Acupuncture in Health Care Described
Acupuncture therapy is a mode of therapy where fine needles are inserted into the body at various points to affect a person’s health. It has been used for thousands of years to help people with both acute and chronic health problems. Acupuncture originated in the far east, most likely China, but has been adopted as a traditional form of therapy by all the surrounding regions including Japan, Korea, and India. Every region has developed their own style and technique. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), acupuncture is only one component of care which also includes cupping, moxa, and various herbs. It is based on the premise that the body has life energy and that there are lines or meridians of energy that run throughout the body on which acupuncture points are found.
In the past century, western scientists having studied these meridians of energy and have noted that many of them follow the major nerves that run through the arms, legs, and spine. Based on the extent of their training most western trained health practitioners that use acupuncture in their practice will use a combination of TCM points and anatomical points while others will stick strictly to common muscle and tendon points. Techniques can range from leaving needles in place for 20-30 minutes to quick in and out needle insertion of trigger points.
Other than needles, acupuncture points can also be stimulated using massage techniques, cupping, and most recently laser therapy.
I find that the public is often confused by the various terms and labels of acupuncture. As mentioned previously TCM is the original mode of health care that use acupuncture. A TCM practitioner has many years of study and are the only ones in Canada who can be referred to as acupuncturists. All other health practitioners use acupuncture as a modality or extra tool in their practice. Their level of acupuncture training may range from a few dozen hours to as many as hundreds of hours. Different schools may choose to use terms such as anatomical acupuncture or medical acupuncture which infer that they are using a western system. Lately I have noted that some western practitioners have adopted the term “dry needling” which I find creates a lot of confusion. Modern day acupuncture uses very thin, almost thread like needles. In fact, they are supported by a plastic tubing so as not to bend while they are inserted. All acupuncture is dry needling. It is not the same type of needle as one that draws blood or gives you an injection of medicine. Those needles are much thicker and in essence are a hollow tube with a knife-like edge. Those needles are examples of wet needling.
In terms of how effective acupuncture is, the results are mixed. There are good studies that show it can have significant effects on pain management. When inserting a needle into an acupuncture point the needle will influence the immediate (local) area, the surrounding tissue (regional) and if inserted into nerves can even effect parts of the body far away (distally) from the needles. By reducing the tension and inflammation of the area the needles help reduce pain, improve function, and speed up healing. The skill and training of the practitioner and their ability to know where to put needles for a particular condition can impact the likelihood of successful treatment.
In a western society that has an overdependence on medications, it is important to highlight conservative health care options. Safe therapies with minimal to no negative side effects, that are nonaddictive and that can do more than just mask that pain. Acupuncture is one of those options that may help improve a person’s quality of life.
James DiGiuseppe is a local chiropractor with a busy family and wellness practice. For more health information or to contact Dr. DiGiuseppe visit: