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There are many age-old medicines that have been used for thousands of years in the treatments of plenty of problems, many of these physical but there are also emotional problems that can be cured with alternative therapies. One such therapy is called acupuncture and many people believe that this is a fake therapy instituted in the Chinese culture in order to have more influence over Western society. Even though it is true that acupuncture has had a great influence over Western society and America in general, the myth of how it got started is completely false. If you truly do not know how acupuncture got its start then here are a few pieces information that one should know about in order to believe that acupuncture is a real therapy:

Acupuncture Was Used Thousands of Years Ago

In an attempt to debunk any myths or disbeliefs within the field of acupuncture, this therapy was actually instituted very many centuries ago in the ancient Chinese civilizations. Many Chinese professors and medical doctors who regularly speak on the issue of acupuncture generally concur that acupuncture was instituted by the Chinese because they had no real forms of medicine. There was no such thing as chloroform in ancient Chinese civilizations and there were also no other real medicine treatments of any kind, except for the ones that they found and kept for themselves.

What Sicknesses did Acupuncture Originally Cure?

The Chinese actually used acupuncture therapy to cure everything from the common cold and headaches all the way to mysterious diseases that seemed to take over the body. There is no one long list of sicknesses and illnesses that acupuncture was responsible for curing, but acupuncture therapy was generally called upon and used to treat virtually every type of disease and ailment that came along. Already mentioned was the fact that acupuncture therapy was used to treat the common cold and headaches, but some of the other diseases that could easily have been cured with acupuncture when it first got started include such things as constipation, arthritis, ear aches, toothaches, as well as upset stomachs. All of these things were naturally experienced by the ancient Chinese as well as other humans throughout the world, which leads many people to believe that they were also naturally cured through the use of acupuncture.

How Did Acupuncture Spread

There are many theories as to how the introduction of acupuncture was brought to other countries throughout the world. However, as the spread of the news that acupuncture truly was a good form of therapy spread around the world, naturally there were individuals who were responsible for the introduction and teaching of the methods. In the United States, though, acupuncture has not been practiced in real widespread areas until just recently, but the benefit that acupuncture has brought to the United States has been so great throughout its time here.

All things considered, the history of acupuncture therapy has truly been an amazing feat that many people have called the miracle therapy that fixes everything. Even though the Chinese know that acupuncture truly can heal all wounds, though, there still are some skeptics who have their own doubts about acupuncture therapy!

Whether you are strictly looking for an acupuncture training program or you are looking for a medical program in general that teaches alternative therapies, acupuncture therapy is a great way to start out learning some of the ancient Chinese techniques. What one may be surprised to find out, though, is that there is a very small amount of schools that are officially credited with the acupuncture technique and training of the therapy. In fact, just over 50 accredited schools exist in the United States alone. These are the main schools that you would have to go to in order to receive a certificate in order to authenticate yourself in the training of acupuncture.

On the other hand, there are thousands of Chinese people inside the United States that already have the wealth of knowledge associated with how to perform the therapy of acupuncture and there are some of these same people who will be able to point you in the right direction of where to go in order to receive some formal education from a certified Chinese doctor that also practices acupuncture.

First things are first, though, and one should ask family and friends if they know of any certifiable acupuncture medical programs throughout the country in which a person is able to quickly and easily get certified in the practice of acupuncture. After one is certified in the practice of acupuncture then it is definitely true that a whole new world opens up. Just as there are hundreds of acupuncture therapists who choose to work in alternative therapy settings, there are also an equal number of individuals who decide to go into business for themselves after they are certified.

Nevertheless, it is crucial that one has to find a certified and accredited course in order to be able to legitimately and appropriately practice the art and therapy of acupuncture on various patients throughout the country. The main reason for the accreditation, though, even if you don't need it, is so that potential patients will be able to see and trust that you are the real thing and have had the required training that is needed in order to be a professional acupuncture therapists in the United States.

If family and friends are unable to help with the search to find an acupuncturist, though, another choice that is always open is to call various academic settings and ask if they know whether or not an acupuncture program exists at the school. With all the new information age that is certainly valuable in today's century then there is certain to be appropriate acupuncture training programs all over the United States. As mentioned, though, there are only just over fifty programs in the whole of the United States that are actually able to certify students in the training and administration of acupuncture. In other words, one might have to travel a lengthy distance in order to receive the required education.

No matter which training program that one chooses, though, the fact of the matter is that there will always be more people in the United States who are being attracted to acupuncture each year. Even though there are many reasons for this, Western society and medicine is finally coming to the realization that teaching acupuncture therapy has just as much value as actually practicing it!

It has long been known that acupuncture is a great way to treat many disorders and diseases with the alternative therapy that's called acupuncture. There are a great many benefits to the therapy and it is practiced literally all over the world. Even though there are many questions that need to be raised as to how the whole process works, many people are just fine and satisfied with the fact that they don't need empirical data in order to see that acupuncture truly works. But one issue that you may not have thought of before is whether or not animals are able to be subject to the same alternative therapy of acupuncture as humans are. This is naturally a delicate issue that many people don't take lightly, but when it comes to pets living in homes there are also many people who are concerned about the health of their animals. Here is some food for thought when trying to decide if animal acupuncture is the best thing for your pet:

Does Acupuncture Work on Pets?

Just as there are those who say that acupuncture is not a therapy and doesn't work on humans, the same people are the ones who usually state that acupuncture doesn’t work on pets, either. On the other hand, there are some people who believe in acupuncture for strictly humans and contend that acupuncture doesn't reach to the animal world. Nevertheless, there is also no real and hard evidence in favor of or to the contrary that animal acupuncture should or should not be practiced. Even though there has been less acupuncture practiced on dogs, cats, and other animals, the fact that the alternative therapy is not usually practiced on animals should shed light on the fact that it doesn't work, or at least not too well!

Is Acupuncture Practiced on Pets?

Even though the skeptics of acupuncture don't enjoy the thought of having acupuncture practiced on their beloved pets, it is true that there are some certified acupuncture therapists who will perform an acupuncture therapy on their cats, dogs, and other pets. Just because acupuncture works for humans doesn't mean that it can't work for pets, too. On the other hand, there are also those who do practice acupuncture on humans that also say that acupuncture should not be practiced on animals.

Nevertheless, though, some people believe that the same pressure points that can be found on a human can also be found on a dog or a cat. These dogs and cats are also said to have an energy source, such as the Chi in humans, and that energy source is where cats and dogs derive all their pain from. The whole idea, though, of practicing acupuncture on cats and dogs have come directly from those who already currently practice the alternative therapy on humans and themselves. In fact, there have been some cases where practicing acupuncture on pets, including dogs and cats, has worked, but there has not been a substantial number of pets that have been healed by acupuncture, at least in the United States.

When considering having your pet treated with acupuncture, though, all one needs to do is consider the many benefits and downsides to doing so. If one truly is an advocate of acupuncture, though, chances are that he or she will trust it for their pets as well!

Whether you are truly interested in the Chinese culture and the acupuncture therapy is just one more facet of why the Chinese culture can be beneficial to us in the West, or whether you truly want to learn how to perform the art of acupuncture, there is plenty to learn about this therapy that has been claimed to save lives through the medication process that it involved. The first thing that one has to realize about this acupuncture therapy, though, is not only how it got its start in the United States and in the Chinese culture, but also the many benefits and uses that acupuncture can have on the many diseases that are prevalent all over the world.

Why Was Acupuncture Started?

Even though there is no definite answer on the question, there are definitely many theories as to why acupuncture was started in the Chinese culture. In fact, acupuncture was started so long ago in ancient Chinese civilization that there are some who claim that the therapy has simply been handed down from generation to generation in an attempt to give the Chinese culture a great contribution to the cures that can have a profound effect on all of mankind.

How does Acupuncture Work?

There are many ways in which acupuncture can work on the body, but there is generally only one theory that comes from the Chinese culture that will be able to give a glimpse into how the therapy is successful. First, there are points on the body- called acupoints- that are also commonly called pressure points by those in Western society. Whatever these points are called, though, the Chinese civilizations believed that these points were the ones responsible for giving them all the pain that they feel day in and day out. The theory has to be a little bit right at least, though, most likely because when acupuncture is performed on these acupoints throughout the body what happens most of the time is that the symptoms of the disease or ailment that one is trying to cure really does clear up quickly.

Even though there have been plenty of people in the Chinese culture who try to convince those in America that acupuncture is the only way to go in treating all sorts of illnesses and diseases, there are plenty of people in the United States' medical field who not only disbelieve that acupuncture works by calling on the theory of the placebo effect, but also continue to do nothing about further research into the issue. However, there have been plenty of independent studies along the way that continue to show how beneficial the therapy of acupuncture can be in everyone's life.

In order to make acupuncture popular in the United States, though, there definitely has to be more that's done rather than simply research into the issue. More professionals in the medical field need to stand up for what they know truly works in the acupuncture theory, and these are the people that need to introduce and teach acupuncture in medical settings all across the country. By many people's feelings, this is the only way that acupuncture truly will flourish inside the United States. But once this happens, more people will be willing and ready to learn as well as to use the acupuncture therapy in his or her own life!

Even though there are plenty of ways to treat various ailments in the body, one of the ways that the ancient Chinese believed would benefit everyone is the technique of acupuncture. There are plenty of reasons to believe that acupuncture works, though, and one of the proven ways that acupuncture works is through active pain relief. The reason that the word 'active' was put before the phrase 'pain relief' is because there are many people who continually experience pain throughout most of their lives. The active pain that they feel within their bodies usually never stops; however painful these bodily ailments can be, though, many people besides the Chinese have found that acupuncture has worked for them. Indeed, acupuncture has been transported to the United States, and it is a very excellent therapy to get involved with.

One of the reasons that people inside the United States and outside feel that acupuncture is a great therapy to deal with pain relief is that there has been so much work done in the Chinese culture as well as in the United States' culture. For starters, many people with ailing arthritis parts of the body have found that there problems instantly cure and clear up when they have been exposed to acupuncture in one way or another. Furthermore, there are all sorts of people that contend that they ward off chronic pain and any other pain sources they feel through the constant and daily routine and use of acupuncture therapy. Indeed, just as there are massage therapists who can make pain go away through the twisting, pulling, and pushing of the body in its purest form, there are many people that believe that acupuncture has always been the way to cure chronic pain in the body.

Can chronic pain relief be met with the successful treatment of acupuncture, though? Even though there is much evidence that shows that it can be, there are still plenty of people who find that acupuncture therapy just does not work for them. Perhaps an important component of the acupuncture therapy, though, is the belief that this ancient therapy truly does work. This is not to say, however, that the placebo effect is in play in the people who find that acupuncture truly cures their illnesses. On the other hand, ancient Chinese civilizations have always felt that not believing in a certain way of doing something, such as medicine, would indicate that the medicine method would not necessarily be effective for that person.

There have been plenty of studies, however, that show that the Chinese cultures are right in saying that acupuncture does truly work. For starters, the University of Arizona conducted a study just ten years ago that showed how depressed people could get rid of the pain that they felt through using acupuncture therapy. Other than that study, though, there have also been individual and private studies done throughout unofficial research centers that have data to the contrary of anyone who contends that acupuncture is a hoax.

All things considered, though, in order to truly know whether or not acupuncture works for pain relief, though, one must try the therapy for him or herself in order to truly know what works. After all, acupuncture is a physical therapy and the only good way to know is to subject yourself to the treatment first!

When one thinks of acupuncture therapy there are many types of images that may come into one's head. For example, ancient Chinese concoctions are just some of the notions and preconceived idea that many people have about receiving help from an acupuncturist. However, it has already been proven that acupuncture does help and there are many people outside of the eastern Chinese culture that are advocating for the more widespread use of acupuncture in everyday medicine. Indeed, there is a lot to learn from the ancient technique that we call acupuncture, but there are also many ways to go about learning about it, too.

One way that a person is able to learn more about acupuncture is through the information that one can gain through his or her own acupuncture therapist. There are thousands of acupuncture therapists that now exist in the United States because of the great benefits that this alternative therapy can provide. In addition, many people seek out treatment because they may be hesitant about trying it. Whatever the case, acupuncture therapists are a great way to learn more about the technique that is used.

If you are having trouble finding an acupuncture therapist, though, there are some definite ways in which a person can successfully find an acupuncturist. For starters, there are plenty of Chamber of Commerce institutions throughout cities all across America that deal with every city organization and business within the city or town that they are located in. However, if you don't want to go through the Chamber of Commerce then there are naturally a variety of other ways that acupuncture therapists can be found.

Universities and Colleges

Another way to seek out the help of a professional acupuncture therapist is to find one teaching inside an academic setting like a college or university. Just as there are doctors that also teach within medical schools, so too are there acupuncture therapists that teach in academic settings. Of course, if the college or university your are looking at does not have any acupuncture courses then chances are that there will be no one inside the school to have these kinds of resources available. On the other hand, if there is a course labeled "Alternative Therapy," then there is a very good chance that the professor in that course either is an acupuncture therapist himself, or can easily connect you with an acupuncture professional.

Massage Therapist Businesses

One type of business that may just be able to help with finding an acupuncture therapist are massage therapy organizations and businesses. The main reason this is so, though, is because many massage therapy businesses actually use acupuncture therapy along with the massages that are done. In fact, massage therapy is a great complement to acupuncture therapy, so there very well may be an acupuncture professional in the building.

All in all, these are great ways to go about finding an acupuncture therapist. If you have never had the chance to meet this kind of a therapist then chances are that you don't already know where to find one. But if you use one of these resources here then chances are great that an acupuncturist is right around the corner!

There are thousands of people living in the United States who have claimed to have tried to quit smoking on their own, however, their own efforts have been met with resistance from their body. If you are one of those people who have tried to quit smoking to no avail, there are many other different options that one can consider. For starters, acupuncture is a relatively new therapy in the United States that has been shown to help individuals with their smoking goals. Even though there is no scientific basis for the process that acupuncture helps smokers quit, research by private individuals indicates that acupuncture can have a profound affect on those that want to quit smoking fast.

If you are wondering just how acupuncture may help a smoker with his or her goals, there are actually quite a number of theories that go along with acupuncture method in order to describe how the smoker is able to instantly kick the habit in favor of a newer and healthy body. However, the basic tenet of acupuncture is that the pressure points, or acupoints, on the body are relaxed and relieved by the placing of needles on various parts of it. This whole idea has revolutionary ideas in order for individuals to quit smoking, too.

Consider the fact that the nicotine in cigarettes is able to release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine into areas of the brain, as well as endorphins that are also responsible for this large release of the neurotransmitter. One theory about why acupuncture works on the body is that the affects of acupuncture work in the same way that nicotine works on the brain. By stimulating those same neurotransmitters and by stimulating the production of acetylcholine, one is able to produce the same psychosomatic effects on the brain as if they were smoking. This idea is revolutionary, though, and many people who practice acupuncture are literally astounded that there are some people who have figured this out.

However, there has been no scientific facts to back those claims up and the procedure of acupuncture would have to be studied under scrutiny a whole lot more in order to confirm that the whole therapeutic procedure does release the same type of neurotransmitter as smoking a cigarette. However, if this was definitely true then there would be a whole lot of hypnotists that are currently working with smokers that would have a backup plan if hypnotism was not able to work with a particular individual.

There are many benefits to trying acupuncture for the very reason to quit smoking, though. Just as there are those who are skeptical of the whole process of acupuncture, if one has the process done in order to help him or her with their goal to quit smoking then chances are that he or she would be likely to endorse acupuncture with his or her name. All in all, through, the process of acupuncture really comes down to individual belief and confidence. Whether or not you currently believe in acupuncture is not what should matter, but the matter of trying it out is what should be the next step!

Throughout the many fads in the United States that there are to lose weight, why not add acupuncture to the list? On the contrary, however, acupuncture shouldn't just be considered a fad because there are so many people who are successful with it or who have had successes with acupuncture in the past. Chances are, too, that if you personally have not used acupuncture then you already know someone who has used this method for weight loss or that person is actually talking about it. Nevertheless, it is true that acupuncture can help those who desire to lose weight, although it doesn't help with every condition. There are certain things about weight loss that everyone should know, and here is some information if you are currently trying to decide whether or not you should use acupuncture to lose weight.

Acupuncture Should Be Used Together

It is true that acupuncture is a good way to try to lose weight. However, there are also many other healthier ways that should be tried in order to lose weight, too. In other words, the therapy of acupuncture should not be one's whole way that they use in order to lose the weight that they're trying to keep off. For example, exercise on a daily basis has been shown to do more good than practically any other weight loss fad or diet on the market today, which is why exercise should be used together with acupuncture in order to receive and obtain the desired results. The exercise portion of your weight loss goal will enable you to lose weight, while acupuncture will only assist with the process.

Acupuncture Helps with Stress

There is one way, however, that acupuncture is able to be the sole way to lose weight. Those people who eat constantly because they are nervous, anxious, or depressed will truly benefit from the acupuncture therapy. In other words, if your weight gain has been caused by anxiety then the acupuncture method will work wonders on your body and in your weight loss goals. By putting pressure, as the acupuncture needles do, on certain areas of the body, the body is more easily able to relax in its current state and bring the body back to equilibrium where one is not anxious or nervous. There have been many cases where acupuncture therapy has worked in weight loss goals and procedures, but the overwhelming cases of success involve stress that is decreased by the acupuncture methods.

Other than those two methods, though, acupuncture will only go so far as to assist or help with the process of losing weight. Even though many people consider acupuncture to be a miracle therapy, there is just absolutely no way that weight loss can occur without the aid of self-determination and the will to lose the weight as well. Stuffing oneself with all the sugary sweets and cookies that one can get a hold of just because one has access to acupuncture therapy should not be the way to go about it. On the contrary, acupuncture therapy is a great alternative therapy to help with many problems that a lot of people have, however, it should not be the sole technique used for weight loss!

Acupuncture comes from two Latin words namely “acus” which means needle in English and “pungere” which means prick. Its history originated in China more than 2000 years ago and has evolved into various forms.

Some of the techniques of acupuncture do not even use needles anymore. Vibrating objects, ultrasound and even the fingers of the practitioner have taken some of the work to make the person feel better.

The history of acupuncture is first discussed in an ancient Chinese medical text called the "Huang Di Nei Jing" or The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine.

But there have been a few who are skeptic as archaeologists have found a 5,000 year old mummy in the Alps with similar acupuncture points in the body. This gives some people the idea that it was used even before the Chinese did but sine there is no written text to prove that, no one is certain and credit to this ancient practice goes back to the Chinese.

In the 6th century, this knowledge moved to Japan. In the 17th century, a man by the name of Waichi Sugiyama wanted to make this procedure painless for the patient so he developed the insertion tube, a small cylindrical tube through which the needle is inserted. Believe it or not, this technique is still being used today.

But acupuncture only reached the US in the early 80’s with the establishment of a regulatory board called the National Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. As a result, various schools have been built and those who want to become licensed acupuncturists are now able to practice their profession.

Despite that, there were a lot of people who are not yet convinced on the positive effects of alternative forms of medication. It was only in 1995 that the US Food and Drug Administration decided to classify the needles used for acupuncture as medical instruments and assured the public that they are both safe and effective.

To further promote acupuncture, the NIH or National Institute of Health in 1997 has stated that this technique is very useful in treating various health conditions. These include ear, nose, throat, respiratory, gastrointestinal, eye, nervous system and muscular disorders. In some cases, acupuncture is able to prevent some of them from happening.

This was further strengthened by the fact that the side effects of acupuncture are much less than that of conventional drugs that are being sold by pharmaceutical companies.

So that people can avail of acupuncture, another recommendation by the NIH is for US companies to provide full coverage for certain conditions. If you do not quality, perhaps there is partial coverage which you should look up in your policy.

But despite that, more research needs to be done to see its effects on other health related problems. Some examples of these include addictions, autism, chronic low back pain, migraines and osteoarthritis of the knee.

If you look at the history of acupuncture, not much has changed since the needle technique used back then is still being used today. Even if various forms have developed through the years, one thing for sure is that it works.

In order for you to see how effective it is, you have to see a specialist who is not only qualified to treat your condition but also one is well trained.

Since 1982, acupuncture has found its way to the US. There are currently 50 schools that teach it and 3,000 licensed practitioners all over the country. Do you think you can be a licensed professional? Here are a few things to help you look for a good acupuncture school.

You should now that the 50 schools mentioned are all accredited by the National Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. It is recognized by the Department of Education and some of these schools even have a masters program.

Most of these schools can be found online so you can give them a call and ask certain questions about the school. You can find out the cost of tuition, the teacher student ratio, if the school offers consultation services to students and the alumni and if they have an extensive library which focuses on traditional Chinese medicine.

Should there be a school near where you live, you should probably take it so you don’t have to worry about boarding and lodging as this is just added cost to this long term investment.

If you like the school but cannot afford the cost of tuition, find out if they offer scholarships or if they have a grant in aid program. If there are none, then check with the federal government because they should have one and they will give it to deserving students who plan to enroll in a school accredited by the National Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

Some states do not require you to get a license once you graduate from the program. However, if you plan to practice this elsewhere, you should prepare yourself for the state board exam as this is a requirement.

The lists of subjects you will be learning in school include anatomy, body therapy, massage therapy and the other sciences. Training will be done also in a clinical setting so you are able to put theory into practice but this will only happen in your third year.

While some schools will let you finish a program in three years, there are those that can be completed after five.

Lately, acupuncture school has also gone down the digital path by offering cyber distance programs for those who cannot go to school. Some of these offer CEU’s or continuing education units to advance programs.

These courses can be chosen on the basis of modules or on an hourly basis. The course material covers the history, theory and techniques of acupuncture. Courses that offer tools such as acupuncture DVD and video are ideal for acupuncturists or students of acupuncture to improve their clinical expertise.

Once you graduate from acupuncture school, some will open their own practice while others will first work for a clinic. Those who decide to be employed will work with other professionals that may include naturopaths, chiropractors and other specialists that are also into Oriental Medicine.

The average acupuncturist makes about $45,000 a year but this can change in the years to follow as they add years or experience under their belt. This just goes to show that if you work hard, you too will make a fortune. Just make sure that you do this properly for each patient because one mistake could make this all go away.

Acupuncture can help treat migraines. This was discovered after a comparative study was done with conventional medical care. In some cases, it even prevents it from happening which helps improve the quality of life for the patient.

To understand how acupuncture helps migraine sufferers, you have to understand that in traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that an imbalance in the flow of blood and energy causes this to happen.

In order to treat it, the specialist must relieve the tension by inserting needles into the body to improve the blood flow to the brain thus reducing the pain experienced during an attack.

The needles used helps the body balance the serotonin levels since it is a neurotransmitter that affects blood vessels and has a role to play in migraines. In fact the more frequent these sessions are the better. It may even come to a point where the specific point of contact is no longer needed but the general stimulation itself.

The end result of undergoing acupuncture is amazing. If you experience 15 to 20 days of agonizing pain, this may be count down to only 8 days. You won’t even need to use that much medication anymore as before.

For those who are working, this is good so that they are not absent from work that much and there won’t be that much deductions in their salary.

But how well acupuncture does for one patient may vary with another. This depends on the condition of the attack and the individual.

The best part about acupuncture is that there are no side effects and it is painless. Skillful professionals can do this so you don’t suffer from hematoma or pneumothorax. Another disease is potentially dangerous is HIV or hepatitis which can be prevented of course as long as the needles used are properly sterilized. It will be much better if the person uses disposable needles.

Acupuncture has been practiced in the United States for more than 2 decades. Although tests have shown how effective it can be to treat chronic conditions and certain addictions, more studies need to be done to see where else it can be useful.

Although one test has proven that acupuncture can help migraines, other tests will also have to be done to prove if this is true. Until such time that other results are published, patients will have to rely on conventional medicine that is prescribed by a doctor.

But you don’t have to wait for the results to come out. If you think it is worth a try, go for it. Just ask for a referral from your doctor as there are many practitioners who have accepted the fact that alternative forms of medicine can also help a patient.

You can also find someone online. You can be sure they are certified if they are recognized by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

Aside from that, you should also make some lifestyle changes as there are trigger factors that have been known to cause migraines. Stress is number one on the list so you get enough rest and exercise as well as a balanced diet.

Patients who are suffering from migraine should also check if acupuncture is covered by their HMO. Most insurance providers and HMO’s these days cover all or part of the cost but there are restrictions so you should check what is covered by your policy.

In a generation when physical fitness is given topmost attention, people are always on the lookout for the newest and most effective means for weight loss. Acupuncture, the method of inserting thin, filiform needles on certain points in an individual’s body, has been found to be one effectual method for losing weight.

Not many people may find the idea of being inserted by needles quite comforting in their quest for weight control. However, this ancient Chinese alternative treatment seeks to deliver a control mechanism, enabling the patient to manage hunger cravings more successfully in the long run.

The Skinny on Acupuncture Weight Loss

It has been found that weight gain is directly related to emotions. Other than physical hunger, people reach for a huge chocolate bar or a big platter of burger and fries because of the sense of comfort derived from food and eating. More often than not, excessive weight gain is an emotional issue, rather than a mere physical one. You may not realize it, but you tend to take in more food whenever you’re stressed, upset, or pressured.

In Acupuncture, there are specific spots on the body being targeted by the hair-like needles. These spots are linked to certain areas in the body and by stimulating these spots; the patient will achieve a greater sense of inner balance. As these points are inserted by the needles, certain hormones are released throughout the body. These substances work by helping you manage hunger and efficiently control the impulse to overeat.

How Acupuncture Induces Weight Loss

Most acupuncturists will target the spots behind the ear when it comes to promoting weight loss. When these points behind the ear are stimulated, endorphins are released in large doses. Endorphins are called the feel-good hormones, and these are also often referred to as natural pain and fever relievers. The release of endorphins is what makes you feel better after an increased level of physical activity, as in the case of a good workout.

These bodily compounds allow the patient to experience better relaxation, thus considerably alleviating stress. There is a greater possibility of enhanced weight loss when the patient has already achieved emotional wellness. Endorphins are also released whenever the body experiences low levels of bodily pain, thus their moniker as a natural pain reliever.

Patients of acupuncture typically experience very minimal or no pain at all, however most of the points are located near nerve endings and muscle tissues. As the needles are embedded in the body, signals are sent to the brain thus promoting the release of endorphins from the pituitary gland.

There are also other points in the body that serve as gateways for better weight management. One of these placements promotes a decrease in an individual’s appetite, while another has the ability to reduce water retention in the body. The acupuncturist may choose a multi-targeted approach, depending on the requirements of the patient.

Consulting with a Professional Acupuncturist

There are a number of acupuncture practitioners in existence nowadays, offering a host of services. If you are considering this form treatment for your weight management, make sure that you settle with no less than a trained and professional acupuncturist. A poorly trained acupuncturist may not be able to pinpoint the specific meridian points and worse, may cause unnecessary bodily pain and discomfort.

Moreover, your acupuncturist may require an herbal supplement for your treatment, to encourage a longer-term effect. Your sessions need not be maintained for an extensive period; however you may be required to visit your acupuncturist during the entire course of the sessions.

There are other means for losing weight successfully, and this does not include crash dieting and strenuous work outs. If carried out by trained professionals, acupuncture can be the answer for effective weight management. While it is far from being a cure-all, it may just be the right weight loss solution for you.

With the growing acceptance of alternative medicine in Western cultures, acupuncture is quickly becoming a popular practice. More and more people today are choosing acupuncture over western medicine to treat bodily pains, relieve stress, or to promote overall health. If you are thinking about trying acupuncture but are wondering if it is safe or if it’s the right treatment for you, the following information may aid you in making a more informed decision.

Description and Origin

Acupuncture is the practice of inserting fine needles into specific points in the body for therapeutic purposes. According to theory, these specific points called “acupuncture points” lie along pathways of the body along which one’s vital energy is said to flow. The needles are used to promote free-flow of energy in areas of the body that circulation may have stagnated. Although acupuncture is practiced in many Asian cultures such as Japan, Tibet, and Korea the practice is commonly known to have originated in China.

Acupuncture in the Western World

One of the most debated issues between the East and the West is the use of acupuncture as a western means of medical treatment. Even though this form of medicine has been used as an effective method for over five thousand years in China, there is no concrete evidence from scientific research studies that have proven the healing properties of acupuncture.

Skeptics shrug off the positive effects of acupuncture as merely placebo effects. Believers in acupuncture, however, say that the benefits have simply not yet been proven. Believers promote that the treatment is harmless and can be used as a complement to western medicine.

Unfortunately, standards of acupuncture have not been fully approved by the FDA due to many unregulated practices that still exist such as the re-use of needles. Furthermore, acupuncture certification today is mostly a sham, used to make money on desperate patients who have not benefited from western medical treatments. The National Council Against Health Fraud has even declared acupuncture as an unproven means of treatment whose concepts of healing are primitive and false.

Should You Try It

One thing that Western science can agree upon is that there are no proven harmful effects of acupuncture. Many doctors agree that as long as a medication is not detrimental to one's health, then there is no reason why it should not be used if there are noticeable benefits. Most scientists would also state that it is simply due to a lack of research that the therapeutic properties of acupuncture have not yet been proven.

Although many forms Chinese medication remain debated concepts in Western society, there is a growing interest in these medications and perhaps as the acceptance of the practice grows, so will the discoveries about its medical properties.

More Information on Acupuncture

You can find more information about acupuncture at an acupuncture center close to you. You can easily locate nearby centers or practitioners by searching online. An appointment may be necessary as acupuncture centers are usually busy with long wait lists.

So if western medicine is not working for you and you are looking for an alternative, give some thought acupuncture. More and more people are discovering the therapeutic benefits of this ancient medicine. Acupuncture is safe and harmless, and therefore you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Holistic healthcare by definition is being able to cure an illness through the use alternative means. This means no medication is given to the patient and an instrument like a bunch of needles could do the trick.

Acupuncture has been around for than 2000 years. It is only recently that this holistic form of healthcare has reached the US. Studies have shown that it can treat minor problems and prevent some from happening.

The needles used in acupuncture are very thin but thicker than the human hair. This makes it smaller than those used on hypodermic needles.

Most patients that undergo acupuncture will not feel any significant change after one session which is why a few sessions are needed. Best of all, it is painless so your body will not feel sore afterwards.

Several studies have been conducted about acupuncture and there have been positive results. For instance in the UK, 400 participants who were suffering from migraines claimed they felt better after 3 months worth of sessions.

In the US, acupuncture has also proven to be effective in helping people deal with arthritis because the needles help the body fight against this chronic illness that is much cheaper and more effective than conventional medicine.

Acupuncture can do more than just helping patients deal with arthritis or migraine. Clinical tests have shown that it can help obese people lose weight and those who are suffering from insomnia.

In some countries, acupuncture has even been used to replace chemical anesthesia prior to surgery as there are some patients who are not able to tolerate regular anesthesia.

Another field which acupuncture has proven to be effective is helping patients deal with their addictions such as alcohol, drugs and smoking. One study of smokers revealed that the average patient will cut down by half the number of cigarettes they consume after just one treatment. Just imagine the potential after a few more sessions!

This has resulted in the establishment of clinics nationwide that only use acupuncture as the means of rehabilitation.

Acupuncturists in the US charge from $75 to $150 per session. This usually gets lower in the succeeding treatments. The person will probably have to undergo 10 to 15 treatments 2 to 3 times a week but this really depends on the condition of the patient.

Before you go to one, you should check if this is covered by your insurance. If it isn’t, perhaps you should suggest that it should be included as it is much cheaper than having to undergo surgery.

Although there are risks if you decide to go undergo acupuncture, these can be avoided as long as the one doing it is a licensed professional who makes sure that the needles used are sterilized before they are inserted into the body.

These days, a lot of people in the medical field have accepted the fact that alternative medicine such as this can also help the patient which is why they may refer someone when it is needed.

So, if you are tired of experiencing the side effects of conventional medicine and want to try a holistic form of healthcare, why don’t you see what acupuncture can do for you? It is painless and cost effective. In fact, it is just one of many you can try to help treat a chronic condition.

The foundation of acupuncture rests on the relevance of an individual’s chi in maintaining bodily and mental health. It is believed that chi is present in every living creature, and flows through specific pathways in the body. Health problems arise when the flow of chi on the body is blocked. As a result, a person may feel persistent headaches, muscle pain, fever, weakness, or in the worst case, becomes afflicted with more serious health conditions.

A Deeper Explanation of Acupuncture

Acupuncture has its origins in ancient Chinese philosophy and practice. More than ten thousand years ago, during the Old Stone Age of China, stones were fashioned into knives for medical purposes. After several years, during the New Stone Age, these stones were eventually made into needles intended for the same therapeutic end. These accounts are further evidenced by unearthed stone needles found to be of the same types used during the New Stone Age.

There are basically 14 pathways throughout the body where chi flows continuously. These are called the meridian points. In order for chi to course through the body unobstructed, there has to be a balance between the strengths of yin and yang. In ancient Chinese philosophy, yin and yang represent the forces of the universe- yin is for feminine, while yang is for masculine. Every single thing in the universe is believed to contain both yin and yang for harmony.

When the yin and yang are not balanced, chi cannot stream through the body liberally. Therefore, the meridian points through which chi courses through need to be stimulated. This is done by the insertion of hair-thin, disposable needles in specific areas on a person’s body to induce bodily harmony and bring about healing.

A certified and trained acupuncturist will be able to carry out an excellent therapy session for the patient. Trainings for acupuncturists are given in order for them to obtain their licenses. A poor practitioner may not be proficient enough with the practice and could end up jeopardizing the results of the entire procedure. Nowadays, it is wise to verify on a practitioner’s credentials to ensure a safe and effective acupuncture treatment.

What This Ancient Method Does

One of the foremost effects of acupuncture on the body is relaxation. Stress is frequently pinpointed as the main precursor for a host of physical ailments. There are particular points all over the body that direct the flow of harmony and relaxation and when these are enthused, the patient becomes more at ease.

Another positive effect of this alternative therapy is increased pain control. During a session, a patient will usually feel very minimal pain as the thin needles are being inserted gradually. However, the needles are deliberately placed in varying depths, depending on the health requirements of the patient. When the needles reach the right depth, the patient will feel deeper pain, although the entire procedure is not necessarily painful.

It is also recommended for relief from chemotherapy fatigue as well as chemotherapy-related nausea. It has also been found to be largely effective for back pains, migraines, menstrual cramps, and as a pain controller for patients after undergoing surgical operations.

Variations of Conventional Acupuncture

Auriculotherapy or ear acupuncture is one of the variations of conventional acupuncture. In this practice, it is believed that the ear provides a map for all the major bodily organs. A specific area or point on the ear corresponds to a particular organ, such as the heart, kidneys, or liver. Thus, the needles are placed in particular points around the ear and on the ear cartilage.

Staplepuncture is a method used in smoking cessation, wherein staples are placed for a certain period anywhere on the ear area to provide stimulation.

Indeed there is growing evidence that this traditional Oriental practice can rival any modern forms of treatment. If you are one of the many people who are looking for a widely recognized and time honored therapeutic practice, acupuncture may just be the alternative treatment for you.

Acupuncture is already a renowned method used in treating smoking addiction. An alternative medicine believed to have originated as far as 3000 BC in ancient China, this treatment is now being widely utilized for various medicinal and therapeutic purposes. It has been found furthermore to successfully treat drug dependence and chronic smoking addiction.

There are several smoking cessation medications and therapies available presently. However acupuncture is a recommended alternative procedure, especially where conventional therapies have already failed. The strategic insertion of needles in various parts of the body aims to treat the condition in a more profound and emotional level. A smoker needs to free himself from the physiological and psychological addiction of smoking, thus necessitating a more holistic treatment.

How It Stops the Addiction

The placement of needles is usually located behind the ear, or on the ear cartilage. This is where the calming effect takes place, curbing the patient’s cravings for more cigarettes. People who have a smoking habit are bound to take up the nicotine stick more often whenever they feel stressed, bored, or depressed. Needles are also often inserted on the hand and wrists to promote a steadier flow of bodily energy. The feeling of relaxation will help an individual think twice about lighting a cigarette again.

Furthermore, this treatment has been found to help an individual deal with the withdrawal symptoms better. This alternative medicine promotes better tolerance to pain and discomfort during smoking cessation. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe and may involve nausea, palpitations, and dizziness. Oftentimes, these same conditions will propel an individual back to his smoking tendencies sooner than later.

Nicotine is the addictive and toxic substance present in a cigarette. This is the same substance that makes quitting a big challenge for most smokers. The nicotine that you get from smoking will attach itself to the pleasure areas in the brain, making it hard for you to stop. Without a steady stream of this substance, a smoker will tend to feel depressed and uncomfortable.

People who have undergone acupuncture treatment reported that they no longer find cigarettes as tempting or as satisfying. Oftentimes, smoking would leave an awful taste in their mouths prompting them to stop their habit for once. Some patients would even resort to eating mints or lozenges to clear to get rid of the terrible aftertaste.

According to skilled practitioners, approximately 7 out of 10 smokers will successfully extricate themselves from their smoking habit after 2 or 3 weeks. While the others are unable to quit totally, these smokers will be able to cut down on their cigarette consumption quite significantly.

Treatment from Acupuncture Experts

It is very essential for a patient to consult with a skilled acupuncturist. A more personalized service will be provided by an expert, as well as added counseling for the patient. Moreover, an acupuncturist may prescribe herbal supplements to aid the patient in quitting efforts.

During treatment, filiform needles are inserted into specific points on the ear cartilage, as well as the hands and wrists. Normal procedures last for about 30 minutes. Body acupuncture can be used in combination with the ear and wrist needle placements. An acupuncturist may also utilize a mild electric current, to enhance the effect of the needles through the body.

The greatest advantage of this ancient Oriental procedure is the absence of side-effects during and after treatment. Unlike smoking cessation medications and nicotine replacement therapy products, acupuncture does not employ chemically manufactured substances. There is also no risk of weight gain during therapy. In conjunction with helping a patient quit smoking, it can also curb appetite, thus reducing food cravings.

If you have tried several methods in smoking cessation to no avail, perhaps it is high time you consider the alternative method that is acupuncture. With the right practitioner and the right frame of mind, there is no reason why you won’t be nicotine-free before long.

Using needles to adjust bodily functions to optimum levels is the principle behind acupuncture. Both ancient Chinese and modern Western practitioners have used this technique to relieve many sufferers of chronic disease. Needling is a relatively safe, beneficial treatment strategy that can be used to reduce pain, improve healing, and increase general well-being. But exactly how is this procedure done and what sort of benefits can be obtained?

Procedure for Needle Puncture

There are two broad categories of acupuncture practice today, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and medical acupuncture. Both have their merits, so the choice is individual. The decision for most people hinges upon which philosophy appeals more to them and which technique holds the least apprehension.

In TCM, practitioners adhere to the concept of Qi, or energy flow, and the meridians in which they travel. They use longer needles and insert them deeper in order to reach the acupuncture points. Modern science has found little evidence to prove the existence of these energy channels, but this is the technique that has been used effectively for thousands of years.

In medical acupuncture, the practitioners are graduates of western medical schools. Their application of needles is not based on the traditional acupuncture points, but on anatomic data. These acupuncturists use shorter needles and the insertions are shallower. They also tend to use fewer needles and leave them inserted for shorter periods of time. Adherents to TCM feel this is a watered-down version of the real thing. Nevertheless, many patients have felt relief of symptoms through this method.

Conditions for Puncture Application

There is a broad and extensive list of ailments which can be treated with acupuncture. The conditions run the gamut from asthma to constipation, anxiety to weight loss. Most TCM practitioners believe that any health condition results from an imbalance in Qi flow, therefore amenable to needle therapy. Western acupuncturists tend to have a more limited list of indications, the most common of which is undoubtedly control of pain.

Control of pain is the most well researched of all of the indications for acupuncture. There is a definite beneficial effect for a majority of patients using this method. Migraines, premenstrual syndrome, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and neuralgias are but a few examples. The theory behind its effectiveness is also medically accepted and well researched, called the gate-control theory of pain. It states that the needles can stimulate nerves so that they block the impulses from pain triggers.

Expected Puncture Session Result

It is important to emphasize that acupuncture is used only on top of existing medical therapy. At no time should a patient discontinue medication or ignore medical instructions in favor of needle puncture. After undergoing a needle puncture regimen, the primary care physician can make an evaluation with regards to decreasing dependence on other therapies.

A course of acupuncture therapy will last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. This depends upon the complexity of the particular medical condition. Results also vary, so it is important to have a frank discussion with the acupuncturist regarding expected results and their time frame. In general, the patient will begin to feel beneficial effects after three or four session. Certain specific conditions will actually get a little worse before improving so keeping informed is key.

In modern medicine, the use of traditional techniques with proven results has become a widely accepted practice. Acupuncture has proven its worth time and again. Modern practice guidelines make it effective, reproducible, and safe. It is a gift of healing form ancient sages that has the potential to bring relief to millions of people.

Whenever you are feeling pain and discomfort, you'd usually reach for your painkillers for relief. While they do relieve the pain, they also bring along side effects that comes with taking foreign chemicals into your body. As much as modern medicine has developed drugs that can relieve pain right off the bat, do you really think that the quick fixes you've been taking are actually good for your body? Why not try something safer and more effective like acupuncture.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture has surged in popularity for the last few decades as brought on by the recent health trend. Mostly known as a traditonal Chinese medical technique, acupuncture is seen as a homeopathic method of treatment. While alternative medicine does raise a lot of eyebrows for the scientifically-inclined, it does merit attention before being dismissed as a quack cure.

Basic Procedure

Basically, needles are inserted into the skin, each corresponding to one of the numerous pressure points located throughout the body. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, by inserting a needle into the pressure point, an acupuncturist can manipulate the flow of chi or life force, thus relieving pain and gradually treating the patient. While most would say that the whole chi thing is a bunch of nonsense, science has suggested that with the needles inserted, the body's natural painkillers called endorphins are released, thus helping with pain relief.

Instruments

Modern acupuncturists nowadays use disposable fine stainless steel needles that are 0.007 to 0.020 inches in diameter which are sterilized with either ethylene oxide or by autoclave. Since they are way finer than hypodermic syringe needles, being poked by these needles are relatively painless. The upper third of the needle is covered with either a thicker bronze wire or plastic to make the needle sturdier and easier to handle. The length of the needle and how far they are inserted is all up to the acupuncturist and his practised style of acupuncture.

Example Of Treatment

If a patient has a headache, he/she is diagnosed and is treated by stimulating the sensitive points located at the webs between the thumbs and palms. In acupuncture theory, these points are connected to the face and head and can be used for treatment of headaches and other ailments involved. Needles are then carefully inserted into the skin until the patient feels a twinge, which is usually accompanied by a slight involuntary twitching of the area. During this treatment, a number of things may occur.

- Sensitivity to pain in where needles are inserted.

- A hint of nausea during treatment in case of bad headaches.

- Near-immediate headache relief.

Evolution

As an ancient method, acupuncture has crossed over into the modern age with implementations of technology and recent scientific findings. Electrical stimulation is now a common technique that is combined with acupuncture to produce more effective results. Also, acupuncturists combined this eastern technique with western methods to further enhance the treatment.

Practitioners have eventually realized that leaning towards one school of thought can't propagate progress unless they are willing to move towards the future by looking towards other horizons as well.

Reactions And Research

Not everyone is impressed with acupuncture itself. Most western medical professionals have expressed either doubt or indifference to the oriental method while others have downright driven it down into the earth with criticisms and brutal skepticism. However, recent research shows the efficacy (or lack thereof) of acupuncture, and while more research has to be done, it has been proven to actually positively affect some, but not all, forms of ailments that it claims to cure.

So as the doors open to a new age of acupuncture, give it a try when you feel the need for pain relief and you will not be disappointed. As the Chinese have used it for many centuries, so should we.

There are a lot of myths with regards to acupuncture. Some of these are true; others are silly while the rest only have a half truth. As you read on, you will learn which ones are worth believing.

The first myth is that acupuncture is painful. This is not true because those who have tried it claimed they only experienced a tiny prick while others did not feel anything at all. There is no tissue damage when the needle is inserted into the skin or pulled out and only in very rare cases are there traces of bruising.

The second myth is that you can get hepatitis or AIDS from acupuncture. This is true only if the needles used are not sterilized. In the US, this will never happen because acupuncturists are required to use disposable needles thus you are not at risk from these two diseases.

Third, acupuncture is used to treat pain. This is only a half truth because this holistic technique has been proven to do other things such as stop a person’s addiction, lose weight and prevent certain illnesses.

Fourth, there are some who think that Asians are the only ones that can practice acupuncture. Since 1982, there are already 50 schools all across the country that teach students about this technique and become licensed acupuncturists.

This means that anyone who has the desire to learn about this ancient practice can do so and help treat patients. Just to give you an idea, there are at least 3,000 acupuncturists now working in the US.

Fifth, medical doctors do not believe in the potential of alternative medicine. This is not true because there are more doctors these days that are open to the idea that there are other ways to help patients aside from conventional medicine. In fact, some of them even recommend an acupuncturist if they know that what they have done is not effective.

Another myth is that every patient will undergo the four needle technique. This is not true and it will only be used when the specialist feels that the energy of the patient is virtually not moving as a last resort.

The seventh myth is that it is better for a medical doctor to perform acupuncture. This is wrong because the training is much different than that taught in medical school. Students who have an acupuncturist license train for 3,000 hours before they are allowed to practice this profession. So between an acupuncturist and a medical doctor, you should go with someone who has learned about this much longer.

The eighth myth is that acupuncture is only used in third world countries. This is not true because this technique originated in China more than 2000 years ago and this has spread to developed nations in Asia such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia.

Here at home, acupuncture been practiced for more than 2 decades and is legal in 30 states. In fact 22 of them, license professionals after they graduate once they pass the state board examination.

Although acupuncture has been around for a very long time, there is still a need for this form of holistic healthcare which is why this is being taught in colleges and in use today. It is painless and cost efficient and a lot of studies have shown that it is effective in treating various illnesses and preventing some of them.

If you want to pursue a career in acupuncture, you need to obtain a degree and become a licensed professional.

This can easily be accomplished in three years of schooling from an accredited alternative medicine school which prepares students in the various acupuncture techniques to treat illnesses resulting from allergies, occupational stress, emphysema, gastrointestinal stress, arthritis, headaches, depression, and hypertension to name a few.

Students who enroll in such courses will be taught through demonstration, discussion and hands on application.

Part of the curriculum will also include basic courses in traditional medicine covering subjects such as anatomy, biosciences, medical terminology, herbal medicine, moxibustion, and acupressure. In some schools, they may require students to also learn about nutrition and various kinds of research.

Once they graduate, they may start in an entry level position earning $40,000 or more which will soon double or triple after years of experience and working themselves up the ladder.

If you want to look for a school that offers acupuncture degrees, it is best to go online and see which one has the best program that suits your requirements.

You won’t have a hard time looking for one as the number of institutions which teach students about acupuncture have gone up at a rapid rate since 1982 when the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM) and the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (CCAOM) were established.

To date there are about 50 colleges and a few also offer a master’s degree in Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture.

So what are you waiting for? If you think you have what it takes to be an acupuncturist, then go ahead and just do it.

It doesn’t matter if you are still in high school or if you are already working because a shift in your career could let you achieve your true calling.

The best way to start though is to talk with an acupuncturist about what it takes to become one so he or she will be able to give you an idea of what happens in the job.

If you haven’t picked a school, talk to students about the curriculum so you get your money’ s worth should you decide to attend this college.

A lot of people are unaware that acupuncture is not yet legal in every state. You can find work or start your own practice in California, New York, Texas, Hawaii and Oregon with 8 more states that are still pending legislation.

We mentioned that you have to study in a school certified by the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (CCAOM). One more hurdle you have to face before getting your license is passing an exam given by them except in the state of California which has its own regulating body and board certification exam in order for you to practice your profession.

An acupuncturist degree is just the first step in becoming your own boss. To become a master, you have to learn everything there is to know as a student so those who entrust themselves to you in the future will not have any problems.

As more people are opening their minds to this practice, people should know that getting an acupuncture degree will not replace traditional medicine since there are limits to what it can do for the patient. It is merely a form of holistic healthcare that works hand in hand with science to help the person deal with an illness.