Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that uses thin needles to insert into specific points on the body. The practice focuses on balancing the flow of energy or life force. This energy is known as chi or qi and is believed to flow through 14 channels (meridians) in the body.
The location and number of needles placed in acupuncture procedures can vary from patient to patient. This is adjusted to the health condition, severity, and type of disease being treated.
At first, the acupuncture treatment technique was one type of traditional medicine. However, along with the development of the medical world and science, acupuncture has become one of the branches of medical science.
According to the Indonesian Ministry of Health, acupuncture can synergize with other medical disciplines for the treatment of geriatric patients (elderly). The goal is to overcome complaints commonly experienced by the elderly. For example, pain, sleep disorders, depression, and improving the quality of life of patients.
Benefits of Acupuncture
Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system, causing the release of chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes are thought to enhance the body’s natural healing abilities and improve physical and emotional well-being.
In fact, several studies have shown that acupuncture is an effective treatment for treating the following health conditions:
- Nausea caused by surgical anesthesia and cancer chemotherapy.
- Toothache after surgery.
- Addiction to certain substances.
- Headaches like migraines.
- Menstrual cramps.
- Fibromyalgia.
- Myofascial pain.
- Osteoarthritis or calcification of the joints.
- Lower back pain.
- Carpal Tunnel syndrome.
- Asthma.
- It is believed to help the recovery process for stroke patients.
Interestingly, this healing practice is also believed to relieve some emotional or psychological disorders. For example, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and neurosis.
Purpose of Acupuncture
The purpose of acupuncture is to treat a variety of health conditions. However, the use of acupuncture is not always based on scientific evidence, due to limited research.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides guidance on the use of acupuncture. Currently, NICE only recommends acupuncture as a treatment option for:
- Chronic (long-term) pain.
- Chronic tension headaches.
- Migraine.
In addition, acupuncture is also often used to treat other musculoskeletal (bone and muscle) conditions and pain conditions, such as:
- Joint pain.
- Toothache.
- Post-operative pain.
However, evidence on the effectiveness of acupuncture compared to other treatments remains unclear.
When Do You Need to See an Acupuncturist?
You may want to see an acupuncturist if you have certain health conditions or chronic pain. These include asthma, lower back pain, neck pain, and osteoarthritis/knee pain. However, acupuncture is not for everyone.
Also, avoid doing acupuncture to treat a health problem you have before actually checking with a doctor. So, it is important to first discuss with your doctor before seeing an acupuncturist. If it is indeed stated to be safe, make sure you choose a practitioner who has the right training license and experience.
Acupuncture Procedure
There is no special preparation required before acupuncture treatment, so you only need to come to a health facility that provides the service. However, be sure to discuss this treatment with your doctor first.
Before the treatment procedure begins, the practitioner will first ask about your symptoms, behavior, and lifestyle. This aims to determine the most appropriate type of acupuncture treatment. In addition, the practitioner will also carefully examine the following:
- The part of your body that hurts.
- The shape, coating and color of the tongue.
- Facial skin color.
- The strength, rhythm, and quality of the pulse at the wrist.
Next, the acupuncture procedure will be carried out by the practitioner in sequence. Here is the sequence, namely:
- Needling. Acupuncture needles are inserted at various depths at strategic points on the body. The needles are very thin, so insertion usually causes little discomfort. A typical needle insertion uses 5 to 20 needles.
- Needle manipulation. The practitioner may gently move or rotate the needles after placement.
- Needle removal. In most cases, the needle remains in place for 10 to 15 minutes while the person lies still and relaxed. There is usually no discomfort when the needle is removed.
These therapy sessions can take up to 60 minutes, although some may be much shorter. The number of treatments will depend on the underlying condition and its severity. In general, a person will usually receive 6 to 8 treatments.
After the treatment procedure, some people may feel relaxed and others feel energized. However, not everyone will experience these benefits. If your health condition does not start to improve within a few weeks, acupuncture may not be the right treatment for you.
Acupuncture Points
Acupuncture practitioners believe that a person’s energy flow will be restored to balance if thin needles are inserted at specific points along the meridians. Acupuncture points are mapped into 14 main meridian channels, each with a specific acupuncture point number and meaning, namely:
- Lungs (1).
- Large intestine (20).
- Stomach (45).
- Spleen (21).
- Heart (9).
- Small intestine (19).
- Bladder (67).
- Kidney (27).
- Pericardium (9).
- Triple energizer, which is an organ recognized in Chinese medicine, but not in Western medicine (23).
- Gallbladder (44).
- Heart (14).
- Governing vessel (28, also known as Yang sea ).
- Conception vessel (24, also known as the Yin sea ).
Acupuncture is often used to treat pain, but today, this traditional healing method is also often used for overall health, including stress management.
Risks of Acupuncture
Acupuncture procedures are generally safe and serious problems are rare. However, if not done correctly, acupuncture can cause serious side effects. Here are some of the risks of these side effects:
- Risk of infection due to the use of non-sterile needles.
- There may be pain and minor bleeding or bruising at the needle insertion site.
- At some acupuncture points, needles inserted too deeply can also puncture the lungs, and gallbladder, or cause problems with blood vessels.
- Injury to the central nervous system.
Therefore, make sure you choose a certified, trained acupuncturist who uses sterile needles that are discarded after one use. Also, be aware that acupuncture is not safe for everyone. So, before undergoing treatment, make sure you tell your acupuncturist if you have the following conditions:
- Have a bleeding disorder. Your chances of bleeding or bruising from a needle stick may be increased if you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood thinners.
- Having a pacemaker. Acupuncture, which involves applying mild electrical pulses to needles, has the potential to interfere with the operation of a pacemaker.
- Are pregnant. Some acupuncture points are thought to stimulate labor, which can lead to premature birth.