Essay, Research Paper: Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one component of a health system called Traditional Chinese Medicine,
or TCM. TCM is a complete system for the treatment of health disorders. It is not limited to
any particular disorder, and can be used to treat almost anything, supposedly.
Acupuncture is recognized world-wide for its ability to effectively treat a wide variety of
disorders naturally, without the use of harmful drugs or surgery, and with virtually no side
effects. Acupuncture stimulates the body's own healing abilities. Because Traditional Chinese
Medicine is holistic, it treats the entire person: Mental, physical, and emotional complaints can
all be addressed. Some people fear acupuncture because they fear needles, or imagine
acupuncture to be painful. Acupuncture needles are very different from the needles used in the
western health care system, which are of a heavier gauge, hollow, and sometimes serrated.
Acupuncture needles are barely thicker than a hair, solid, and polished smooth. When these
needles are inserted it is usually painless, though some people feel a slight sensation at the
moment of insertion. Most people find that the health benefits far outweigh any discomfort that
might accompany treatment. Usually people feel deep relaxation during an acupuncture
treatment, and may fall asleep. Acupuncture needles are sterile, and packaged to be used only
once, so you can't catch anything from the needles. However there is another option for peoploe
who just can't take the idea of gettin poked with needles, electro-acupuncture.
Electro-acupuncture is a needle-free technique that can often help people who just can't tolerate
the idea of needles.

Conditions Most Commonly Treated by Acupuncture
Allergies Asthma Heart Problems
Palpitations Anxiety Depression
High Blood Pressure Arthritis Joint Problems
Immune System Deficiency Back Pain Infertility
Bladder/Kidney Problems Knee Pain Childhood Illnesses
Neck Pain/Stiffnes Constipation Diarrhea
Pre-Menstrual Syndrome Colds Flu
Numbness Cough Bronchitis
Sexual Disfunction Drug Addiction Smoking
Shoulder Pain Fatigue Skin Problems
Gynecological Disorders Stress Tension
Headache Migraine Vision Problems
The History of Acupuncture
Acupuncture needles dating from 4000 years ago have been found in China. The first
needles were stone and then later, bronze, gold, or silver were used. Today needles are usually
made of steel. At first, needles were used only to prick boils and ulcers, but soon were being
used for a wide variety of disorders. Acupuncture was developed in response to the theory that
there are special "meridian points" on the body connected to the internal organs and that "vital
energy" flows through the meridian lines. According to this theory, diseases are caused by
interrupted energy flow, and inserting and twisting needles restores normal flow.