accupucture.(spelling)?

Question

i am wondering about accupuncture. what are the benifits & how does it feel. i've been thinking about getting it for a while but i want to hear some personal experiences before i make a choice. please give me your opinions
thankyou
=]

Answer 1

I'm an acupuncturist myself. The proper spelling is acupuncture, from the latin acus (needle) and punctura (I think you know what that means).

The benefits of acupuncture is the fact that it is non-pharmacologic, and so it won't interfere with any western medicines that you may be currently taking. Acupuncture is very good for a variety of disorders. Here are excerpts from a website:
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world. Originating in China more than 2,000 years ago, acupuncture began to become better known in the United States in 1971, when New York Times reporter James Reston wrote about how doctors in China used needles to ease his pain after surgery.

The term acupuncture describes a family of procedures involving stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques. American practices of acupuncture incorporate medical traditions from China, Japan, Korea, and other countries. The acupuncture technique that has been most studied scientifically involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation.

What does acupuncture feel like?

Acupuncture needles are metallic, solid, and hair-thin. People experience acupuncture differently, but most feel no or minimal pain as the needles are inserted. Some people are energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed. Improper needle placement, movement of the patient, or a defect in the needle can cause soreness and pain during treatment. This is why it is important to seek treatment from a qualified acupuncture practitioner.

According to the NIH Consensus Statement on Acupuncture, there have been many studies on acupuncture's potential usefulness, but results have been mixed because of complexities with study design and size, as well as difficulties with choosing and using placebos or sham acupuncture. However, promising results have emerged, showing efficacy of acupuncture, for example, in adult postoperative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting and in postoperative dental pain. There are other situations--such as addiction, stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low-back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma--in which acupuncture may be useful as an adjunct treatment or an acceptable alternative or be included in a comprehensive management program. An NCCAM-funded study recently showed that acupuncture provides pain relief, improves function for people with osteoarthritis of the knee, and serves as an effective complement to standard care.

Personally I have also used acupuncture to treat obesity, depression and menstrual problems. I myself used to have migraines but I had a single treatment two years ago and haven't had an attack until just last week.

Answer 2

It all depends what you want to have acupuncture for . . . .

My daughter (aged 4 at the time) had terrible hayfever which manifested itself with an incredibly itchy face. She was scratching all the time and the scratch had almost become a habit for her. We do not use 'conventional' medicine unless really necessary, as we prefer to use natural remedies as far as possible. Homeopathic treatment alleviated the symptoms, but the habit to scratch her face had developed into more of a 'tic' by this stage and so we decided to look into acupuncture.

We found a practitioner who specialises in working with children - though he had never worked on a child as young as 4 before! We took her along and he did a full history on her - basically, before you can be treated, the practitioner needs to know as much as possible about your medical background as this helps them to sort out the best treatment (much like a homeopath does.)

Anyway, my daughter had small sterile needles placed at points by her elbows, knees, between her eyes and a few other points. She is a very confident and calm child and took it all in her stride - she felt the needles go in at first but said they were just a little pin prick feeling, not a pain. She said it made her feel really calm and gave her a warm and happy feeling.

It took 2 treatments like this for her tic to stop - and it hasn't returned!

I wouldn't suggest acupuncture to all 4 year olds - you have to know that the child can understand it and not fear it (my daughter has no fear of needles, etc) but I thought I would let you know that if my small daughter benefitted from it, I am sure that others do; if she could handle the needles I am sure you can, and if it helped her, I am sure that there is something to say for its beneficial qualities!

I hope you get some good answers here - I am actually looking into having it done myself!

Oh - take a look online for registered practitioners - and use a recommended one, not just anyone!

UK - try: www.acupuncture.org.uk

US: try: www.medicalacupuncture.org

Good luck!

Answer 3

The correct spelling is acupuncture, inserting fine needles at the various points of the body corresponding to energy meridians. Is supposed to balance the flow of chi in the body and balance the yin and the yang. Very effective in the right hands and you should be careful of infections from poorly sterilised needles. Treatment can be expensive.

Try acupressure if you are not very sure.

Answer 4

Acupuncture is part of TCM. It is meant to help unblock the flow of "qi" or "energy". It involves inserting needles along points on your meridian channel.

When there is a blockage in your energy flow, this can result in illnesses. There are several case studies nowadays proving that acupuncture really works. However, a lot also depends on the skill of the practitioner. Be sure to get one that has plenty of referrals.

Answer 5

I've never tried it, but wouldn't be opposed to it. Here's a link to check out:

http://www.acufinder.com/Acupuncture+Community