A little bit of ouch…

...CAN GO A LONG WAY! ACUPUNCTURE THERAPY IS SAID TO CURE A HOST OF DISORDERS. NASSER LALLJEE TELLS YOU MORE

In the past 2,000 years, it is said that more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with other treatments. Today acupuncture is practiced widely in Asia, the Soviet Union and in Europe . It is now growing widely in America among patients and physicians.

A patient can undertake this treatment simultaneously with other cures such as conventional western medicine, osteopathic or chiropractic adjustments, and homeopathic or naturopathic prescriptions. It is important that your physician-acupuncturist knows everything that you are doing so he or she can help you get the utmost most benefit from all your treatments.

Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve its functioning, by inserting needles, applying heat or electrical stimulation at extremely precise points on the body, resulting in improved energy flow and producing biochemical balance, which results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities and in promoting physical and emotional well being, prevention of illness, and treatment of various medical conditions.

The classical Chinese explanation conveys the thinking that channels of energy, called meridians, run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface, like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. When this energy flow is obstructed, it disharmonizes the system and brings about illness.

One of the methods used in restoring the body harmony is by stimulating acupuncture points along the meridians; by needles or any other method used to unblock obstructions at the dams, which reestablishes regular energy flow through the meridians and helps the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their indigestion, absorption, and energy production activities, as well as in the circulation of their energy through the meridians.

Modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones, which influence the body's own internal regulating system.

In the hands of a well-trained practitioner, acupuncture is effective as a lone treatment, or as supportive or additional therapy to other medical treatment forms in a host of disorders. The World Health Organisation recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems, which include.

Digestive disorders: gastritis and hyperacidity, spastic colon, constipation, diarrhea
Respiratory disorders: sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, and recurrent chest infections
Neurological and muscular disorders: headaches, facial tics, neck pain, rib neuritis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, various forms of tendonitis, low back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis
Urinary, menstrual and reproductive problems

Acupuncture is particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to tension and stress and emotional conditions. The number of treatments needed differs from person to person. For complex or long-standing conditions, one or two treatments a week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required, and for health maintenance, four sessions a year may be that is necessary.

Side Effects
There are usually no side effects. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing to take place. Occasionally, the original symptom worsen for a few days, or other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns and/or emotional state may be triggered. They are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work. It is quite common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These pass within a short time and never require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome.

People experience acupuncture needling differently. Most patients feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted. Some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt. Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid and are made from stainless steel. The point is smooth (not hollow with cutting edges like a hypodermic needle) and insertion through the skin is not as painful as injections or blood sampling. The risk of bruising and skin irritation is less than when using a hollow needle.

Ensure that your doctor carefully sterilizes the needles using the same techniques as for surgical instruments, or uses disposable needles, so that there is no risk of infection from the treatments.

Box: Do's and Don'ts
*Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your treatment.
*Do not over-exercise, engage in sexual activity or consume alcoholic beverages within 6 hours before or after the treatment
*Plan your activities so that after the treatment you can get some rest, or at least nor have to be working at top performance. This is especially important for the first few visits
*Continue to take any prescription medicines as directed by your regular doctor *Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol) especially in the week prior to treatment will seriously interfere with the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment
*Respiratory disorders: sinusitis, sore throat, never require anything more than a bit of rest *Remember to keep good mental or written notes of what your response is to the treatment. They are important for your doctor to know so that they are paid attention to in the follow-up treatments.