Acupuncture is a tradition Chinese medical treatment. Its origins are somewhat uncertain, but the earliest recorded example of the practice is circa 200 BC. Acupuncture Denver involves the insertion and manipulation of thin needles into the skin at specific points. Despite its ancient origins, acupuncture is becoming increasingly common in modern times as a form of alternative medicine.
The exact date on which acupuncture was first practiced has been lost to history. Needle-like stone implements dating to the Neolithic have been discovered in China, leading to speculation that some form of acupuncture may have been practiced during the Stone Age. More concrete evidence exists in pictographs from the Shang Dynasty, sometime between 1600 and 1100 BC. The first written description, however, does not surface until roughly 200 BC. Acupuncture spread from China to the surrounding region. Traditions of acupuncture exist in Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and other parts of Asia. Western nations were first introduced to the practice by Portuguese missionaries and traveling Dutch surgeons during the 16th century. In modern times, acupuncture gained its widest exposure in western countries as a result of demonstrations performed during U.S. President Nixon’s visit to China.
Acupuncture Denver, like much of Chinese traditional medicine, attempts to address problems with bodily energy. This energy is known as Chi or Qi, and is related to the Japanese concept of Ki. Within this framework, the free flow of energy along pathways is very important. During an acupuncture treatment, needles are inserted into acupuncture points. The points are believed to be found along important pathways of Chi flow. Once the needle is placed in one of these points, it is manipulated in a manner to clear any blockage of Chi. With the blockage removed, Chi is free to once again flow in an unobstructed way; this is believed to promote health and overall well-being. Further, there are thought to be several different types of Chi. The most recognizable of these are yin and yang. According to traditional Chinese medicine, energy imbalances also cause poor health. Acupuncture Denver, in addition to removing blockages, is thought to play a regulatory role regarding these types of energy.
With the rise of interest in alternative medicine, it is only natural that acupuncture should gain a broader following. This increase in modern interest has led to scientific scrutiny of acupuncture. The results are as yet inconclusive; however there are some findings that are favorable to the practice. Acupuncture is commonly used to treat pain. Findings are mixed on that front; some studies find acupuncture to be beneficial, others show little benefit. However, when used to treat severe nausea and vomiting, for instance in patients undergoing chemotherapy, acupuncture was found to have a beneficial effect. In 2011, a Cochran Review on people undergoing chemotherapy found that those receiving acupuncture treatments vomited fewer times per day than those given either no acupuncture or “fake” acupuncture. Even though the practice arose from traditional folk medicine in China, acupuncture Denver still retains some value as a therapeutic treatment even in modern times.
Alan Smith is an expert on health and wellness. He has been writing articles on acupuncture Denver for several years.