Definition, origin, and medical experiments
Acupuncture is the main component of traditional oriental medicine and is an integral part of this medicine. Acupuncture appeared in Asia (China, Korea and Japan, etc.), about 5,000 years ago. Since its inception, it has established and is practiced all over the world. We can say it is a beautiful and empirical medicine, since it is based on accumulated rich experiences and proven by these clinical experiments conducted over 5000 years.
Recognition and Regulation
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes its consistency, its pertinence and its effectiveness. In addition, a list of diseases and conditions known te be effectively treated by acupuncture was published by WHO in 2002.
In Quebec, the practice of acupuncture is regulated by the Order of Acupuncturists of Québec (OAQ) since 1995. This means that only the acupuncturist who is registered with the OAQ has the right to practice in Quebec. Like any professional order, OAQ has the mandate to ensure the regulation and protection of the public.
Features and Benefits
Acupuncture is a natural medicine that can restore health without chemicals or side effects. It is also a preventive and curative medicine which rebalances the different functions of our body. It also allows us to increase the body’s resistance to stress and strengthen our immune system.
Global and holistic approach
Acupuncture is a medicine that gently solves health problems by considering the person as a whole while seeking the underlying cause of imbalance and treat the root. The acupuncturist takes into account the health of the patient as a whole; this is an approach that allows the therapist to treat not only the signs and symptoms of the patient, but also the source of his problem. This is often called the “holistic approach” and the “treatment of not only the branches, but also the root”.
Energy balance or imbalance
Acupuncture is a so-called “energy” medicine because it focuses on the Qi, i.e. the vital energy. This vital energy is flowing with the blood and body fluids in the different parts of the body through “Meridians” which are complex channel circuits. If this energy is flowing, you are fit or healthy; this is often called “energy balance.” On the other hand, the flow of this energy can be slowed or blocked by stress, strong emotions, foods, changes in climate and various environmental factors. The partial or total breakdown in communication between the various parts of the body will cause an “imbalance” from which fatigue, pain and ultimately the health problems will arise.
Acupuncture treatment
The acupuncture treatment is essentially the application of fine needles onto specific points of the body in order to rebalance the energy flow of the patient. At this point, the acupuncture points are used to promote a better flow of energy and to seek the renewal of the “energy balance.” The needles do not contain any chemicals and are very thin, they are sterilized and single use. The treatment itself is not painful and usually generates a pleasant feeling of relaxation.
Course of treatment
The session takes place mainly in three stages: first, the “energy assessment” that corresponds to the diagnosis, then the application of the treatment, and finally time for relaxation. For the “energy assessment”, the acupuncturist will analyze, in a detailed way, the condition or health of the patient. This evaluation is done in four stages: observation, auscultation, palpation and inquest. Taking pulse, observing the tongue, palpation of certain areas of the body and joint evaluation, are very typical and representative tests.
Based on this “energy assessment”, the acupuncturist will be able to determine an appropriate orientation or therapeutic strategy for the patient. The actual treatment follows. Once the patient receives the last needle, he will have a special moment of 20 to 30 minutes, during which he will relax in a very peaceful atmosphere.