In-Depth Review of Acupuncture: History & Practice
What is Acupuncture Therapy
Acupuncture therapy is a form of traditional Chinese medicine, having roots that extend deep into human history.
The word “acupuncture” is derived from a combination of the Latin word “acus,” meaning needle, and “punctura,” meaning puncture.
This practice is classified as a form of alternative medicine “that uses needles to treat pain and other maladies” (Mao et al. 22).
Merriam-Webster defines acupuncture as the “practice of inserting fine needles through the skin at specific points, especially to cure disease or relieve pain.”
It is considered “one of the oldest” forms of treatment and has “been in use for well over two” millennia (Kidson 4).
The fundamental core of Chinese ideology pertaining to illness is balance.
The Chinese have traditionally believed that all actions affect (positive or negative) an individual’s life force.
If the life energy is balanced and harmonious within the body, the individual will be healthy.
However, “its disruption can result in malfunction and disease” (Kidson 2).
Acupuncture Origin & History
The first recorded reference to the practice of acupuncture is found in ancient Chinese manuscripts.
Specifically in a medical text titled “Huang Di Nei Jing 305-204 BCE”; or the “Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor” (Vadivelu 337).
The second volume of the text is titled “Ling Shu,”; which roughly translates to “Spiritual Pivot.” This volume focuses on the “meridians, acupuncture points, and acupuncture techniques.”
This text served as the basic clinical foundation for the acupuncture theory (Vadivelu 337).
However, this ancient manuscript does not reference the basics of the practice, such as the exact location of the pressure points.
The book focused on the “esoteric aspects of [acupuncture] theory.” It presumed that the reader had a working knowledge of the fundamentals of the practice (Kidson 5).
Sustained by an ongoing legacy in Chinese tradition, acupuncture has evolved. It has been successfully integrated into the contemporary practice of alternative medicine.
Furthermore, the long lists of supporters of acupuncture were elated as new discoveries gave validity to these forms of therapy.
The scientific community acknowledges ” the meridian system as an integral part of human functioning” (Amaro 43).
The meridian pathways are credited with “control[ling] and coordinat[ing] the electromagnetic system of the body.”
The electromagnetic system, in turn, “controls all other [bodily] systems” (Amaro 43). Through the 12 major meridian pathways, “chi travels through the body as energy currents.”
Additionally, modern technology can now measure the chi energy currents at 8-12 hertz (Ruark 1).
How Does Acupuncture Work
The philosophy behind the practice of acupuncture has been consistent through the ages. It alludes to “restoring the body’s balance so it can heal itself.”
This balance is directed towards the “energy flow or life force, called Chi” (Ruark 1). In the school of Eastern philosophy, Chi “is considered the essence of life.”
It circulates the body through a “network of channels called the meridians that interconnect the various organs” (Vadivelu 341).
The major meridians are also “related to one of the 5 elements recognized in classical Chinese philosophy-earth, wood, water, metal, and fire” (Kidson 53).
The rules that govern the relationships of the natural elements with one another are mimicked by the effects of the meridians on one another.
Acupuncture Meridians
There are twelve major meridians in the human body. The meridians are enjoined to one another by collaterals.
Collaterals can be utilized “to carry excess Chi from one [meridian] that has too much to another that is deficient” (Kidson 35).
In the distant past, the Chinese traced the meridian pathways and located “points along them where the life energy communicates with the surface of the body” (Ruark1).
Overall, there are 618 points found along the twelve major meridian pathways, with 309 points on each side of the body (Kidson 50).
The belief in acupuncture regarding illness “is that internal pathology can be diagnosed and treated using surface evolution and stimulation” of specific points along the meridian pathways (Vadivelu 345).
In a healthy body, the “Chi circulates [freely] around the meridians” in a way that mirrors healthy blood circulation (Kidson 35).
Illness is treated by following those pathways and applying acupuncture to the specific points of interest.
In theory, the stimulation of the specific points reverses the ill-condition to a health-condition by restoring balance (Vadivelu 342).
The Yin & Yang Principles
In Eastern traditions, it’s believed that illness and pain “result from blockage or stagnation of the normal” circulation of Chi in the affected body region(s) (Kelly 482).
This abstraction to the optimal energy flow creates an imbalance between the bodies governing Yin/Yang principles.
Acupuncture aims to restore the equilibrium between the Yin/Yang Principle by reinstating the normal flow of the Chi energy (Kelly 483).
In eastern philosophies ( e.g., Confucianism), The Yin and the Yang are opposite forces that complement and balance one another.
The Yin is attributed to femininity and is “associated with cold, darkness…stagnation, and passiveness”.
The Yang, on the other hand, is “associated with heat, brightness, masculin[ity] … and aggression” (Vadivelu 340).
The assignment of positive elements of the Yang principle to masculinity is a “Dirkheimian” reflection of the virtuous patrilineal descent in Eastern societies.
In addition, the Yin-Yang, male-female principle, found in almost all eastern cultures, mirrors the dualistic concept of other unrelated societies.
For example, throughout the belief systems of various indigenous peoples, such as the Native American Navajos, the same dualistic principle of both nature and health can be observed.
The similarities between the traditional Navajo belief system and eastern philosophies are uncanny.
They extend beyond just the parallels between their dualistic ideologies and perceptions of life.
The eastern idea of promoting a balance between the Yin and Yang regarding health reflects what the Navajo refer to as “Hazho.” Meaning; to live life in balance and harmony.
Based on the views of the Navajo, to be healthy is to walk in beauty.
And to be completely harmonious with people and the natural world.
In addition, the essence of the traditional Navajo healing ceremonies, such as the majestic sand paintings, attempts to treat the cause of the illness by theoretically restoring the lost balance.
The fundamental tenants of many Native American forms of treatment are eerily similar to traditional Chinese medicine, such as acupuncture.
Benefits of Acupuncture
According to published reports, acupuncture therapy can treat individuals who suffer “low back pain, neck pain, chronic idiopathic or tension headache, migraine, and knee osteoarthritis” (Kelly 482).
In addition, acupuncture practitioners are also adamant regarding its success as a treatment for addiction (smoking, drugs, etc.) and weight loss.
Consistent with other ethnomedical practices, acupuncture attempts to identify the source of the illness, treating its cause and not the symptoms.
Acupuncture Needles
The core of my initial hesitation to consent to acupuncture treatment was my reluctance to be stabbed repeatedly by a semi-stranger with infectious needles.
My fears were alleviated when my acupuncturist assured me that by law, he and other practitioners are mandated to use only “FDA-approved syringes.”
These syringes are disposable and are designed explicitly for acupuncture treatment.
In addition, it’s a requirement that before skin penetration, the designated treatment areas of the body are thoroughly sterilized with alcohol swabs.
Unlike the traditional needles used by medical physicians, the needles for acupuncture are not hollow and sometimes employ a guide- tube that allows for precision and smooth insertion.
The guide tube containing the needle inside is placed upon the insertion point.
After this, the therapist flicks the exposed needle head, inserting the tip into the body.
Once the tube is removed, the desired depth and stimulation are achieved by twisting the needle into place.
However, not all acupuncturists employ a guide tube. Those with vast experience, like my acupuncturist, don’t require such assistance from modern gadgets.
The depth of the needle insertion varies from individual to individual and from illness to illness (average 3-4 mm).
After inserting needles into their proper points, the therapist will determine how long they should remain.
Depending on the treatment, needles might be removed from specific points at different intervals and applied to different regional points.
The western influence on acupuncture is not limited to fancy needles and guide-tube alone.
Modern inventions such as specially designed “lasers” are being employed in meridian therapies to “stimulate the points” (Kidson 3).
The needles absorb and transfer the energy from the laser beam through the meridian pathways restoring the body’s balance much faster than the needles alone.
After the designated time has lapsed, the needles are removed.
The shallow insertions are picked off very quickly, while the deeper ones must be removed carefully to prevent any damage to blood vessels, organs, muscles…etc.
Does Acupuncture Work
Now, you may be asking! This is all good and well, but does acupuncture work?
Throughout my research, modern acupuncture practitioners insist that the effectiveness of the treatment is undeniable.
One practitioner suggested to me over the phone that those individuals who don’t respond to acupuncture treatment are usually those who are “not ideal candidates” to begin with.
My acupuncturist also supported this notion.
However, research statistics indicate that there is little to no evidence of the effectiveness of acupuncture from person to person.
The “response expectancy’” to acupuncture therapy is attributed to “one of the central variables in the placebo” effect (Mao et al. 24).
I only include the latter to demonstrate the other side of the spectrum as it applies to the effectiveness of acupuncture.
The evidence that points to the contrary (i.e., acupuncture is effective) is overwhelming.
Additionally, the impact of personal beliefs and disposition plays a significant role in the recovery process of both physical and psychological pathologies.
A fact that is well-established and substantiated by science and empirical data.
Personal Acupuncture Experience
The first step of modern acupuncture treatment is to take a detailed and accurate account of the patient’s medical history and perform the appropriate diagnostic tests.
If it is determined that the cause is serious, x-rays may be required.
For example, for patients like myself being treated for back pain, or similar maladies, an x-ray of the problematic region of the body is recommended.
My acupuncturist informed me that the purpose of the x-ray is to determine “if the cause is structural” (such as fractured spinal vertebrae).
In such cases, the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy will be “little to none,”; considering that the stagnation or blockage of the Chi energy does not cause the malady.
Due to my long history of lower back pain resulting from a sporting accident, I’ve received various biomedical treatments in addition to chiropractic therapy over the years.
For the most part, previous treatments had been ineffective. Acupuncturists have long touted the effectiveness of the practice as a method for alleviating back pain.
Thus I was prompted to choose this form of ethnomedicine to do my research on.
I made an appointment with a local chiropractic/acupuncture practice with good online reviews.
My acupuncturist was a middle-aged Vietnamese gentleman in his early fifties. He was a licensed chiropractor.
As a firm believer and supporter of eastern alternative medicine, he’s also been a licensed practitioner of acupuncture therapy for the past 11 years.
He was very accommodating to my situation regarding my treatment and my research project.
He was more than happy to answer the variety of questions I had and did a good job easing my concerns.
My therapy began as I was led into a small white room that projected a hint of a scented candle and mild incense smoke.
There was a flat table-like bed placed in the middle of the room. The acupuncturist informed me that my back problem was most likely attributed to my spinal meridian – the “Governing Vessel.”
The “disruption of which … [is]…associated with back pain and headaches” (Kidson 50). The first course of action was a spine adjustment and alignment.
I was instructed to undress from the waist up and lie on my stomach.
The purpose of this procedure, which seemed chiropractic in nature, was to remove the “obstructions in the spinal meridian” that disrupted the flow of my life energy (chi).
After the completion of this phase of the treatment, which involved a pretty decent massage, petite and thin 38 gauge needles were used and methodically placed at crucial points in my problematic back regions.
Does Acupuncture Hurt
Approximately a dozen needles were inserted into my back and various points, about 2-3 mm depth.
The initial insertions did not yield any pain but a slight sting.
However, when the acupuncturist was adjusting the needles to their desired depth, the needles near the center of my lower back produced an annoying discomfort; but I can’t call it pain.
After the needles were in place, my acupuncturist informed me that he could provide an “electrical charge to enhance the stimulation” to the meridian pathways.
To complement moxibustion, a method still employed today which involves the stimulation of “acupuncture points … by [applying] heat” (Kidson 6), additional stimulation methods have been developed.
The list includes practices such as “electroacupuncture, laser, and hydro-injection” (Vadivelu 345).
I refused this course of treatment and insisted on just sticking to the needling alone.
I thought the touch of modern technology applied to this 2000-year-old form of healing would defeat the purpose of what I perceived to be an archaic experience.
My acupuncturist, however, conveyed that in modern practice, “additional stimulation” is commonly applied during acupuncture therapy.
I was told to relax for the next 20 – 30 minutes while the needles performed their “healing magic.”
The wait and the entire process, in general, were pretty painless, and I even managed to get a couple of minutes of shuteye.
After 20 minutes, the needles were removed carefully, one by one, and without discomfort.
At the beginning of my session, I was told that minor bleeding might result from some of the insertions.
This was not the case for me; I felt virtually no pain and no bleeding.
Acupuncture Side Effects
After I left the facility, there was no after-pain resulting from the therapy; surprisingly, I felt refreshed and clear-headed.
Some minor side effects, reported by others, “include bleeding, irritation, and bruising at insertion locations.”
Some severe consequences of acupuncture therapy include “injury to internal organs, internal or excessive bleeding, damage to the nerves, dermatitis, and Hepatitis.”
Nonetheless, such cases are rare and usually result from unsanitary needles or the practitioner’s lack of experience.
The needle insertions are not deep enough to cause severe damage for most treatments.
Conclusion
Overall this ancient and alternative form of healing was a memorable experience.
Since it might be too early to feel the effects of a single therapy session, I will refrain from drawing significant conclusions.
After all, I was told repeatedly by various practitioners, including my own, that the success of acupuncture treatment does not rest in a single treatment.
However, my favorable disposition towards the practice has been significantly strengthened for the final analysis regarding the overall effectiveness of acupuncture.
References
Amaro, John. “A Simple, Easy-to-Understand Explanation of Acupuncture.” Dynamic Chiropractic24. 22 (2006): 43, 49. Print.
Finkler, Kaja. “Sacred Healing and Biomedicine Compared.” Medical Anthropology Quarterly
8.2 (1994): 178-197. Print.
Kelly, Robert B. “Acupuncture for Pain.” American Family Physician 80.5 (2009): 481-484. Print.
Kidson, Ruth. Acupuncture for Everyone. Rochester: Healing Arts Press, 2000. Print.
Mao, Jun J, et al. “Uncovering the Expectancy Effect: the Validation of the Acupuncture expectancy scale.” Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine 16.6 (2010): 22-27. Print.
Moro, Pamela A, and James E. Myers. Magic Witchcraft and Religion. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2010. Print.
Ruark, Lou. “Acupuncture Acceptance Growing // Tulsans Find Treatments Aid Variety of Ailments: [FINAL HOME EDITION].” Tulsa World [Tulsa, OK] 10 Mar.1996: D.1. Print
Vadivelu, Nalini, et al. Essentials of Pain Management. New York: Springer, 2011. Print.
