Traditional Chinese medicine has existed for at least 2,500 years. Consider the human body as a system of energy flows. When these flows are balanced, the body is healthy. Practitioners take the pulse of their patients and examine their tongue to diagnose energy imbalances. In Chinese medicine, pulses can be taken in three positions on each wrist and at three depths in each position.
The disease is not defined by symptoms or by the name of a disease such as "HIV infection." Instead, a practitioner of Chinese medicine will talk about energy imbalances. The …show more content…
Moxa can be placed on the top of acupuncture needles or (rarely) directly on the skin. Moxa is burned to provide penetrating heat. This is called moxibustion.
Round glass cups can be used to create suction on specific points (apply suction cups). The suction stimulates the flow of energy. If the cups are left for a long time these can cause red marks.
Some practitioners use tiny beads or tiny needles stuck in place with the adhesive to keep the pressure at an acupuncture point for a few days.
Some people experience some slight pain, numbness or tingling when the acupuncture needles are inserted. In rare cases people will feel dizzy or nauseated during acupuncture. There may be a drop of blood when a needle is removed. Acupuncture has much less side effects than most Western medications.
You should not go for an acupuncture treatment if you have had any alcoholic beverage within one hour or if you are using any recreational drug.
Be sure your acupuncturist knows if you are pregnant. Some acupuncture points should not be stimulated during