Acupuncture

Philosophy of Acupuncture

Part of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is used to promote health and to maintain the balance of yin (cold, slow, passive principle) and yang (hot, excited principle). Acupuncture is practiced using a variety of techniques to stimulate specific points on the body and unblock the flow of energy (qi) along the body's meridians and, thus, achieve balance.

Practitioners and Practice of Acupuncture

Although the stimulation of specific body points can be practiced in several different ways, the most common acupuncture technique involves the use of thin, solid, stainless steel needles of varying length and gauge, placed at specific body points along the meridians. These needles may be stimulated by movement or by electrical current. The needles themselves are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are required to be sterile, nontoxic, single use, and used by a licensed practitioner. Another commonly used method of stimulating the body is acupressure, in which the specific body points receive manual manipulation with the therapist's hands and fingers instead of needles.

Although acupuncture practitioners can come from several different professional bases, most states require a license of some kind, although the requirements for attainment of that license (i.e., the specific training) may vary. Although it may seem harmless, potentially dangerous side effects of acupuncture, if performed by an untrained practitioner, include infection and punctured organs. Licensed acupuncturists are those who have studied for 3 or more years in an Oriental college of medicine. Chiropractors can practice acupuncture, provided they have received additional training in acupuncture. Physicians and dentists can also add acupuncture to their practice [Page 17]if they obtain additional training in acupuncture, although the length of required training varies by state, to a maximum of 300 hours. Physicians may also become board certified in acupuncture by the American Board of Medical Acupuncture.

Like other health care visits, acupuncture visits follow a certain format. Typical acupuncture sessions include a discussion of the individual's medical history (e.g., medical conditions, menstrual cycle, eating and sleeping habits), as well as an examination of the patient's posture and mental state (e.g., tone of voice, emotional stress). Sessions can vary in length, although once the needles are in, they usually last from 20 to 30 minutes. Though acupuncture can be used alone, sessions are often accompanied by the use of Chinese herbs, often in the form of an infusion (tea). Many sessions may conclude with recommendations for some lifestyle changes (e.g., change in diet, physical activity).

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