The mechanistic basis of acupuncture Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The mechanistic basis of acupuncture - word ExampleIt originated in China more than 3,000 years ago. It is commonly practiced as a usage treatment in China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. Since 1970s, its popularity has spread world wide (Ernst desktop guide). The procedures in acupuncture invite stimulation of anatomical points called acupuncture points on the body with thin needles by a variety of techniques which come out from manipulation by hands to electrical stimulation. Acupuncture is effective for relieving dental pain, chronic pain in joints (osteoarthritis), chronic back pain, and recurrent headache. Itreduces nausea and vomiting after surgical procedures and chemotherapy. Cancer patients on chemotherapy and radiation treatment, who develop intolerable pain and nausea, may get relief from acupuncture. It also reduces nausea associated with pregnancy (Kaptchuk 374-383). The stay put that is hunting the researchers is that how an unmedicated needle, inserted at a site remot e from its want application can produce desired results. A point on the lower leg produces desired effects on the gastric drop dead and a point on the hand cures headache. It is not fully known as to what is the mechanism of deed behind these effects. Various theories have been put forward by researchers.The term acupuncture is used to exposit a variety of treatments that differ in many important aspects, both theoretical and technical and hence there is difficulty in drawing conclusion from existing literature (Langevin 167-75).According to this theory, both health and illness result from an imbalance of yin and yang. Yin refers to the feminine aspect of life. It is nourishing, lower, cool, deficient, inside, receptive, protective, soft and yielding. Yang refers to the masculine aspect of life. It is considered to be upper, hot, hard, dominant, energetic, dynamic, excessive, immaterial and creative. Wellness is a result of