The Curative Properties of Acupuncture

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the curative properties of acupuncture. The paper begins by explaining the meridians on the human body and the acupuncture points found on the body. It then describes the theory behind acupuncture. The paper discusses that although preclinical studies have documented the medical effects of acupuncture, they have not been able to explain the method by which acupuncture exerts its effects, at least according to modern Western theories of science and medicine.

From the Paper:

"Acupuncture treatment commenced in China over 2,000 years ago, but only in 1971 was this treatment introduced to Western society. Western practice of acupuncture alludes to a host of procedures which include stimulation of anatomical points on the body via a variety of techniques. Such techniques include stimulation by heated herbs (moxibustion), mild electrical current (electroacupuncture), magnets, manual pressure (acupressure) and low frequency lasers, all of which were adopted from Chinese, Japanese and Korean practices. According to traditional Chinese medicine the body is viewed as a balance of the yin and yang, two opposing yet inseparable forces. Yin embodies the cold, slow and passive principle while yang embodies the hot and active principle. Disease in the body manifests itself when these two forces become imbalanced, thus blocking the flow of qi (vital energy) along "meridians.""

Sample of Sources Used:

• Allais, G., De Lorenzo, C., Quirico, P., Lupi, G., Airola, G., Mana, O., & Benedetto, C. (2003). Non-pharmacological approaches to chronic headaches: transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, lasertherapy and acupuncture in transformed migraine treatment. Journal of Neurological Science, 24(2), 138-142.
• Berman, A., Lundberg, U., Krook, A., & Gyllenhammar C. (2004). Treating drug using prison inmates with auricular acupuncture. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 26(2), 95-102.
• Blitzer, L., Atchison-Nevel, D., & Kenny, M. (2003). Using acupuncture to treat major depressive disorder: a pilot investigation. Clinical Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, 4(4), 144-147.
• Kudriavtsev, A., Vlasik, T., & Yurenev, A. (2003). Curing heart dilation with acupuncture. Clinical Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, 4(1), 38-40.
• Manber, R., Schnyer, R., Allen, J., Rush, J., & Blasey, C. (2004). Acupuncture: a promising treatment for depression during pregnancy. Journal of Affective Disorders, 83(1), 89-100.

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