One of the most interesting aspects of acupuncture is its history. According to the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP), acupuncture is a therapeutic technique used by a variety of physiotherapists to help manage pain and inflammation. It has been rooted in China for more than 2000 years, and in the 1970s it began to be used as a complementary treatment option in Western medicine.
Based on traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is considered a technique used to balance the flow of energy, known as chi, which is said to flow through pathways (meridians) throughout the body. Acupuncture as described by Chinese medicine is not related to modern medical standards, but is based on ancient healing philosophy.
In contrast, Western acupuncture is based on the principles of modern science taking into account scientifically documented neurophysiological changes in the body and its action has been proven for specific conditions through extensive research. It is based on the basic sciences of anatomy, physiology and pathology and is an extremely safe technique when performed by health professionals trained in acupuncture.
Acupuncture in practice
Acupuncture is a safe therapeutic technique when performed by trained health professionals. The needles used by the physiotherapist are sterile and discarded after one use.
- Acupuncture involves the insertion of a special, thin, sterile needle into specific points of the body, called acupuncture points
- The fitting is easy and painless and is always carried out by an experienced and technically trained healthcare professional
- Acupuncture points are cleaned with cotton wool and clean alcohol or antiseptic before needle insertion
- The depth of needle insertion depends on the body area and the body type of the person
- The frequency of the treatment is 2-3 times/week and the total number of sessions required will vary depending on the pathology
- There are various acupuncture application techniques such as electro-acupuncture, auricular acupuncture, dry needle method and the appropriate technique or combination of these is selected based on an individualized protocol for each patient.
- Acupuncture can be used as a single treatment, but the combination with other therapeutic means brings better and more immediate results
