealing with.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM):

TCM is the general term for the style of acupuncture which most acupuncturists are trained in, at least initially, and the style which most people practice. As this is the most foundational grouping there is a broad range of techniques used and treatment protocols. Most recent clinical studies regarding acupuncture usually use treatment techniques a/or protocols based on TCM Theory.

Japanese Acupuncture

Japanese Acupuncture is a style of acupuncture which requires additional training above and beyond general TCM Theory and Practice. The techniques within Japanese acupuncture are generally aimed at using the least amount of stimulation to create the greatest effect. To contrast with TCM, Japanese acupuncture typically uses thinner needles, less points and less stimulation by using more shallow needle insertions even to the point of just touching the needle to the skin. Additionally, while not entirely unique to Japanese acupuncture, practitioners tend to use the abdomen as a diagnostic tool more often than other styles of acupuncture.

Korean Acupuncture:

Korean Acupuncture is another broad categorization which in actual practice includes some unique techniques and applications as well as techniques and theory from both TCM and Japanese acupuncture. In general there is more use of the Five Element Theory and an emphasis on your body type or constitution when developing treatments. Korean Hand Acupuncture is a popular subset of Korean Acupuncture where the hands are considered a microsystem of the entire body. Within this system you may diagnose and treat conditions anywhere in the body by treating just the hands. This is similar in theory to Auricular Acupuncture.

Five Element Acupuncture:

Five Element Acupuncture is a speciality practice which can be similar in needling style to Japanese Acupuncture but tends to concentrate more on the psycho-spiritual nature of a person to heal disease - including physical disease. This style of medicine was popularized by the late J.R. Worsley and requires significant training outside of general TCM theory. Most practitioners will have gone to a school that specializes in Five Element acupuncture or at least have done post-graduate study at one.

Auricular Acupuncture:

Auricular Acupuncture may be considered both an adjunctive technique and a speciality area. Auricular acupuncture uses the ears as a microcosm, or representation, of the entire body. By diagnosing with and treating the ears, one can treat any conditions anywhere in the body, including psychological issues. One area where Auricular acupuncture is used extensively is in drug and alcohol detox centers where the NADA Protocol is used to help people deal with addictions.

What conditions can Acupuncture treat? See Post #2, below, for a more comprehensive list of conditions helped by acupuncture treatment.

People may see an acupuncturist for almost any condition, from Cancer to Shoulder Pain. Some of the more commonly treated conditions are:

Pain anywhere in the body including headaches, migraines and trauma
Psychological related conditions such as Depression, Anxiety and Insomnia
Menstrual Issues such as PMS, amenorrhea, irregular menstruation, etc.
Asthma a/or Allergy issues

For more information about a particular condition, you may want to read our Conditions Treated With Acupuncture section for real world examples of the diagnostic information and treatment points that might be used to treat a particular condition. For a technical explanation of how acupuncture treats disease, you can read "How Does Acupuncture Work?"

What will my first Acupuncture treatment be like?

In general people find acupuncture to be an incredibly relaxing experience, even for those who have some initial hesitation about needles. Our First Acupuncture Treatment page contains indepth information about your initial treatment. In general your first treatment involves quite a bit of discussion, as the practitioner gathers as much information as possible to clearly understand and diagnose your issues from an oriental medicine viewpoint. The needling during the first treatment may be limited so you can become accustomed to the experience and the practitioner can see how you respond.

Where can I find an Acupuncturist?

Our site has an acupuncturists directory which contains contact information and practice details for many acupuncturists around the world. If there are no practitioners in your area, you can try contacting an acupuncture college near you to see if they have a list of alumni practitioners. Additionally, your local phone book is often helpful.

Resources for further study

There are many resources which discuss acupuncture at varying levels. Our research section includes a comprehensive list of the main texts and websites related to acupuncture and other forms of eastern medicine. The following introductory books are suitable for people interested in learning more about acupuncture:

The Web That Has No Weaver : Understanding Chinese Medicine
Image of Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine
Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine
Image of Encyclopedia of Chinese Medicine Pb
Encyclopedia of Chinese Medicine Pb
Image of The Complete Book of Chinese Health & Healing: Guarding the Three Treasures
The Complete Book of Chinese Health & Healing: Guarding the Three Treasures

http://www.yinyanghouse.com/basics/introduction_to_acupuncture

 

[Seeker]

Acupuncture Conditions Treated

Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems. Listed below are some of the more common conditions treated with acupuncture.

Acute & Chronic Pain

Acupuncture is perhaps best known for its ability to successfully treat pain and can be extremely effective in the treatment of headaches, neck & shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, sciatica, knee pain, heel pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis, sports injuries and more. If your condition is not listed below, please contact us to discuss how acupuncture may be able to help you.

Neck Pain & Shoulder Pain

Acupuncture can be a very effective solution when treating most neck and shoulder problems. Neck and shoulder muscle tension and stiffness are very common concerns, especially of people who work in an office. Sitting in front of a computer and typing for extensive periods of time causes a lack of circulation in the tissue and fatigue of the muscles involved. Neck stiffness can be also aggravated by other common reasons, many of which can be effectively treated with acupuncture.

Low Back Pain, Hip Pain & Sciatica

Outside of an actual injury, many other stresses such as standing and walking with poor posture, sitting for long periods, and heavy lifting can cause back and hip problems. Emotional stress can also be a major contributing factor. When blood flow to the lumbar muscles is decreased, the muscles become tight, lose flexibility, and are easily fatigued. Back and hip pain patients often recall highly stressful periods in their life just before the onset of their pain. Acupuncture can enhance blood circulation to the area where there is pain or discomfort, as well as help reduce emotional stress, providing significant pain reduction in many cases.

Sports Injuries

Sprain and strain of the joint and surrounding tissues is one of the most common sports related injuries (sprain involves the ligament and strain involves muscle or tendon). Besides pain, the typical inflammatory response may include swelling of the injured area, redness or purple skin discoloration, and reduced range of motion of the joint. Acupuncture treatment can be very helpful in suppressing inflammation and swelling.

Carpal Tunnel

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is an irritation of the median nerve resulting from inflammation and swelling of soft tissue within that particular part of the wrist called "carpal tunnel". The syndrome often develops following prolonged repeated movements of the wrist in an unchanging manner. Acupuncture can be very effective in helping to reduce the swelling and inflammation in the carpal tunnel to relieve pressure on the median nerve and is certainly a treatment option to be considered for this disorder.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that causes pain, stiffness and swelling in and around the joints. There are several different types of arthritis, but each type of arthritis is characterized by joint and musculoskeletal pain, often the result of inflammation of the joint lining. Although symptoms of arthritis vary in each person, people with arthritis find that the condition will interfere with daily activities at some point. Acupuncture can be very helpful in reducing the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.

Car Accident Injuries

Whiplash injury is the most common injury suffered from a motor vehicle accident. Whiplash is an injury to the soft tissue of the neck, also referred to as neck sprain or neck strain. It is often caused by a sudden forceful movement of the neck, but with no direct contact to the neck. It may include injury to the joints, discs, ligaments, cervical muscles, and nerve roots. Acupuncture can be a very effective adjunctive treatment for this type of injury.

Allergies & Respiratory Disorders

Approximately 20% of all North Americans experience allergic reactions of some type. Allergies arise when the body is trying to rid itself of a given substance. Allergies can begin in childhood or adulthood, and either last a lifetime or decrease over time. In some cases, symptoms can be alleviated with acupuncture.

Chronic Headaches & Migraines

Headaches and migraines are often associated with chronic neck and upper back muscle tension and can be extremely disabling for affected individuals. Regular acupuncture treatments can induce potent muscle relaxation effects and help significantly reduce the frequency, severity and duration of painful migraine episodes.

Digestive Disorders

If you're experiencing digestive upset, gas, bloating after meals, food stagnation or even having problems losing weight, you may benefit from acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture has been shown to alter acid secretion, stimulate GI muscle contraction, cause GI muscle relaxation and inhibit gastric acid secretion, making it beneficial in treating GERD, functional dyspepsia, IBS and general GI symptoms. Digestive disorders respond very well to acupuncture and when combined with diet and lifestyle modifications you can experience permanent, medication-free relief of your symptoms.

Emotional Well-Being

Mood disorders such as depression and anxiety affect a significant percentage of our population today. Acupuncture can help to relax the body and mind to help combat stress, ease anxiety and help restore a sense of well-being. It can help resolve not only emotional discomfort, but the physical symptoms surrounding it, such as insomnia, digestive upset, fatigue and chronic pain.

Insomnia & Fatigue

Insomnia refers to difficulty sleeping or sleeping satisfactorily. This difficulty includes not being able to sleep at all, trouble getting to sleep, waking up in the night with difficulty returning to sleep, un-refreshing sleep and/or waking up too early in the morning. If insomnia persists and the loss of sleep begins to interfere with a person's ability to function during the day, the condition could require professional treatment. People with insomnia can experience fatigue, lack of energy, morning headaches, poor concentration, loss of productivity and irritability. Acupuncture can often help patients regain proper sleep patterns.

Smoking Addiction

When you decide to quit smoking, various emotional and physical withdrawal symptoms occur. These withdrawal symptoms occur as the body attempts to re-adjust itself. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can help reduce the symptoms of withdrawal to toxic substances such as nicotine, minimize anxiety and discomfort and help restore harmony to the body and mind. If you are a smoker wanting to quit, or you know someone else that would like to quit, read our article on Acupuncture for Smoking Cessation for more information.

Stress Management

Almost everyone in contemporary society experiences some kind of stress. In fact, stress is so much a part of our daily lives that even western medicine today cannot ignore the fact that the body's overall physical condition is influenced by mental and emotional stress and that stress can harm the body and lead to serious illness. Acupuncture can help by proving a deep state of relaxation and helping to restore a greater sense of well-being.

Women's Disorders

Acupuncture can be extremely effective in treating a wide array of women's disorders. Women of all ages can benefit from acupuncture care. For younger women, acupuncture can help relieve cramps and PMS. PMS symptoms usually begin to disappear quickly with treatment. Chronic menstrual problems respond well to more long term care, usually combining acupuncture with herbal medicine to address symptoms associated with fibroids and endometriosis and relieve pain. For women who are trying to become pregnant, acupuncture sometimes helps solve problems of infertility. And, for women in menopause, hot flashes (power surges), excessive mood swings and night sweats can be greatly reduced to make this time of transition much more comfortable. Treatment focuses on stopping excessive sweating and restoring restfulness.

http://www.180acupuncture.com/acupuncture_cond_treated.html

 

[Ragnarok]

Acupuncture is fascinating to me only because each accupoint has a dual purpose. To heal or to inflict pain...

 

[Seeker]

How/when is acupuncture used to inflict pain? I thought the knowledge of accupoints was used for an alternative medical procedure to treat pain?

 

[Be Well]

I have had many conditions improved or healed with acupuncture; and sometimes didn't work. IMO that depends on the skill level of the acupuncurist. I"ve had very good ones, bad ones and neutral ones. I prefer Chinese style but a good practitioner of Japanese style is okay too. I delest the electric acupuncture where they hook up the needles to a machine. I've had these conditions cured: destroyed digestion due to too much raw food diet, destroyed digestion/elimination due to bad reaction to tetracycline, female problems, totally numb hand and forearm that had gone on for months, low energy, pain, chronic fatigue. Probably more but that's all I can think of at the moment.

Moxibustion is a self healing method one can learn if you get moxa sticks and learn a few points that are good for you; you hold the burning moxa stick (sort of alike a gigantic cigarette filled with moxa herb; aka mugwort) right above the points that need stimulation until they are very warm and red but not burned. Very relaxing and useful.

 

[Richard]

I had a course of acupuncture some years ago, am sure it permanently cured my acute migraines forever, have had no headaches since!, before that my migraines were head splitting

 

[etdeb]

This was my Accupuncture weekend and I feel wonderful. I have had a headache, Sinus related for three weeks awake at 4am everymorning. Saturday morning went into appointment with it and wlked out without it. I love my Dr Zhong and enjoy having him to my home after they close each evening in town to take him fishing. His practice is in Houston but they come to our little town once a month as see about 100-150 people.

 

[Seeker]

If you're looking for an acupuncturist, look for a D.O.M. (Doctor of Oriental Medicine). Even better is someone who trained in China. In my city there have been several "acupuncture clinics" that have opened within the past couple of years. Public acceptance seems to be more positive as word-of-mouth experience is being shared.

I enthusiastically recommend giving it a chance. The effects are cumulative, but lasting. The doctor I've seen (twice in two years) is very careful to ask a lot of questions and cautioned me to seek a western doctor/internist if the pain continued. It hasn't!

 

[Ragnarok]

How/when is acupuncture used to inflict pain? I thought the knowledge of accupoints was used for an alternative medical procedure to treat pain?

Atemi is Japanese. The word atemi means Hit (ate) body or person (mi). Atemi means to strike the body. Atemi has a several thousand years of history from Asia and Japan. Atemi is systematization of strikes and joint manipulations. Acupuncture points are very central within Atemi.

Through history Atemi has focused on the use of nerve and acupuncture points. This gives extra information about where to hit or manipulate your opponent.

Anatomy, physiology and acupuncture points were core information when Atemi were developed a long time ago.

 

[Seeker]

Thank you for that explanation, Ragnarok. As always, there is someone here at TB2K who adds to the readers' knowledge every day. I'd never heard of atemi before this - and how it illustrates the duality of purpose.