Acupuncture is one of the varieties of reflexology and a popular method of alternative medicine. An alternative method of treatment first appeared in China (there acupuncture was called zhen-jiu), then spreading to the whole world. According to the Eastern healers, acting with needles at certain points can affect the living energy of qi.
The benefits of acupuncture at the moment are mixed. The medical community and publications are constantly debating about the effectiveness of unconventional techniques in general and zhen-jiu in particular. The existence of special energy has not been proven by scientists, but the beneficial effect of the procedure on health is obvious. Next, the essence of the method, the positive and negative consequences, acupuncture in Moscow by Chinese doctors, the price of the procedure and patient reviews will be examined.
How did acupuncture appear?
According to historical information, acupuncture has been practiced for more than six thousand years. The first mention of such a method of treatment in written sources arose about two millennia BC, and the oldest acupuncture needles, preserved to this day, date back to the Stone Age.
There is a theory that acupuncture appeared by chance. As if one farmer, suffering from a severe headache, during work in the field hit himself with a hoe, after which the discomfort passed. The peasant told his neighbors about this, so gradually changing, the method developed into a whole doctrine.
China is traditionally considered the place of origin of zhen-jiu, but at the same time, a number of scientific works cite information that a mummy was discovered in the Alps with traces probably left by acupuncture needles. This find has lain in the earth for more than six thousand years. This fact may refute the claim that Asia is the birthplace of the method. It is likely that the Europeans were engaged in healing in this way.
At different stages of history, the benefits of acupuncture have been repeatedly proven and disproved. Chinese rulers in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries tried to ridicule and ban this science.
However, even in the Soviet Union, known for strict morals, the method of acupuncture was used by a manual physician, reflexologist and physiotherapist. The technique was recognized by the Ministry of Health itself, the benefits of acupuncture are recognized, it can be said, at the state level, and in large medical institutions there were even entire departments of acupuncture.
Why does acupuncture work?
According to the ancient sages, any problem in the human body is associated with the incorrect movement of vital energy. To restore proper qi circulation, it is enough to have an effect on certain points - the intersection of channels.
Modern medicine interprets the effectiveness of acupuncture in its own way. Scientists believe that acupuncture points are places of accumulation of a large number of nerve endings, and exposure to them causes the appearance of a certain kind of impulses.
Acupuncture nerve impulses reach the cerebral cortex much faster than their pain counterparts. A positive therapeutic effect is achieved by blocking sites that are excited due to the inflammatory process or other pathology in the body.
In addition, exposure to needles contributes to the activation of the endocrine system and the release of hormones into the blood. Some doctors compare the effects of acupuncture with the use of opium, a potent narcotic that has been used as anesthetic in traditional medicine.
The effect of acupuncture on the brain has been proven by scientists using magnetic resonance imaging. True, they do not deny that acupuncture is just a thoughtful placebo. The latter, in turn, is refuted by the fact that the method has been successfully used in the treatment of children and animals in which the placebo effect is absent.
What is the key to successful treatment?
Effective therapy is possible only if all actions are carried out under the supervision of a highly qualified doctor. It is important to fully trust the specialist and the work that he does, even official medicine speaks of this. But how to understand that the doctor is good?
First, acupuncture needles should not be reusable, even if they are sterile. Otherwise, there is a real risk of contracting a wide range of diseases, including incurable HIV. Do not undergo an acupuncture session immediately before or after a meal.
An important point is a comfortable ambient temperature, it is also not recommended to visit a bathhouse or sauna, spend a long time in the cold before acupuncture. Subcooling will contribute to muscle contraction and vasospasm, which reduces the effect of therapy.
Acupuncture points on the human body
Chinese pediatrician Chen Dan'an identified the main points of acupuncture on the human body. The atlas compiled by him based on the results of his activity includes 664 channels. Acupuncture, according to Chen Dan'an, is a Taoist sacrament that is based on the principles of the yin and yang teachings.
There are fourteen so-called meridians. It is there that the bundles of vital energy converge, and they are also centers of influence on the human body. Such acupuncture points on the human body (the atlas represents their specific location, but you should not engage in therapy yourself) have their own impact zone.
Points of harmony are at the beginning and end of a meridian and affect the integrated work of organs under its influence. At the same time, each beam of energy can be stimulated only in one place, which is responsible for activating the internal energy reserves in the human body.
Diagnosis and treatment of diseases
Calming and troubling points are highlighted. The impact on the first energy beams causes a pleasant sensation and affects the stabilization of the central nervous system. Anxiety points, or mo-points, correspond to internal organs. So, if when pressing on the accumulation of energy, which is responsible for the functional ability, for example, of the liver, painful sensations arise, it can be assumed that the final diagnosis is associated with the pathology of this organ.
There are also acupuncture points (the atlas represents such points), which can be influenced exclusively in the treatment of diseases. The many years of experience of acupuncture specialists prove that this practice not only does not cause complications and side symptoms, but also contributes to the recovery or the onset of a period of persistent remission.
Why is acupuncture needed?
Acupuncture, according to his followers, is a panacea for the treatment of various diseases, and in general contributes to relaxation, increased immunity, general healing and rejuvenation. An acupuncture session allows you to achieve the following results:
- restoration of the central nervous system;
- relieving muscle and vessel spasms;
- elimination of allergic reactions;
- help with gynecological diseases;
- rapid fusion of bones after fractures;
- fight against addictions;
- improvement of the immune system;
- normalization of the pituitary gland;
- anti-inflammatory effect;
- stabilization of metabolism and the circulatory system;
- removal of edema;
- improved appearance (especially skin);
- weight loss.
When is the procedure undesirable?
Despite all the charms of this method, there are those people for whom acupuncture is either undesirable or generally contraindicated. Depending on this symptom, contraindications are relative and absolute.
Relative contraindications are:
- pneumonia;
- severe pregnancy;
- stroke or heart attack (recovery period);
- age under seven years;
- elderly people (over 70);
- physical or mental exhaustion;
- skin lesions in places where the needles will be placed (rashes, scars, moles, redness);
- varicose veins (you can not put needles on the affected areas).
The decision to carry out the procedure in the presence of relative contraindications is made solely by the doctor, because acupuncture in this case can lead to side effects.
Who is contraindicated in acupuncture?
It is forbidden to undergo acupuncture for patients with severe diseases in the active stage: this includes cancer, AIDS, hematological diseases, mental disorders, infections (Botkin's disease, tuberculosis), fever, diseases that require immediate surgical intervention. Acupuncture methods should not be applied to women with pregnancy pathology and infants. The chiropractor does not conduct acupuncture sessions for people under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
What are the side effects?
If you understand what acupuncture is (its benefits and harms for the body should be studied before starting the procedure), then it is worth recalling the side effects. A professional will use only disposable sterile acupuncture needles. A possible problem may be the development of bruises and bruises. At first glance, it seems that this is not a big deal, but such microtraumas can cause injury to nerves, tendons, or blood vessels.
The reason why it is impossible to conduct sessions of this therapy for people with tumors is the possible development of metastases or an increase in existing neoplasms. In patients in a state of depression or nervous breakdown, loss of consciousness is possible. After stress or in a slightly depressed state, acupuncture may cause tinnitus or dizziness.
The occurrence of many such effects largely depends on the professionalism of the doctor and the level of the clinic. A competent master introduces needles only to the required depth and at a certain angle. The seriousness and responsibility with which the doctor approaches the procedure absolutely exclude the occurrence of any problems. And most importantly, the benefits of acupuncture should not cause any doubt in the patient.
What are the acupuncture clinics in Moscow?
In Moscow, there are more than 120 clinics involved in acupuncture, and this is not counting private specialists. The most popular procedure, according to doctors, is acupuncture for a lumbar hernia. Reviews, by the way, are mostly positive here.
Patient opinions about acupuncture sessions are very diverse. There are those who claim that it was acupuncture that saved a person’s life, while others complain of unpleasant side effects.
It is better to conduct sessions in a special medical institution, and not in a dubious office or at home. Acupuncture clinic will solve the problem of patient safety, sterility and professionalism of the doctor. It is better to take the course at a slightly higher cost than to conduct a medical procedure at home with an incomprehensible doctor, albeit of an Asian appearance.
Many patients are interested in acupuncture in Moscow by Chinese doctors. The price of the issue also matters. The most famous clinics providing this service are:
- Hua Xia;
- "Dr. Lee";
- East Clinics;
- Center for Vietnamese Acupuncture;
- "Doctors of China";
- "Free movement";
- SlimKlinik;
- Evenal;
- "Jude Shea."
The cost of pleasure varies from 1000 to 7000 rubles per session.
Why is acupuncture so popular?
Today, acupuncture is quite popular, mainly due to the fact that the method of treatment originates in ancient times, and the means used by doctors are traditional for Asian countries. Many scientists have scientifically proven the effectiveness of acupuncture. Specialists in this industry, in turn, are fully confident in the effectiveness of the methods used in the treatment of a wide range of diseases. In addition, it is important that acupuncture harmonizes the movement of vital energy and promotes relaxation.