Acupuncture is based on the use of needles to influence health.
Acupuncture is a therapeutic technique that is developed from needles that are inserted into certain points on the body. Before delving into the meaning of the term, let's establish its etymological origin. In this sense, we would have to say that it is a word that comes from Latin since it is the result of the union of two words:
- Acus , which is synonymous with "needle" .
- Punctura , which is made up of two parts: punctus , which is the participle of the verb pungere (to prick), and the suffix -ura , which indicates "activity."
What is acupuncture
Acupuncture is part of traditional Chinese medicine . Its goal is to restore the patient's health through the insertion and manipulation of needles into the human body. Due to the lack of scientific evidence that demonstrates its effectiveness, acupuncture is usually included in the group of alternative medicines.
It should be noted, however, that acupuncture points (that is, the points on the body where the needles are inserted) are standardized by the World Health Organization ( WHO ). This entity recognizes acupuncture as an effective means to treat several dozen diseases and disorders . UNESCO , for its part, has declared acupuncture and moxibustion (which uses pressed roots of a plant) as part of the Cultural Heritage of Humanity .
Acupuncture is part of the Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Main advantages
Currently, acupuncture has acquired important relevance throughout the world and that is because thanks to it it is possible to benefit from a significant number of advantages, among which the following stand out:
- It is a great treatment to put an end to stress problems or anxiety disorders.
- It manages to relieve and reduce the pain that certain people suffer. By this we mean headaches, migraines, sprains, arthritis, joint sprains, back problems...
- No less valuable is establishing that acupuncture has also become a good alternative when it comes to recovering more quickly from any ailment.
- This ancient technique also helps improve blood circulation.
- It is used by many people who want to lose weight.
- Likewise, in recent years the number of individuals who have opted for this treatment to quit the harmful habit of smoking has grown.
- Putting an end to insomnia problems is another of the important objectives achieved through acupuncture.
Acupuncture and qi
Eastern philosophy considers the human being as a whole, where its components are interrelated. Vital energy or qi travels through the body through meridians or channels known as king . Traditional acupuncture maintains that there are 361 points on the body's twelve meridians that can be acted upon. By inserting a needle into a specific point on the meridian, acupuncture balances the energy of the organ that governs said meridian.
Acupuncture, therefore, stimulates or drives a depression in the points to rebalance the body's energy , since diseases are considered to be, in this sense, an imbalance of qi.