Acupuncture Overland Park was discovered in China for more than 3000 years. It was only introduced in the United States in the 1970’s and because of its effectiveness in treating many kinds of illnesses it also became popular in Canada and Europe. Acupuncture is about the application of reed thin needles into the skin of the patient’s at certain sites in the body and at various depths. Western medicine and science still considers the workings of acupuncture a phenomenon. Nevertheless, acupuncture works for treatment of many ailments and does have therapeutic benefits like mitigation of nausea and pain relief from chemotherapy.
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) states that acupuncture points or acupoints are situated on meridians where chi (life force or vital energy) flows. No empirical proof, scientific or otherwise that meridians or acupuncture points exist and acupuncture remains a debating issue controversial Western scientists and medical doctors. Still, acupuncture has worked over the millennia in spite of the skepticism of some western scientists. In fact, acupuncture is so successful that even the World Health Organization has said that acupuncture is a valid and potent treatment for around 28 health problems. People suffering from migraines or tension headaches have found acupuncture its effectiveness in relieving their symptoms considerably, according to a study done at Munich, Germany. One other study done in Texas discovered that acupuncture treatments given twice a week relieve severe dry mouth symptoms for patients on radiation therapy and chemotherapy for neck and head cancer.
TCM teaches that well-being happens with a relative balance of two opposing but complementary forces of yin-yang. Yin and yang are elements of chi – its dual principles, just like the positive and negative forces are the dual energies comprising electricity. Chi flows through invisible meridians just like blood flows through veins, arteries and capillaries all throughout the body. The body has over 300 acupuncture points where these meridians connect and in turn connect to the various muscles, tissues and organs of the body. These acupuncture points are where the needles are applies with the aims of removing any blockages in the meridians to allow the free and normal flow of chi throughout the body and restoring the body into harmonious balance.
In the West acupuncture, chi, yin yang and other elements of traditional Chinese medicine are explained according to the Western science way of thinking. Acupoints are for Western practitioners, sites where connective tissues, muscles and nerves can be activated. These practitioners believe that the activation by the needles enhances blood flow while also helping trigger the brain to release endorphins; the body’s own natural painkillers. Aside from relieving pain, these endorphins enables to body to feel tranquil and comfortable, which helps the body feel refreshed and rejuvenated after.