Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) aims to prevent and heal by restore a dynamic balance inside the human body. Two complementary forces yin and yang permeate the human body as they do the universe as a whole. The crucial aspect of TCM is to understand the body Qi (life vital energy) which flows through the meridian or energy pathways in the body that connect internal organs and consciousness itself. At least 2200 years ago, the yellow emperor inner classic from 3rd century kept a written record of Chinese medicine which provided the theoretical concepts for TCM.
TCM enclose with wide range of practices which includes acupuncture and herbal medicine, moxibustion, cupping, tuina massage, qi gong practice, exercises, dietary and life style modifications. From Chinese perspective acupuncture is rooted in a complex theoretical framework which provides conceptual and therapeutic directions. The theory of Qi, Theory of yin and yang, five elements and meridian network system allow most important guidance for acupuncture treatment.
Since the preventive aspect of the ailment is more considered than the curative aspect in Acupuncture based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, the root cause of the diseases is broadly discussed to maintain or regain the health. Yin and yang theory is among the most important principle underlying the practice of acupuncture. The concept of yin and yang is the generalization of two opposite aspects in related objects and phenomena in the natural world. According to concept of acupuncture diseases are the results of imbalance of the yin and yang, therefore acupuncture treatment aims to restore that balance.
The theory of five elements holds that all the objects and phenomenon in the universe are formed or derived from wood, fire, earth, metal, and water, each of which is designated specific characteristics. For example, wood represents objects or phenomenon with bending and straightening nature. The same theory is applied in Acupuncture for describe or diagnose an ailment in the body.
Also Qi concept is another important theory in acupuncture. The ancient Chinese believed that Qi is the vital energy of the body. Qi circulate inside the meridian and support every life process and every organic function. There are 12 main meridians, each of it connect major 12 internal organs. Pain is the results of stasis or blockage of the meridian Qi flow and the subsequent blood stagnation
So in acupuncture thin tiny needle are pricked in to certain points along the meridian. Needle manipulates the meridian and restores the flow of Qi to balance the yin and yang. Acupressure can also be used to stimulate those specific points in the body. An acupuncture practitioner uses interrogation, hearing, smelling, touch tongue diagnosis and pulse diagnosis to identify the root of the unbalanced health condition, which organ it is related to and which meridian are affected. According to acupuncture constitutional traits, improper and unhealthy diet, trauma, emotional strain, life style will be the etiological factors for diseases.
Generally, Acupuncture is safe when practitioner is appropriately trained and using clean needle techniques. When properly treated, it has mostly minor adverse effect.
Throughout past 40 years, therapeutic of acupuncture has become more evolving form of complementary integrative medicine interventions in world wide. Various studies have done to learn how acupuncture works. It has become popular because of its effectiveness for pain relief and also science studies have started to prove its efficacy. But it is difficult to do research studies using proper scientific controls cause of invasive nature of acupuncture treatment.
Alternative medical field such as acupuncture and acupuncturist defined as health care workforce which looks open wide to the future of acupuncture.
Medical professionals only