Abstract
Acupuncture is an complementary form of medicine that has relatively recently become a component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It involves the application of thin needles at specific points throughout the body, although initially, general areas instead of points were used. There are estimated to be about 395 different points that can be utilized, and the technique behind using these points can vary widely between practitioners. In addition to acupuncture points, TCM is said to use meridians or pathways along with qi, or energy flows. In terms of acupunctures’ utility, it has been known to treat a variety of ailments ranging from pain and headaches to sleep disturbances, but it's true benefits continue to be questioned. To date, thousands of studies have been performed in regards to its efficacy with varying conclusions. Once considered to be “pseudomedicine”, this ancient technique has been found to provide long-term benefits for patients with chronic pain. This manuscript aims at providing a brief history of acupuncture and examines studies in favor of its relief of chronic pain.
Highlights
Acupuncture technique and practice was first observed in a two-thousand year old text called the Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Classic on Internal Medicine).[1]
Over time the potential value of acupuncture was observed in myofascial pain syndromes and trigger points, encouraging further research to be conducted in the field
Acupuncture is a form of medicine that has been applied for centuries in the Eastern world
Summary
Acupuncture technique and practice was first observed in a two-thousand year old text called the Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Classic on Internal Medicine).[1]. Chinese philosophy, these two forces act throughout the entire cosmos. An imbalance of the two forces within the body precipitates physical disease or disharmony. When this imbalance occurs, the natural flow of qi, or life force, is hindered. The goal of acupuncture is to restore the normal distribution of yin and yang allowing the qi to once again flow unimpeded.[2] Throughout the centuries, acupuncture gradually became a staple of Chinese therapy alongside diet, massage, moxibustion (heat) and herbs. The National Institute of Health acknowledged the utility of acupuncture for pain relief in 1997, allowing it to enter the conventional medicine sphere. Acupuncture continues to grow today with multiple applications in the realm of pain medicine
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