Acupuncture therapy is a form of traditional Chinese medicine whose origins goes back for over thousands of years. Acupuncture therapy is based on Taoist spiritual philosophies, which believe that human body is comprised of a constant flow of spiritual energy called qi (chee), and that we can naturally heal ourselves by properly channeling this force. Acupuncture is accomplished by inserting specially created needles into specific meridian points of the body which unblock any negatice qi. This results in the desired beneficial and healing effects. Acupuncture is increasingly used for pain management, an alternative therapy for chronic fatigue and is even used to combat drug addiction.
Acupuncture methodologies found their way to Europe and the United States in the early 1900s. They have been gaining acceptance over the years. Acupuncture first became mainstream in France and then spread through other European countries. Acupuncture became more acceptable in the United States during the 1970s after President Nixon’s detente with China.
One widespread use of this acupuncture treatment is for the alleviation of arthritic symptoms. Acupuncture is becoming more popular as a non-pharmaceutical treatment for arthritis. Acupuncture may provide a substitute for analgesic drugs, which may have addictive properties and may cause unwanted side effects. The philosophy behind using acupuncture to treat arthritis is that arthritis is caused by blockages of the qi energy, the life-force of the body. Precisely placed needles are used to release these blockages, thus giving relief to the painful symptoms.
Acupuncture has been found to be very beneficial in the treatment for chronic fatigue. Acupuncture does this by releasing the flow of qi energy. This generate a positive aura of energy that flows through and around the body. Your body can then use this newfound energy, regenerate the cells and bringing about clarity to the mind.
Acupuncture has also been used as a successful treatment for addiction. It has been used to help smokers stop smoking, to help alcoholics quit drinking, and has even been successful for heroin users! This is because the change in qi energy can result in subtle changes the brain chemistry that control addictive behavior.
The current popularity of acupuncture techniques, suggests that it will remain a preferred natural treatment for addiction, fatigue and pain. In my opinion, acupuncture is a miracle treatment, with almost no side effects, which will continue to remain popular in the coming years.
Keith Ferris has been practicing and teaching acupuncture in Bristol, England since the 1980s.
- Keith Ferris