Vital Lessons on Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the most popular Chinese medicines practiced today in the west as a form of alternative or complimentary therapy. It was first introduced into Europe in the 1600s, from where it penetrated to North America. Today, acupuncture is widely used for the treatment of chronic and acute pain through out the world. It is also used for the treatment of allergies, infertility and asthma.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture and Skin

Acupuncture is an old therapeutic method that includes both needle and non-needle acupuncture.

Acupuncture and moxibustion

Acupuncture and moxibustion are two therapies that are commonly applied in combination. They have the same therapeutic theory and use the same stimulating points, though the equipment and materials used in the two methods are different. Acupuncture uses needles whereas moxibustion therapy uses heat produced by ignited moxa wool to stimulate certain points of body.

Acupuncture therapy

From a Western medical standpoint, there are over 2000 conditions that acupuncture can treat. The effects of acupuncture have been clinically shown to increase oxygen and blood flow, in order to speed up healing. Also, the hormonal system can be directly stimulated, which can aid in the repair of your body’s cells.

Acupuncture effectively treats acute urticaria, acne, herpes zoster, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, as well as rosacea, pruritus, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma and eczema.

There have been several reports in the medical literature that auricular (acupuncture applied to the ear) and electroacupuncture therapies reduce the symptoms of acne.

Non-surgical facelift


Acupuncture can reduce wrinkling and sagging of skin of the face. According to Chinese medicine, wrinkles and sagging can be a result of weak Qi, or low energy which could be a result of overwork, stress, fatigue, and poor digestion. The meridians of energy that flow towards the face that normally provide a lifting influence become deficient in energy.

By needling certain acupoints on the body, positive energy is stimulated and transmitted throughout the meridian pathways of those points that pass along the face (especially by the eyes and lips) together with oxygen, blood and nutrients, and therefore reducing wrinkles.

By using electro-acupuncture, facial muscle tissues are also stimulated to interlock among themselves and tighten the loosened muscle to achieve face lifting. Acupuncture also stimulates the body metabolism to achieve a healthier and younger looking skins and face.

Modern vs traditional acupuncture Traditional Asian acupuncture is based on correcting imbalances of Qi (the life force), blood fluids, yin and yang. By contrast, modern medical acupuncture is based on the knowledge of neurophysiology and stimulation of different points on the body to alter neuro-endocrine, autonomic and immune function. Modern medical acupuncture sometimes uses electrical currents to stimulate acupuncture points.

Tread with care There is low risk of infection when sterile disposable needles are used. Some patients may have a vasovagal episode during their first few treatments. Acupuncture is not an ideal option for patients who are on anticoagulants, because of the risk of developing hematomas. Serious complications, though extremely rare, include pneumothorax, organ injury and nerve injury.

Caution: If you opt for acupuncture to treat any skin condition, consult a qualified acupuncturist.