Whats in a word? Acupuncture is derived from Latin and the literal translation is "needle prick" from "acus" and "pungere." One of the most unique forms of health treatment, the ancient healing art of acupuncture is readily taught in acupuncture schools and oriental medicine schools throughout the world.

To describe acupuncture, one must first get to the root of its historical backdrop. Dating back to as far as 200 BC, acupuncture school apprentices quickly learn that this age-old art parallels the Han dynasty. Earlier than that even, acupuncture is believed to possibly originate almost 4000 years ago based on hieroglyphic findings and stone (bian) and ceramic acupuncture needles, which have been documented throughout the centuries [1]

But what exactly is acupuncture? In general, acupuncture is a holistic healing art that is facilitated to treat the "whole person," rather than just the parts of a person. Traditional acupuncture that is taught at acupuncture schools entails using hair-fine needles made of copper, silver and stainless steel. The "needling" that is administered to patients is done in a specific manner, at specific points of the body. "Acupoints" are based on meridians (energy channels) throughout the body, and are used as a template (imagine a country map with key points) for acupuncture treatment. By inserting these ultra-thin, acupuncture needles at various acupoints of a persons body, the corresponding organs (heart, kidneys, etc.) to the meridians are believed to be positively affected and respond to needle stimulation. Theoretically, the flow of Qi (vital energy force) is ultimately set back into balance so restoration and healing can occur.

For skeptics out there, it is likely that acupuncture may sound like a far-fetched idea for treatment. But if you ask patients who have had a positive outcome from acupuncture, you may just be astonished by the results. Through controlled trials, acupuncture has been proven to be an effective treatment for chemotherapy and radiotherapy side effects; allergies; depression; headaches and migraines; hypertension; musculoskeletal pain; rheumatoid arthritis; stroke [2] and many other health conditions and diseases.

Because of the increased attention that alternative medicine and natural healing arts have received in the last few decades, there has been an expansive growth in acupuncture schools in the United States. Currently, there are roughly fifty (50) schools that are either pending accreditation or have already been accredited by the ACAOM (Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) and the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (CCAOM).

For prospective acupuncturists, an acupuncture school that teaches both acupuncture and oriental medicine is beneficial as it prepares graduates to proficiently administer acupuncture and Chinese Herbal medicine to their patients.

A general acupuncture school curriculum will typically involve, of course, acupuncture; Chinese Herbology; Chinese Tuina; moxibustion; Oriental Medicine; Traditional Chinese Medicine; and other associated fields of study. Additional coursework includes but is not limited to standard lessons in anatomy; pathology; physiology; psychology; neurological and other musculoskeletal disorders; business and practical management; as well as other related classes.

In closing, acupuncture is utilized by professional acupuncturists who have acquired the essential level of quality education, training and clinical internship to attain their Masters in Acupuncture Degree from an accredited acupuncture school.

Does acupuncture really work? That depends on whom you ask. If youre open minded and accepting of a not-so-new healing art that has been proven to be beneficial for thousands of years, then perhaps you may just change your thinking. Still not impressed? Check into an acupuncture community education program or certificate program, and allow an ancient art to be revealed to you.

If you are thinking about enrolling in an Acupuncture School to attain your education in acupuncture, feel free to visit the Natural Healing Directory at SchoolsGalore.com for more information.

References:

1. PBS: Body & Soul with Gail Harris; Ancient Healing Moxibustion
2. Acupuncture.com.au: What Conditions can Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treat?; World Health Organization: Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of Reports on Controlled Clinical Trials 2002

08/29/2006 Acupuncture, What is it and how does it really Work?

By C. Bailey-Lloyd in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc., Managing Organization for SchoolsGalore.com

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