The Pins And Needles Of Acupuncture

Developed in China, acupuncture is a natural therapy involving inserting hair-thin needles into specific points on the body that stimulate the body's ability to heal. Various physical and mental ailments are treated with acupuncture.

Pain Relief

Increasing the body's endorphins, acupuncture relieves pain. The acupuncture points are connected with the nervous system so that acupuncture normalizes nerve impulses.

Immune System

After acupuncture treatment, the body experiences an increase in white blood cells, and alpha, beta, and gamma globulins (fighters of infection and producers of immune antibodies), which strengthens the immune system.

Drug Recovery

Drug and alcohol addicts can reduce withdrawal symptoms with acupuncture. The treatment relaxes the patient by relieving tension and decreasing cravings. Acupuncture has proven so successful that many drug rehab programs in the U.S. are incorporating it as an integral part of their program.

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Relieving muscle tension and tension in connective tissues, acupuncture allows the lymphatic, nervous, and circulatory systems to work more effectively. Professional athletes like Carl Lewis, Charles Barkley, and Jim McMahon use acupuncture to improve their training and performance, as well as to speed healing and manage pain from injuries.

Allergies

Since an allergic reaction is the immune system reacting to a usually harmless substance, acupuncture can relieve symptoms by detoxifying the body and strengthening the immune system. The watery eyes, stuffy nose and sneezing associated with reactions to pollen, dust, chemicals, milk, wheat, and shellfish are relieved.

Stress

According to Chinese theory, stress causes heart disease, cancer, stroke and respiratory problems by unbalances the energy in the liver. Acupuncture rebalances this energy and relaxes the muscles leading to a peace of mind.

Diseases and Disorder

Varying with specific medical conditions, acupuncture treatment is effective for joint pain, diabetes, glaucoma, kidney disorders, depression, learning disorders, bronchitis, asthma, diarrhea, ulcers, and hypertension. Many times it is used in conjunction with other natural therapies such as herbs and massage.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Since chronic fatigue syndrome is often caused by depression, stress, and infection, acupuncture is useful in that it stimulates the immune system and relieves stress.

Menopause

Chinese medicine suggests that menopausal symptoms are a result of the Yin or Yang being out of balance. Yin imbalance results in night sweats, hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings, and heart palpitations. The Yang imbalance is responsible for weight gain, hypertension, indigestion, and water retention. If these are not brought back to balance, the Qi, or life force, becomes deficient which leads to fatigue, dry vagina, low sex drive, lower back pain, cold extremities, and incontinence. Acupuncture brings these back into balance reducing symptoms of menopause.

PMS and Menstruation

Bringing the body into balance acupuncture relieves emotional pains of sadness, anger, depression, and irritability associated with the menstrual cycle. It also relieves the physical pains of lower back and lower abdomen aches.

This traditional Chinese medical practice is gaining more acceptance in the Western culture. Used without side effects, acupuncture is proven to treat emotional and physical problems.

Common Herbs And Some Specific Uses

Agar Agar

An algae from seaweed, it is a gelatinous natural thickener and is a natural laxative.

Agrimony

A valuable remedy for the digestive system it stimulates the digestive and liver secretions. It is also the herb of choice for appendicitis. Also treats incontinence, sore throats and laryngitis. As a salve it will aid in healing wounds and bruises.

Alder Tree

Use leaves for swelling. Especially helpful in easing pain of swollen breast or burning and aching feet. Should be avoided if pregnant.

Alfalfa

A highly nutritive herb, good for the pituitary gland, it alkalizes the body rapidly and detoxifies the liver. Essential in rebuilding decayed teeth and helps with arthritic and rheumatic pain.

Aloes

Such as Aloe Vera, are good for burns. While these are well known treatments, what you may not know is that aloes are also helpful in treating cancer and stomach ailments.

Angelica

Use both the root and seed. Roots and leaves are used medicinally; the stems and seeds are used in confectionery. This herb is a useful expectorant for coughs, bronchitis and pleurisy, especially when they are accompanied by fever, colds or influenza.