health alternative blog

The story behind acupuncture asserts that the bodily essence, qi, regulates the functions of the body. Disruptions of the flow of qi through channels known as meridians cause imbalances which lead to pain and disease. This practice corrects these imbalances by stimulating anatomical locations, or points, via needles under the skin. Should you need acupuncture Montana practitioners are highly trained in this form of alternative medicine.

This alternative medicine involves the insertion of solid, thin needles into specified points in a patient’s skin. According to acupuncturists, stimulation of these precise anatomical locations corrects any imbalance in the “qi” that flows through channels or “meridians” in the human body. Disruption of qi causes disease and pain, so the practitioner looks for points to access blocked qi, each of which relates to different health problems or bodily functions.

Basic theory asserts that there are channels called “meridians” that carry “qi”, pronounced “chee” around the body. Blockages of the meridians cause an imbalance of qi, leading to health problems. Thin, solid needles are inserted beneath the patient’s skin at key points, and the stimulation of these points will correct any imbalance and alleviate the symptoms.

In the same era, New York Times journalist James Reston was treated with the therapy for post-operative pain on a stay in Beijing. His column reported at length on the success of the treatment, further heightening Western awareness. There soon followed the first legal acupuncture center founded in Washington in 1972. By 1973, the US Internal Revenue Service recognized the treatment as a legitimate deduction for medical expenses.

Modern therapy owes much to the intervention of Communist party Chairman Mao Zedong. He revived the traditional practice as a response to a shortage of modern medicinal practitioners in China. US President Richard Nixon was shown this treatment apparently being used in place of anesthesia during his 1972 state visit. James Reston, a reporter from the New York Times had this form of therapy to treat post-operative pain in Beijing around this time too, and wrote much about it in his column. These events widened Western awareness to the extent that in 1972, the first legal acupuncture clinic was founded in Washington.

Cochrane reviews have made many studies of the impact of this alternative form of treatment. According to the 2004 Cochrane review, this unique therapy is more effective than antiemetic drugs in the treatment of post-operative vomiting and nausea. The 2007 article noted that needling can stimulate endogenous production of opioids, resulting in analgesia. In 2011, the Cochrane review concluded that therapy reduced the number of times a patient vomited on the day of the onset of chemotherapy. Again in 2011, the study of eight high quality reviews found that the practice worked in treating migraines, tension-type headaches, neck disorders and osteoarthritis.

Well-trained acupuncturists locate which points to treat through questioning and observing the patient. The face and preeminently the tongue, as well as the patient’s pulse are closely studied. Needles are then manipulated, usually manually or electrically. Sometimes, pressure, mild currents of electricity or heat are used in conjunction with acupuncture.

You can rest assured, that when going for acupuncture Montana practitioners are well-trained and treatment will only be administered using sterile needles. There is a very low risk of serious adverse effects. Skilled acupuncturists insert their needles with no pain.

Check out www.bozemanlongevityacupuncture.com for a review of the advantages you get when you consult an acupuncture Montana professional, today. You can also find more information about an experienced acupuncturist at http://www.bozemanlongevityacupuncture.com right now.