Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing method. First reports date back to the 2nd century before Christ. In Europe, however, it only spread in the second half of the 20th century.
One reason for this could be that the literal translation of the Latin term acupuncture acus (=needle) and punctio (=prick), sounds rather painful. In fact, the patient hardly feels anything when the very fine, sterile needles are pricked into the tissue. The method is not based on Western knowledge of human anatomy, but is oriented on the traditional Chinese concept of the body.
According to this concept, the life energy Qi flows through the human body. In case of dysfunction or pain the Qi is blocked. The targeted placement of needles in the so-called acupuncture points activates the body’s own self-healing powers so that the Qi energy can flow freely again.
What exactly happens in the body during acupuncture is still unclear in conventional medicine. It is assumed that there is an increased release of pain-relieving and mood-lightening transmitters in the brain. The World Health Organization has now identified 40 clinical pictures in which acupuncture promises success, including back pain, arthrosis, allergies and gastrointestinal diseases. More information is available at: Traditional Chinese medicine – Does it really help?, Craniosacral therapy
Acupuncture points
Acupuncture points in traditional Chinese medicine are specific points on the body that are related to organ functions and the life energy Qi. For this reason they are also called energy points. Classically, acupuncture uses 365 points.
Each one has a different function depending on its location, characteristics, use and combination with other acupuncture points. The acupuncture points are not randomly distributed all over the body, but are located on the so-called meridians (channels of life energy). Thus all acupuncture points are connected by an energetic net.
The exact location of the points is determined by the patient’s measurements, e.g. the width of his or her hand. The individual meridians refer to the individual organs, so that the acupuncture points directly influence the organ condition. Depending on the stimulation technique, e.g. moving the needle, tapping, or rotating and dwelling of the needles, toning (for chronic diseases) or sedation (for acute diseases) is applied.
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