From past to
present there are many cultures that embrace the belief that balancing energy
is an integral part of maintaining a healthy equilibrium. There are many
different names for this energy like chi, prana or life force however they all
equate to the energy that is thought to run inside and amongst all things. Many
ancient medical treatments administer to this life force seeking to promote and
sustain the healthy energy that the body and mind need to preserve a natural
state of well-being. One of these energy-based healing techniques is
acupuncture. Originating in China, acupuncture is more than two thousand years
old.
How does acupuncture work?
Specialized
acupuncture needles are inserted into the skin at precise locations on the body
in order to produce a salutary result. Disposable acupuncture needles are
crafted of stainless steel and are filamentary; almost as thin as a human hair.
These needles are constructed so that they glide into the skin rather than
pierce it. The locations on the body known as acupuncture points are different
areas that correlate to internal neural structures. Ancient Chinese theory
dictates that this practice is to help remove blockages in the energy pathways
while more modern theory suggests that insertion of the needles into specific
acupressure points result in the release of neurotransmitters, neurohormones
and neuropeptides (like endorphins and serotonin) that will help ease pain and
promote healing.
How does a Registered Massage
Therapist use acupuncture?
The
acupuncture that is taught to regulated health care professionals like
chiropractors and registered massage therapists is known as ‘contemporary medical
acupuncture' and the training of these professionals starts with their already
extensive knowledge of the human body.
The health care professional that is qualified to practice contemporary medical
acupuncture understands that this type of therapy is meticulous and relies
particularly on their expertise with anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology.
There are also
different types of acupuncture that can be researched, for instance auricular
acupuncture focuses on points in the ear rather than traditional acupuncture
that utilizes points all over the body.
Contemporary
medical acupuncture, when used in conjunction with traditional massage therapy
has been shown to be quite successful especially where there has been a
debilitation to range of motion due to inhibited muscles is concerned. Another
option to explore is the availability of complementary treatments. These techniques can
be incorporated into the therapy depending on the condition being addressed and
the range of services offered by the practitioner. Some of these techniques
include:
-
Electro-acupuncture.
This is the use of small electrical currents conducted through the acupuncture
needles to enhance treatment;
-
Moxibustion.
This technique uses an herb called Artemesia Vugaris (also referred to as
mugwort) to apply heat to an acupuncture point by either being smudged over a
specific area of the body or placed directly onto the handle of the acupuncture
needle so that the heat penetrates more effectively; and
-
Cupping.
Glass cups are suctioned onto the body and left for a short period of time.
What conditions can acupuncture treat?
A few of the many
conditions that can be treated with acupuncture are summarized below:
-
Ear,
eye, nose and throat disorders like constant sinus problems, hay fever, certain
allergies and symptoms of vertigo;
-
Gastrointestinal
disorders such as IBS, colitis, constipation, diarrhea and bloating of the
abdomen;
-
Gynecological
and genitourinary issues like premenstrual syndrome, menstruation ailments and
prostatitis;
-
Neurological
disorders such as MS, cerebral palsy and stroke; and
-
Respiratory
disorders like asthma, influenza cold and chronic bronchitis.
Acupuncture
has also been used to help with post-operative and chemotherapy-related nausea,
as well as a pain management treatment for conditions like lower back pain, sciatica,
muscular strains, sprains and injury and severe headaches.
Researching
different treatments like acupuncture is a great place to begin a journey
towards better health and a
registered
massage therapist is an excellent source of information.