Acupuncture is an alternative medical technique where doctors insert thin needles into a patient’s body. They resort to this treatment to alleviate the discomfort and pain of a patient.  In doing so, the doctors aim at restoring the flow of energy known as Qi throughout the body. The procedure releases opioids in the central nervous system, which block the transmission of pain messages.

American College of Acupuncture – A general insight into acupuncture

American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine is an esteemed academic institution in the United States. It confers post-graduate medical degrees to aspirants who want to pursue successful careers in holistic healthcare. The curriculum of this educational institution combines traditional Chinese and modern Western systems of medicine. This is to ensure better diagnosis and cure of a wide variety of diseases. Students graduating from this educational institution become proficient in Herbology, Tui-Na, Qi-Gong, and biomedical science.

A brief history of acupuncture

Experts from the American College of Acupuncture state acupuncture originated in China around 6,000 BCE.  Excavations in many parts of the country have led to the discovery of many sharpened bones and stones. Archaeologists analyzing these artifacts believe they are the first surgical instruments medical practitioners would use in acupuncture treatments. They have also found many ancient manuscripts providing in-depth instructions on how to conduct this procedure. The most important of these medical documents is ‘The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine’ published in the past. Over the next few centuries, acupuncture spread to other neighboring Asian countries like Japan and Korea. During the first half of the 19th century, Ten Rhijne, a European physician, introduced the procedure to Europe and America. Within a few years, it was included in the curriculum in most medical colleges in these countries.

How should patients prepare for their first acupuncture procedure?


Medical practitioners state that acupuncture is effective in the treatment of many diseases. Patients can get instant relief from discomfort and pain symptoms they are currently suffering from. This is only possible when they ensure qualified acupuncturists with adequate experience conduct the procedure. Moreover, they should keep in mind the following points:

  1. Patients should book the consultation and inform the acupuncturist of their current ailments;
  1. They should understand the entire procedure from the acupuncturist including its risk factors;
  1. Patients should never take an acupuncture procedure on an empty stomach as it causes lightheadedness;
  1. They should wear loose clothing throughout the procedure;
  1. They should ensure the acupuncturist unwraps a new set of sterile needles before the procedure;
  1. Patients should see that acupuncturist swaps the target areas with alcohol before inserting needles;
  1. They should lie down calmly throughout the acupuncture procedure; and
  1. They should relax after the treatment as muscles of their bodies need rest.

Experts from the American College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine sum up by saying acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for patients suffering from pain. Practitioners around the world have been performing this procedure for centuries to treat their patients. Even people who are undergoing it for the first time need not worry if they choose a licensed and qualified expert in the procedure.

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