Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used forms of medicine in the world. Originating in China a few thousand years ago, acupuncture is currently one of the most thoroughly researched, practiced, and respected forms of complementary or alternative medicine available anywhere. Being that it is a whole health care system, the list of things it treats is basically endless. Also, a person does not need to have an ailment in order to benefit from it, as it is wonderful for stress and it also always positively affects the immune system.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, your overall health is determined by the quality of the Qi (energy) which is basically the vital life force that promotes all bodily organs and functions to work well. For example, Qi moves the blood, otherwise the blood will stagnate. Qi flows through what are called meridians or channels, which run along near to nerve pathways. Qi can poetically be described as the breath between heaven and earth, or, it can be described as the electro-magnetic system of the body; imagine a computer circuit board. There are a variety of acupuncture techniques. The filiform needles are as fine as a cat's whisker, and they do not contain any substances at all. They are nothing like a hypodermic needle. Some general categories of things that acupuncture is very helpful for:
Cupping has been a part of Chinese Medicine also for a few thousand years. It relieves aches and pains, improves circulation, and also helps with respiratory and digestive issues. A specialized "cup" is placed onto specific points or areas on the body, and then via suction it draws the skin up into the cups. It doesn't hurt. There are a couple of different methods of cupping. Most common is the stationary placement of the cup, which stays in place for a few minutes. There is also what is called sliding cupping which utilizes oil to first be spread on the area, and then the cup is placed and is slid up and down around the area being worked on. Then there is bleeding cupping in which a point is lanced so as to produce release of stagnant blood or congested fluid. The cup is then placed right over the point to facilitate the release.
Moxibustion (Moxa) is another tool that has been used for a few thousand years. It is made from herbs/plants, most commonly from mugwort. There are a few different methods of moxa therapy, the most common is in the form of a what looks like a big cigarette or cigar. It is lit and either held above an acupuncture point and/or moved back and forth, or a piece is literally stuck onto the handle of the needle so that the heat from the moxa penetrates.
And another (modern day) commonly used tool is electro-acupuncture. Wires from the electro-stim unit are clamped on to the handle of the acupuncture needle. The concept is similar to using a tens-unit with the wires/and pads that are placed on certain areas that are being worked on. Aside from these, there are a number of other tools.
Acupuncture, chinese herbal consults and other dietary and lifestyle recommendations.