Acupuncture in the Western World

Paper Summary:

Practiced for over 2,500 years in China, where it originated, acupuncture is an important part of the holistic system of traditional Chinese medicine. This paper explains that at first, acupuncture caused quite a stir among culturally-biased skeptics in the Western medical community, but over time it has come to be recognized as a legitimate medical technique that should be integrated into standard medical practice for a number of conditions.

From the Paper:

"According to traditional Chinese Medicine, health is achieved through the harmonious balance between the opposing forces of yin (spirit) and yang (blood) (Acupuncture, Medicomm). The attraction between them creates an energy known as qi (pronounced chee) and health is dependent on its proper flow. Imbalances in this natural flow of energy are thought to result in disease. Acupuncture aims to restore health by improving the flow of qi which is thought to flow through the body via fourteen primary meridians or channels. To strengthen the flow of qi, or remove blockages in the meridians, an acupuncturist inserts a number of tiny, sterile, flexible needles just under the skin at specific points along the channels called acupoints. Thousands of acupoints along the meridians are associated with specific internal organs or organ systems."

More papers on Acupuncture in the Western World:

• Descriptive Essay # 106934 : "Acupuncture"
• Comparison Essay # 99220 : "Western and Oriental Gynecology"
• Term Paper # 137027 : "TCM as a Compliment to Western Medical Practices"

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