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Acupuncture, A Brief Introduction
by Jeffrey A. Singer
In this paper I will be dealing with the
ancient medical art of Acupuncture. Today in most western
cultures it is considered a "new alternative" medicine. In
reality Acupuncture (and its related Moxibustion) are
practiced medical treatments that are over 5,000 years old.
Very basically, Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine
needles, (sometimes in conjunction with electrical
stimulus), on the body's surface, in order to influence
physiological functioning of the body.
Acupuncture can also be used in conjunction with heat
produced by burning specific herbs, this is called
Moxibustion. In addition, a non-invasive method of massage
therapy, called Acupressure, can also be effective.
The first record of Acupuncture is found in the 4,700 year
old Huang Di Nei Jing (Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal
Medicine). This is said to be the oldest medical textbook in
the world. It is said to have been written down from even
earlier theories by Shen Nung, the father of Chinese
Medicine. Shen Nung documented theories about circulation,
pulse, and the heart over 4,000 years before European
medicine had any concept about them.
As the basis of Acupuncture, Shen Nung theorized that the
body had an energy force running throughout it. This energy
force is known as Qi (roughly pronounced Chee). The Qi
consists of all essential life activities which include the
spiritual, emotional, mental and the physical aspects of
life. A person's health is influenced by the flow of Qi in
the body, in combination with the universal forces of Yin
and Yang . (I will discuss Yin and Yang a little later). If
the flow of Qi is insufficient, unbalanced or interrupted,
Yin and Yang become unbalanced, and illness may occur. Qi
travels throughout the body along "Meridians" or special
pathways. The Meridians, (or Channels), are the same on both
sides of the body (paired). There are fourteen main
meridians running vertically up and down the surface of the
body. Out of these, there are twelve organ Meridians in each
half of the body (remember they are in pairs). There are
also two unpaired midline Meridians. There will be a diagram
of Acupuncture points for treating diseases of the Meridians
at the end of the digestive system paper. (See Appendix 1).
The acupuncture points are specific locations where the
Meridians come to the surface of the skin, and are easily
accessible by "needling," Moxibustion, and Acupressure. The
connections between them ensure that there is an even
circulation of Qi, a balance between Yin and Yang.
Energy constantly flows up and down these pathways. When
pathways become obstructed, deficient, excessive, or just
unbalanced, Yin and Yang are said to be thrown out of
balance. This causes illness. Acupuncture is said to restore
the balance.
Yin and Yang is an important theory in the discussion of
Acupuncture treatment, in relation to the Chinese theory of
body systems. As stated earlier Qi is an energy force that
runs throughout the body. In addition, Qi is also prevalent
throughout nature as well. Qi is comprised of two parts, Yin
and Yang. Yin and Yang are opposite forces, that when
balanced, work together. Any upset in the balance will
result in natural calamities, in nature; and disease in
humans. Yin is signified by female attributes, passive,
dark, cold, moist, that which moves medially, and deficient
of Yang. Yang is signified by male attributes, light,
active, warm, dry, that which moves laterally, and deficient
of Yin. Nothing is completely Yin or Yang. The most striking
example of this is man himself. A man is the combination of
his mother (Yin) and and his father (Yang). He contains
qualities of both: This is the universal symbol describing
the constant flow of yin and yang forces. You'll notice that
within yin, there is Yang, and within Yang, there is the
genesis of Yin. Whether or not you believe in Taoist
philosophy, (which all this is based on), one thing is
indisputable: Acupuncture works.
Acupuncturists can use as many as nine types of Acupuncture
needles, though only six are commonly used today. These
needles vary in length, width of shaft, and shape of head.
Today, most needles are disposible. They are used once and
disgarded in accordance with medical biohazard regulations
and guidlines. There are a few different precise methods by
which Acupuncturists insert needles. Points can be needled
anywhere in the range of 15 degrees to 90 degrees relative
to the skin surface, depending on the treatment called for.
In most cases, a sensation, felt by the patient, is desired.
This sensation, which is not pain, is called deqi
(pronounced dah-chee). The following techniques are some
which may be used by an Acupuncturist immediately following
insertion: Raising and Thrusting, Twirling or Rotation,
Combination of Raising/Thrusting and Rotation, Plucking,
Scraping (vibrations sent through the needle), and Trembling
(another vibration technique). Once again, techniques are
carefully chosen based on the ailment.
There are a few related procedures that fall into the range
of Acupuncture treatments. The first is Electro-Acupuncture.
This is the using of very small electrical impulses through
the Acupuncture needles. This method is generally used for
analgesia (pain relief or prevention). The amount of power
used is only a few micro amperes, but the frequency of the
current can vary from 5 to 2,000 Hz. The higher frequencies
are generally used for surgery (usually abdominal), and the
lower frequencies for general pain relief. The first
reported successful use of Electro-Acupuncture was in 1958
in China for a tonsillectomy. Today, it is a common method
of surgical analgesia used in China. Other methods for
stimulating Acupuncture points have used Lasers and sound
waves (Sonopuncture). A very commonly used treatment in the
United States is Auriculotherapy or Ear Acupuncture. The
theory is that since the ear has a rich nerve and blood
supply, it would have connections all over the body. For
this reason, the ear has many Acupuncture points which
correspond to many parts and organs of the body. Auricular
Acupuncture has been successful in treating problems ranging
from obesity to alcoholism, to drug addiction. There are
numerous studies either completed, or currently going on
which affirms Auricular Acupuncture's effectiveness. (These
will be mentioned in detail later on in the paper.)
Another popular treatment method is Moxibustion, which is
the treatment of diseases by applying heat to Acupuncture
points. Acupuncture and Moxibustion are considered
complimentary forms of treatment, and are commonly used
together. Moxibustion is used for ailments such as bronchial
asthma, bronchitis, certain types of paralysis, and
arthritic disorders.
Cupping is another type of treatment. This is a method of
stimulating Acupuncture points by applying suction through a
metal, wood or glass jar, in which a partial vacuum has been
created. This technique produces blood congestion at the
site, and therefore stimulates it. Cupping is used for low
backache, sprains, soft tissue injuries, and helping relieve
fluid from the lungs in chronic bronchitis.
One of the most popular alternatives to Acupuncture is
Acupressure. This is simply Acupuncture without needles.
Stimulation of the Acupuncture points is performed with the
fingers or an instrument with a hard ball shaped head.
Another variation of Acupressure is Reflexology (also called
Zone Therapy). This is where the soles of the feet and the
posterio-inferior regions of the ankle joints are
stimulated. Many diseases of the internal organs can be
treated in this manner.
The question arises, how does Acupuncture work? Scientists
have no real answer to this; as you know many of the
workings of the body are still a mystery. There are a few
prevailing theories.
By some unknown process, Acupuncture raises levels of
triglycerides, specific hormones, prostaglandins, white
blood counts, gamma globulins, opsonins, and overall
anti-body levels. This is called the "Augmentation of
Immunity" Theory.
The "Endorphin" Theory states that Acupuncture stimulates
the secretions of endorphins in the body (specifically
Enkaphalins).
The "Neurotransmitter" Theory states that certain
neurotransmitter levels (such as Seratonin and Noradrenaline)
are affected by Acupuncture.
"Circulatory" Theory: this states that Acupuncture has the
effect of constricting or dilating blood vessels. This may
be caused by the body's release of Vasodilaters (such as
Histamine), in response to Acupuncture.
One of the most popular theories is the "Gate Control"
Theory. According to this theory, the perception of pain is
controlled by a part of the nervous system which regulates
the impulse, which will later be interpreted as pain. This
part of the nervous system is called the "Gate." If the gate
is hit with too many impulses, it becomes overwhelmed, and
it closes. This prevents some of the impulses from getting
through. The first gates to close would be the ones that are
the smallest. The nerve fibers that carry the impulses of
pain are rather small nerve fibers called "C" fibers. These
are the gates that close during Acupuncture.
In the related "Motor Gate" Theory, some forms of paralysis
can be overcome by Acupuncture. This is done by reopening a
"stuck" gate, which is connected to an Anterior Horn cell.
The gate, when closed by a disease, stops motor impulses
from reaching muscles. This theory was first stated by
Professor Jayasuriya in 1977. In it he goes on to say:
"...one of the factors contributing to motor recovery is
almost certainly the activation of spindle cells. They are
stimulated by Gamma motor neurons. If Acupuncture stimulates
the Gamma motor neurons, the discharge causes the
contraction of Intrafusal Muscle fibers. This activates the
Spindle cells, in the same way as muscle stretching. This
will bring about muscle contraction."
There are many diseases that can be treated successfully by
Acupuncture or its related treatments. The most common
ailments currently being treated are: lower backache,
Cervical Spondylosis, Condylitis, Arthritic Conditions,
Headaches of all kinds (including migraine), Allergic
Reactions, general and specific use for Analgesia (including
surgery) and relief of muscles spasms. There have also been
clinical trials in the use of Acupuncture in treating
anxiety disorders and depression. Likewise, very high
success rates have been found in treating addictions to
alcohol, tobacco (nicotine) and "hard' drugs. Acupuncture
can rid the body of the physical dependency, but can not rid
the mind of the habit (psychological dependency). For this
reason, Acupuncture treatment of addictions has not been
fully successful.
Case Studies
Obviously, especially for a paper such as this, my research
would not be complete without backing it up with some case
studies. Here they are.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has sponsored
three studies examining the effectiveness of Acupuncture for
the treatment of substance abuse.
The first was at the Lincoln Medical Medical Center in
Bronx, NYC, New York. It was headed by Dr. Douglas Lipton,
and completed in 1991. This study used Auricular Acupuncture
on Crack Cocaine users. The study was split into groups, one
getting the correct Acupuncture treatments, the other
getting "placebo" Acupuncture (needles placed in the "wrong"
spots). Urinalysis results showed that the subjects
receiving the correct treatments had lowered their use of
the drug, in as little as two weeks. This was verified by
testing for cocaine metabolite levels. However, the
reduction was not as significant as had been anticipated.
*Note that no other type of treatment, such as counseling as
given.
In two other studies currently going on, (the first by Dr.
Janet Konefal of Miami School of Medicine; and the other by
Dr. Milton Bullock at the Hennepin County Medical Center in
Minneapolis), counseling combined with acupuncture is being
tested. The preliminary results have been quite promising.
Additional studies, too numerous to mention here have proven
the effectiveness of Acupuncture therapy in Nicotine
addiction, (look in Bibliography for some case citings).
Between 1971 and and 1972 a series of doctors (Frank Z.
Warren: New York University Medical Center; Pang L. Man and
Calvin H. Chen: Northville State Hospital, Northville,
Michigan), conducted seven surgeries at both Northville
State Hospital and at Albert Einstein Medical Center. they
used both standard Acupuncture and Electro-Acupunture
techniques. They found that in all cases of surgery (six
invasive and one dental) these Acupuncture treatments were
successful in stopping the pain of surgery without
additional anesthetics. In only one case (a repair of an
inguinal hernia) did the patient complain of "discomfort;"
and only in one additional case did a patient (the same one)
complain of post-operative pain.
In conclusion, I feel that Acupuncture should be considered
a valid form of treatment alongside, not only other
"alternative" forms of treatment, but also along side
mainstream medicine. More and more insurance companies are
discovering the cost effectiveness of Acupuncture.
Unfortunately, many insurance companies still do not cover
Acupuncture therapy, with the exception of Drug Addiction
treatments; and then only if other therapies have been
unsuccessful, or as part of another program. Part of the
reason for this is that as of the writing of this paper, the
Food and drug Administration classifies Acupuncture needles
as "investigational" devices. However, since this paper was
written, the FDA has reclassified acupuncture needles and
so, now, one great block to insurance coverage has been
removed.
Acupuncture Doctors are licensed independently in most
states while some states require you to be a Medical Doctor
to practice Acupuncture.
Acupuncture schools are federally accredited by the ACAOM
(Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental
Medicine). This accreditation allows the school to offer
federal guaranteed student loans.
This information from:
http://www.acupuncture.com
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