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Health,
both physical and mental is an important aspect of
our lives. When the traditional western sciences do
not have the desired results, then there is an entire
range of alternative therapies. One of these is acupuncture
/ acupressure. This therapy is not in contradiction
to modern day allopathic treatment, but an alternative
and some times complementary therapy, to bring about
a holistic approach in the line of treatment. Acupuncture
is a philosophical approach towards treating both the
body and the mind. “Mind over matter” is the under
lying thrust to obtain positive results.
 Definition
of Acupuncture
The
term acupuncture is derived from the Latin is words
ocus
– meaning needle and pungere meaning to puncture/penetrate.
Acupuncture is an external treatment for internal disorders.
The treatment is carried out by inserting acupuncture
needles at various specific points all over the body.
It is a drugless therapy. It is considered to be both
a science and an art.
History
of Acupuncture
Acupuncture
is supposed to have been originated in India. The reference
of Vedhan or Vyadhan indicates that the term “Soochee
Shastra” means acupuncture and “Soochee Toda” means
to prick or insert a needle. The Buddhist monks carried
this from India, through Nepal to China, where along
with Buddhism, this science was preserved and progressed.
The
history of acupuncture in China dates back to the Neolithic
Era (2500 BC), when stone needles were used in place
of today’s finely manufactured ones. The reign of the
Yellow Emperor of China saw the progression and preservation,
observations and documentation of this drugless therapy.
The
Nei Jing, the Yellow Emperor’s classic treatise on
internal medicine, is the oldest medical book in China,
having been written by numerous medical authors around
475 to 221 BC. The Nei Jing is divided into two parts.
The first part, Su Wen (Essential Questions), is based
on theory while the second part, Ling Shu (Spiritual
Pivot) deals with practical application.
Although
thousands of years old, the book remains the foundation
for the theory and philosophy on which Chinese medicine
was founded. In this ancient text, nine different types
of needles are mentioned as being used for acupuncture
treatments, each one with a different tip and a precise
length and width. These were used for a variety of
conditions from rheumatic diseases to paediatrics.
Acupuncture
rapidly developed in China between 250 and 600 AD with
additional books and charts being written to describe
the channels and points for the treatment of an even
greater number of conditions. Through the centuries,
following the publication of these works, and with
many of the traditions being passed from one generation
to the next, acupuncture practice progressed.
In
the Tang Dynasty (618-907AD) medical academies were
established, and in about 1026 the Classic of the Bronze
Man was created to illustrate the precise courses of
the meridians, and the locations of the points. These
two life- sized bronze figures were used for teaching
and smaller replicas (in other materials) are still
used today for training acupuncturist.
The
Chinese define acupuncture as the art of healing. It
is practically free of side effects commonly encountered
in drug therapy. The most common side effect from acupuncture
is a feeling of deep relaxation and an increased sense
of well being. Acupuncture therefore is a simple, safe,
effective and economical form of therapy.
The
popular explanation offered for the discovery of acupuncture
is a story of a warrior wounded by an arrow. The arrow
was removed, the wound healed, and a disease in an
unrelated part of the body was also cured. An arrow
in the foot relieved headache. The cause and effect
between the punctured points and the diseases it cured
was worked out by observant physician and a series
of points were charted.
Philosophy
of Acupuncture
The
Chinese believe that energy flows through the human
body continuously; a vital motivating force which burns
like fuel all through one’s life. It is called Qi or
Chi, which means the vital energy. The Indian philosophers
call its Prana or Prana Vayu. The Qi is omnipresent
and universal in nature.
According
to the philosophy of acupuncture the Chi flows in channels
or meridians in our body. When there is any obstruction,
impediment or hindrance in the smooth flow of this
energy, there is “dis-ease”. The energy of this internal
circuit cannot be created or eliminated, only transformed
from one place to another. Depletion or reinforcement,
where in balance, maintains growth and health; but
imbalance results in ill health and absence of energy
is death.
The
edifice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was built
on careful clinical observations and presented within
the framework of the all-embracing philosophical concepts
of Yin and Yang. According to the Yin-Yang theory,
the Universe was originally in a state of primordial
chaos without force, form or substance. It then resolved
into the negative (Yin) and the positive (Yang) forcers,
and an order was established. It is therefore said,
that a balance exists in the universe in its normal
state, because Yin and Yang relate to each other in
harmony. Natural disasters like floods, earthquakes,
droughts and volcanic eruptions are brought about by
an imbalance in the Yin and Yang forces. These forces
are constantly interacting with each other. It is in
fact, the dynamic balancing of this duality, which
brings about both equilibrium and change.
This
dynamic concept is the key – stone of the entirety
of Chinese philosophy and of Chinese medicine. Yin
is conceptualised as being cold, dark and female. Yang
is warm, light and male. Yin is passive and signifies
that which is deep and hidden. Yang is active, and
signifies that which is above the surface. Since Yin
and Yang are constantly changing their relationship
to each other, one cannot exist materially or conceptually
without the other. Thus there is no night without day,
no inside without outside, and no virtue without vice.
Yet nothing is absolutely Yin or absolutely Yang. In
every Yin there is always some Yang, in every Yang
there is always some Yin. As man is made out of the
same elements as the Universe, he is subject to the
same laws; the Universe being the macrocosm, man the
microcosm.
Within
our body, Yin and Yang must be in complete balance
before chi can get our vital functions to function
properly. These vital functions which encompass the
whole person are spiritual, mental physical and emotional.
Since “dis-ease”
is caused by the imbalance of Yin and Yang, “homeostasis”
is restored and maintained by needling of selected acupuncture
points. In the process of undergoing acupuncture treatment,
the mind plays a very important part. You think you are
becoming well and so you become. It’s all within oneself,
inside oneself. In order to obtain the very best results,
it is very important that a rapport be established between
the patient and the acupuncturist. The patient needs
to have a very positive and unbiased mind to the line
of treatment. It is not the needle, but the person behind
the needle who initiates the cure. Acupuncturists therefore
prefer being referred to as healers.
How
Acupuncture works
Whether
acupuncture works or not, is no longer the question
today. The only question is how it works. Doctors trained
in the schools of western medicine are sceptical and
cynical about the seemingly lack of scientific explanation.
Allopathy has, for its base, anatomy and physiology.
Acupuncture on the other hand, is rooted in philosophy.
The effects observed on needling are both subjective
and objective.
Subjective
effects could be, slight pain at the site of needling,
an appearance of a peculiar sensation called deqi – a
combination of numbness, heaviness slight soreness,
distension, radiation of one or more of the above sensations.
Objective
effects produced by needling can be listed as: -
a)
Analgesic (Pain relieving) Effect: This is achieved
by raising of the pain threshold. This is the physiological
basis of acupuncture anaesthesia.
b) Sedation: Some people may even fall asleep during
treatment and wake up refreshed. These effects are utilised
in the acupuncture treatment of insomnia, migraine, anxiety,
addictions, mental disorders and behavioural problems.
c) Homeostatic or Regulatory Effect: This means adjustment
of the internal environment of the body towards a state
of normal balance. Very often the same set of points
may be used for treating opposite disorders like high
and low blood pressure, diarrhoea and constipation etc.
d)
Immunity-enhancing Action: Acupuncture contributes
to increasing the body resistance to disease.
e)
Psychological effect: Acupuncture has a calming and
tranquilizing action, apart from mere sedation. A person’s
mind is a warehouse of emotions and is the root cause
of many emotional problems, which sometimes manifest
in various forms.
f)
Motor recovery: Even late cases of motor paralysis
respond well to acupuncture therapy.
Theories
of acupuncture
There
are various theories that explain the mechanism of
acupuncture:
- i.
Neurological theory
- ii.
Humoral theory
- iii.
Traditional Chinese theory
I.
Neurological Theory
a)
Gate Control theory: This theory was formulated in 1965
by Ronald Meltzac of McGill University, Montreal and
Patrick D. Wall of University College, London. According
to them, all pain impulses are controlled, modulated
and modified by a functional gate located in the spinal
cord. Under normal circumstances, this gate stays open,
allowing pain impulses an easy passage. The passage of
pain impulse passes from one end of nerve roots to the
brain instantaneously – that is how the patient feels
the pain.
After
insertion of acupuncture needle a second stream of impulses
is generated, which are non painful in character and
travel faster than the pain impulses. When both these
impulses reach the gate of the spinal cord the immediate
reaction is a closure of the gate causing an elevation
in the pain threshold, so no pain is felt.
b)
Thalamic Integration Theory: This theory was formulated
by Professor Chang, from the Shanghai Institute Of Physiology.
According to this theory, there are four gates, one each
at the spinal cord, brain stem, cerebral cortex and thalamus
that are involved in the inhibitory inter- action between
the different impulses arising from the site of pain
and the point of needle insertion.
c)
Cortical Inhibitory Surround Theory: This theory has
been proposed by scientists from the Soviet Union. They
state that when the body is needled, the focus of excitation
is set up at the point where it is cortically represented.
This action produces inhibition in the surrounding area
to that point, resulting in analgesia in the appropriate
region.
d)
Reflex Theory: Felix Mann from the University College
of London has put forth this theory. He states that if
the internal organ can project its image upon the surface,
the external affection should reflect upon the internal
organs. Acupuncture, he says, acts essentially by means
of simple reflex action called cuteno-visceral reflex.
II.
Humoral Theory
Humoral
theory is based on the various chemical mechanisms involved
in acupuncture.
a)
Shanghai Theory: Although Gate Control Theory is a good
explanation of acupuncture analgesia, it cannot prove
all the therapeutic aspects of acupuncture. Research
in China has proved that when needling is done, some
immune inflammatory reactions take place at the site
of the needling. Substances like histamine, adrenalin,
acetycholin, serotonin, endorphin and some others, which
are found in the human blood stream, are the humoral
factors involved in acupuncture mechanism.
b)
Endorphin Release Theory: Dr Bruce Pomeranz, Professor
of Neurology at Toronto University, explains that the
analgesic effect of acupuncture is due to release of
hormone called endorphin, after needling. Endorphin,
like morphine has the tendency of binding onto the opiate
receptors of pain cells in the brain.
III.
Traditional Chinese Theory
The
Chinese believed that as long as the flow of energy is
free, and Yin and Yang are balanced, the person is healthy.
Obstruction to the flow of energy results in disease,
and by inserting a needle at a particular point, there
is a correction to all irregularities. Energy flows through
meridians or pathways in the body. There are twelve meridians
connect various organs in the body. Each solid organ
(Yin) is connected to a hollow organ (Yang). An imbalance
in one organ is reflected in its coupled organ. There
is an interlacing network, which traverses all over the
body, carrying vital energy to all parts of the body.
This is the basic theory of traditional Chinese medicine.
Thus
what began as a story long ago about an injury to a warrior
by an arrow and subsequent relief from pain in another
part of the body, acupuncture has become popular the
world over during the past few decades. Acupuncture is
one of the most thoroughly researched and documented
alternative medical practices.
An
important factor in promotion of acupuncture in the west
occurred in 1971. A famous American commentator James
Reston was visiting China. He had an acute attack of
appendicitis, which resulted in an emergency surgery.
Two days after the surgery, he was suffering from postoperative
abdominal pain, which was treated by acupuncture – at
points near the knees and elbows. He was surprised by
the level of relief and was instrumental in gathering
tremendous public and profession attention.
Effectiveness
of Acupuncture
Acupuncture
is effective in various disorders, which have been categorised
in three major categories.
I.
Painful
Pain is the main syndrome of this category. This includes
headaches, migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, low backache,
sciatica, arthritis, tennis elbow, cervical spondylosis,
muscular spasms, intercostal neuralgia, dysmenorrhoea,
frozen shoulder etc.
II.
Psychosomatic
This includes insomnia, fatigue, sexual disturbance, gastritis,
constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, stress related
discomforts like anxiety, depression, certain allergies,
certain gynaecological problems, bronchial asthma, addictions,
enuresis, eczema etc.
III.
Musculo – skeletal
This includes facial paralysis, Bell’s palsy, stroke-causing
paralysis of lower upper body, peripheral neuropathies,
etc.
Limitations
or Contraindications of Acupuncture
There
are some disorders, which do not respond to or are adversely
affected by acupuncture. In these conditions, it is advisable
to avoid acupuncture and recommend patient to seek other
course of treatment. The following are the disorders
and conditions, which might not respond effectively to
acupuncture:
1.
Cancer and other malignant diseases -
Acupuncture has no curative effect on malignant disorders.
However, secondary effects such as severe pain, loss of
appetite, mental depression, and lack of sleep can be effectively
and safely managed with acupuncture
2.
Mechanical obstructions -
If there is a mechanical obstruction like a twisted loop
of intestine, severed tendon, or some object is stuck in
the throat, eye, ear etc, these will have to be removed
mechanically.
3.
Clear indications for surgery -
Fractured bone, dislocated joint, a bleeding wound, congenital
defects are some examples where surgery is clearly indicated.
4.
Fulminating infections -
Antibiotics are preferred in such cases. Acupuncture may
be combined with drug therapy to relieve symptoms.
5.
Pregnancy -
In the first trimester and the last trimester of pregnancy,
it is best to avoid acupuncture, as needling may cause
abortion or premature delivery. However, acupuncture is
effective as means of relieving the pain of childbirth
or to carry out a caesarean section.
6.
Drugs -
Patients receiving drug treatment for certain diseases
may suffer complications, due to the over correction of
that condition, by the homeostatic action of needling.
The action of acupuncture and the drug combined together
may cause over-correction.
An
abrupt fall of blood pressure may occur when the patient
is taking medication and also undergoing acupuncture
treatment for high blood pressure. In such cases, the
BP needs to be monitored during the course of the treatment.
In
the case of diabetes, it is possible that a hypoglycaemic
state may occur. This is brought about by a patient taking
acupuncture treatment for some ailment other than diabetes
mellitus and continuing to take antidiabetic medication.
Hence, it is prudent to ensure the medical history of
the patient before onset of any acupuncture treatment.
7.
Haemorrhagic diseases -
In haemorrhagic diseases, non-invasive methods (like laser
therapy) are more useful.
8.
Miscellaneous conditions -
Acupuncture might contra-indicate in case of persons with
the following conditions:
a) Very old patients
b) Debilitated and dying patients
c) Patients under the influence of alcohol.
d) Patients who have just had an intensive emotional experience
or after an immediate period of excitement (Sexual intercourse
included)
e) Patients sweating profusely.
f) Immediately after a hot bath.
The
acupuncturist must use a good judgement in selecting
his or her cases for therapy: good judgement comes with
experience and learning from one’s mistakes and from
other mistakes (A master acupuncturist is one who has
already made all the mistakes!!)
Complications
due to acupuncture
Complications
of acupuncture are called acupuncture accidents. These
can occur from improper technique, lack of skill or failure
to observe certain guidelines.
The following are common complications of acupuncture:
-
1.
Pain on insertion of needle.
Some degree of pain will always occur when points close
to sense organs like the eyes, nose and ears are needled.
However at the majority of other points, needling is relatively
painless, if carried out expertly.
Causes
of pain during needling: -
a. Bad acupuncturist (unskilful insertion)
b. Bad needle (blunt or hooked needle)
c. Bad posture (patient not correctly postured before needling)
d. Bad patient (e.g. tense and anxious patient)
2.
Bleeding
Bleeding sometimes occurs on withdrawal of the needle.
This may be considered as a complication. If bleeding occurs,
massaging the point with a dry cotton swab will stop the
bleeding and seal the wound. Slight bruising at the site
of acupuncture is fairly common and has no dangerous implications.
3.
Fainting
Common causes of fainting are nervous apprehension, tiredness,
hunger, general weakness or painful insertion or excessive
stimulation with the needles. This can be avoided by explaining
the procedure of acupuncture to the patient, to allay his
anxiety, to create a rapport with the patient, to insert
one or two needles only in the first sitting, ensuring
the patient has eaten something before the treatment starts,
making the patient comfortable and relaxed.
4.
The Forgotten Needle
This can occur in a busy clinic, especially in case of
OPD patients coming for acupuncture treatment.
5.
Bent, Broken or Stuck Needle
This can occur due to forcible insertion of the needle
or may be due to the patient changing his posture after
needling. If the broken part is visible above the skin
surface it can be removed by forceps. If it lies at a deeper
level, it will necessitate surgical removal.
6.
Infection
This may occur due to improper hygiene of the acupuncturist,
the needles he uses, the hygiene of the patient. However
due precaution of sterilization and clean surroundings
must be adhered to.
People
have their own apprehensions, information, fear, regarding
any procedure that involves needling. This is a genuine
concern and the acupuncturist has to deal with it.
ACUPRESSURE
One
of the ancillary techniques of acupuncture is acupressure.
Acupressure is the ancient Chinese healing art of using
applied pressure on specific points on the body to relieve
common ailments and discomfort. Acupressure is based
on the same concept of meridians and acu -points as acupuncture,
but fingertip pressure is used rather than needles. The
aim is also the same, to balance the flow of energy or
chi within the meridians, creating healthy functioning
of the internal organs and preventing or curing.
During
treatment, the practitioner determines the correct points
to use in relation to the ailment(s) and then places
gentle pressure on the area(s) using the tips of the
index finger or the thumb, or the edge of the fingernail.
The pressure must be even and is most often applied in
the direction of the flow of the meridian. Some small
rotations may accompany the pressure.
Common
Usage of Acupressure / Acupuncture
A
keen observation of features around us indicates the
usage of acupressure (more common) and acupuncture unconsciously
or sub unconsciously. We have often seen babies who wear
anklets and wristbands around their ankles and wrists.
There are important points of all meridians at the ankles
and wrists and constant pressure by the anklets and wrist.
Bands ensure stimulation of these points regularly and
continuously. Bands around the navel exert pressure on
the points, which help in the digestion, excretion and
the urino – genital organs of the baby.
Massaging
with oil is a form of total acupressure of all points
in the body. The fontanelles (top of the head – the soft
part of the head) of infants are often massaged with
oil, resulting in the baby sleeping well. Here we have
massaged the tranquillising and sedative point of the
body.
The
wooden kadaus – the footwear used by ancient rishis,
saints, constantly exerted pressure on the web between
the big toe and the second toe – a very important point
to control hypertension.
Sitting cross-legged on the floor to have meals, automatically
gave pressure to the points influencing stomach and digestion
– one reason why our grand parents, and to a certain extent
our parents, ate well and had the capacity to digest it
too.
It
has been observed that many tribals wear heavy anklets,
toe rings, bangles, armbands, nose rings, earrings, etc.
Closer observation reveals that all these ornaments serve
some form of acupressure and acupuncture. Given the quality
of food they eat, life style that the tribals have and
the health that they possess, it is an eye opener to
the effect acupressure /acupuncture has on our body (health).
The pressure applied when placing the ‘bindi’ on the
forehead or between the eyebrows-the point is important
for headaches, endocrine disorders, migraine etc.
Auriculotherapy
or the Chinese Ear Acupuncture Therapy. May be defined
as that branch of acupuncture, which makes use of the
external ear to diagnose as well as treat illness. The
external ear is looked upon by the acupuncturist as a ‘switch-board’
for the rest of the body structures.
The
above are a few observations where we find the usage
of acupressure/acupuncture there may be many others in
different parts of the world.
Frequently
Asked Questions
There
are certain frequently asked questions (FAQs) that come
to mind whenever the topic of acupressure/acupuncture
is discussed. Here are some of the FAQs:
1.
What is the difference between acupressure/acupuncture?
The acu- point being the same, acupressure is manual stimulation
of that point by thumb or fingers and acupuncture is needling
the said point.
2.
Where did this originate?
Acupuncture originated in India, but it was carried to
China thro’ Nepal, by the Buddhist monks, and China developed
and documented the science.
3.
What factor determines the response of a patient to acupuncture?
The response of a patient to acupuncture depends on the
severity of the illness, the chronicity of the ill-ness,
the general health, constitution, emotional balance, diet,
lifestyle along with a very open and unbiased receptive
mind to the line of treatment. Mind over matter is the
key to positive results.
4.
How quickly can acupuncture treat on illness?
In this age of “instant gratification”, the “patient” needs
to learn “patience”. The response varies from individual
to individual. Those having good general vitality, children,
less chronic an illness, often respond faster. And as reiterated,
mind plays an important role.
5.
Does acupuncture cure a problem permanently - or provide
temporary relief?
Nothing in life is permanent - except perhaps death. Acupuncture
does provide effective relief in many situations like low
backache, cervical spondylitis, frozen shoulder etc. In
some case it provides symptomatic relief and the patient
might have to take treatment at regular intervals. If the
working disability is reduced and emotional anxiety and
distress is effectively managed, we have more than won
the battle of life.
6.
Is it effective as a single mode of treatment or in conjunction
with other?
This depends on the illness or disease that the patient
is suffering from. In a case of frozen shoulder, a single
mode of treatment is effective.
If a person is suffering from hypertension the drug therapy
and acupuncture therapy will have to be closely monitored.
7.
Does it affect other simultaneous treatment?
It does not after the effect of any other simultaneous
treatment.
8.
Has acupuncture been given formal scientific recognition?
Yes, it has been given scientific recognition by the WHO
and in many countries like Sri Lanka, Australia, UK, USA.
In India, presently, the recognition of acupuncture is
under the active consideration of the govt. The West Bengal
Govt. has already recognised acupuncture in their state.
9.
Which painful conditions can be treated by acupuncture?
Any discomfort where pain is the main syndrome – like –
headaches, migraine, low backache, sciatica, tennis elbow,
cervical, spondylosis, muscular spasms, etc. can be effectively
treated by acupuncture.
10. Can it treat any other condition besides pain?
Yes, it can treat a large number of diseases like – asthma,
sinusitis, constipation, menstrual problems, hypertension,
facial paralysis, vertigo, stress related discomforts like
anxiety, depression, insomnia, certain allergies, addictions,
enuresis etc.
11.
Does acupuncture have side effects?
Ans. Acupuncture has relatively no side effects. The most
common side effect is a feeling of deep relaxation and
an increased sense of well-being.
12.
Is the insertion of needles painful?
Acupuncture needles are very fine, about the size of a
thick hair. They are solid and nothing is injected through
them. Prior to needling, it is very important that the
patient is relaxed and comfortable with the idea of needling.
A rapport between the patient and the acupuncturist is
a absolutely necessary. Insertion of needle causes very
little or no pain.
13.
Is there any bleeding with needles?
Bleeding sometimes occurs on withdrawal of the needle occurs
on withdrawal of the needle. This may be considered a benign
complication and has no dangerous implications.
14.
How often are the needles used in acupuncture changed?
All acupuncturists need to carry out stringent sterilization
procedures. Frequent change of needles is required for
smooth and painless insertion of needles.
15.
What treatments are available for patients who are apprehensive
of needles?
Needless techniques like acupressure, laser acupuncture,
TCNS (transcutaneous neuro-stimulation) are some of the
other treatments available for patients who are apprehensive
of needles.
16.
What role can acupuncture play in childbirth?
Acupuncture has two main effects in childbirth; it can
reduce pain; and it can stimulate the contractions of the
uterus, which help to ensure a healthy delivery. Reduction
of pain without the use of drugs is of special benefit,
especially to the unborn child.
17.
Can acupuncture be used to quit smoking?
Acupuncture treatment helps to reduce or even give up smoking.
It makes the system more sensitive to toxins, and therefore
may make patient feel repulsion to the smoke. The patient
must be committed to quitting smoking as acupuncture treatment
can only help to motivate the addict – it is not a miracle
cure.
18.
Is acupuncture helpful in sleeping problems?
It is important to understand that very often, sleeping
problems are a result of stress. Dependence on sleeping
pills whether physical or psychological can have ill effects
on the patient’s body and mind. Acupuncture can play a
positive role in helping to reduce the drug, while assisting
in regulating the patient’s sleeping pattern. This may
take 4-6 wks.
19.
Is acupuncture effective in emotional problems?
The Chinese philosophy of health defines physical and mental
problems as different manifestations of disharmony. Emotional
imbalances, if untreated may eventually result in physical
symptoms. The emotional imbalances are treated by rebalancing,
removing blockages, and restoring the natural flow of energy
and not by suppressing symptoms with potentially addictive
drugs.
20.
How long does the treatment last?
The duration of treatment is decided by the duration of
the disease. The less chronic an illness, lesser are the
number of sittings.
21.
What are the limitations of acupuncture?
An ‘emergency’ patient needing life saving resuscitation,
surgery, serious infection, any life- threatening condition,
a mechanical obstruction requiring immediate surgery, pregnancy,
a pace- maker in the heart etc are some limitations. In
such conditions, acupuncture would normally be a useful
supplement in improving the final outcome of the sickness,
and curing the residual/chronic component of the sickness.
In the process of living in this fast paced, fast lane
life style, stress in an importance feature, which has
repercussion on both our physical and mental well being
stress, can manifest itself into anxiety, depression, allergies,
certain gynecological problems etc. Today, we all have
to manage time, money, space, finances, resources, relationships,
jobs, and even pain. Effective a management comes with
a positive frame of mind and a positive outlook towards
life.
Acupuncture
and mental health
Mental
health is an area of speciality of acupuncture. It plays
a major role of soothing, sedating and tranquillising
a person’s mind. There are points, which are mood elevators,
which reduce sleep and stimulate appetite and enhance
immunity since acupuncture/ acupressure is based on treating
the complete person without differentiating between the
physical and mental illness. Hence its effectiveness
in treating problems of mental health is immense.
Mental
health is an upcoming area in current research in acupuncture
and its effectiveness. Acupuncture has proved to be effective
in many mental disorders like depression, anxiety-related
disorders, stress disorders, bi -polar disorder etc.
We have tried to compile some resources available on
the Internet in the context of acupuncture and mental
disorders, to illustrate this. These resources have been
attached with this dossier for the reference of the readers.
Compiled
by Daya Patwardhan, with assistance from Madhura Lohokare,
Pune.
Bibliography
 Borwankar,
Dr. Prabha. 1988. ‘Practical Approach to Acupuncture’,
Popular Prakashan Pvt. Ltd., Bombay.
Jayasurya,
Dr. Anton. 1996. ‘Clinical Acupuncture’, B. Jain Publishers
(P) Ltd., New Delhi.
Internet
Resources
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