Acupuncture, as a fundamental part of traditional Chinese medicine, is a thousands-of-years-old treatment method that regulates and balances the flow of energy by stimulating certain points on the body. It has gained popularity in the West in recent times.
The Origin and History of Acupuncture
Acupuncture is derived from the Latin words ‘acus’ (needle) and ‘punctura’ (to pierce). Its history dates back to many years before modern medicine, to the B.C. era. The first acupuncture book was written by Nei King in 200 B.C. Archaeological excavations have uncovered acupuncture needles and depictions from this period. There are also documents indicating that the Uighur Turks and Avicenna used acupuncture. It is known that Hippocrates also used specific points on the auricle in his treatment methods.
(Image:1: Berlin Museum; Uighur inscription-acupuncture map)
How Does Acupuncture Work?
According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture aims to balance a person’s mental, emotional, and physical health by regulating the flow of Qi, known as energy or life force. When the balance of Qi is disrupted, diseases can develop. Qi flows along pathways called ‘meridians’ in the body, and each meridian is associated with a specific organ system. Acupuncture regulates the flow of energy by needling specialized ‘acupuncture points’ on these meridians, thereby promoting the release of natural chemicals. Acupuncture is a complementary treatment method supported by scientific studies, and treatments are typically administered in 8-10 sessions.
* https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24290797/
How is Acupuncture Applied?
During the initial consultation, the patient’s complaints and physical, mental, and emotional status are evaluated. After identifying the problematic meridians, a treatment plan is prepared. During the application, very fine, sterilized single-use needles are inserted into the skin. Alternatively, laser beams, cupping, ear seeds, magnetic balls, thermal, and electrostimulation methods can also be used. The needles are removed after approximately 20-30 minutes. If ear acupuncture is used, seeds or millimetric needles may be left on the skin after the session.
What Conditions Does Acupuncture Treat?
According to a review by the World Health Organization (WHO), conditions for which acupuncture has been found effective include headaches, migraines, fibromyalgia, knee pain, back and neck pain, dental and temporomandibular joint pain, shoulder pain, postoperative pain, allergic rhinitis, asthma, digestive system disorders, nausea, Meniere’s disease, menstrual irregularities, PCOS, shingles, hypertension, depression, anxiety, side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, type 2 diabetes, obesity, addiction, competitive stress, insomnia, infertility, male sexual dysfunction, Raynaud’s syndrome, lactation deficiency, and stroke rehabilitation. Acupuncture should not be applied to individuals with blood clotting disorders, epilepsy patients, newborns, and in specific areas of pregnant women.
Is Any Preparation Required Before Acupuncture?
No special preparation is required before an acupuncture session, but it is important to provide detailed information about your medical history. In Turkey, acupuncture can only be applied by physicians who have graduated from a Faculty of Medicine or Dentistry and received acupuncture training. These physicians are competent to assess your condition and refer you to another doctor if necessary. If you are under the treatment of multiple healthcare professionals, it is recommended to provide information about all your treatments to prevent potential adverse interactions.
How Does the Acupuncture Procedure Take Place?
Acupuncture points can be located in different areas of the body, and sometimes treatment is applied to points distant from the area of complaint. Necessary clothing adjustments are made, and you lie down in a comfortable position on a cushioned table.
Needle Insertion: Single-use, fine needles are used, the risk of infection is low, and they generally cause minimal discomfort. When the needle is inserted, some patients may feel mild pain or tingling, which indicates that the needle has reached the correct point.
Needle Manipulation: After the needles are inserted, they may be gently moved or rotated.
Needle Removal: The needles are removed after 20-30 minutes. Usually, no discomfort is felt during removal, but sometimes mild pain, spot bleeding, or small bruises may occur in sensitive skin.
Post-Procedure
After the session, some patients may feel more energetic or relaxed. Due to the calming effect of acupuncture, some patients may feel drowsy; in this case, it will be safe to rest for a while before driving.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/acupuncture/about/pac-20392763
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/4767-acupuncture
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/acupuncture
https://www.scuhs.edu/front-page-news/atp-acupuncture/
https://www.sportsacupunctureclinic.com/full-list-of-condiitons-treated-with-acupuncture/#WHO
https://holistic-health.org.uk/world-health-organisation-recommends-acupuncture-100-conditions/
