Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice involving inserting thin needles into specific points in the body. It is based on the belief that energy flows through meridians and balancing this energy can treat illnesses. While the mechanisms are not fully understood, acupuncture is thought to stimulate the nervous system and release chemicals that promote healing. It has been found effective for certain conditions like lower back pain and nausea. Risks are generally minor but can include pain, bleeding or fainting. Serious risks are rare with a properly trained practitioner.

1. Acupuncture

2. Introduction
• Acupuncture is a treatment derived from ancient
Chinese medicine in which fine needles are inserted at
certain sites in the body for therapeutic or preventative
purposes.

4. Introduction
• The ancient practice of acupuncture started in China approximately
3000 years ago. The first documentation of acupuncture that
described it as an organized system of diagnosis and treatment is
in The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, which dates
back to 100 BCE
• The first medical description of acupuncture by a European
physician was in about 1680 by Ten Rhijne, who worked for the
East India Company and witnessed acupuncture practice in Japan.

5. Theory
• Traditional acupuncture is based on the belief that an
energy, or "life force", flows through the body in
channels called meridians. This life force is known as
Qi (chee)

6. QI

7. • Traditional beliefs about acupuncture believe that when
Qi does not flow freely through the body, this can cause
illness. They also believe acupuncture can restore the
flow of Qi, and so restore health.

8. Other belief
• Some ancient texts referred to using acupuncture to cause
bleeding, while others mixed the ideas of blood-letting and
spiritual ch'i energy.
• Over time, the focus shifted from blood to the concept of
puncturing specific points on the body, and eventually to
balancing Yin and Yang energies as well.

9. Yin Yang Acupuncture Theory

10. Main idea
• Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the
central nervous system. This, in turn, releases
chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain.
These biochemical changes may stimulate the
body's natural healing abilities and promote
physical and emotional well-being.

11. • There is a range of acupuncture variants which originated in
different philosophies and techniques vary depending on the
country in which it is performed, but can be divided into two
main foundational philosophical applications and approaches
1- Modern standardized form called eight principles
2-Older system that is based on the ancient Daoist wuxing

12. Eight principles

13. Daoist wuxing

14. Needles
• The most common mechanism of stimulation of
acupuncture points employs penetration of the skin by thin
metal needles, which are manipulated manually or the
needle may be further stimulated by electrical stimulation
(electroacupuncture)
• Acupuncture needles are typically made of stainless steel

16. Needling technique
• After taking an appropriate medical
history, the acupuncture practitioner will
begin the insertion of the acupuncture
needles. These needles are inserted into
specific places on the body, which
practitioners call acupuncture points.

17. • The skin is sterilized and needles are
inserted, frequently with a plastic
guide tube. Needles may be
manipulated in various ways,
including spinning, flicking, or moving
up and down relative to the skin.
Since most pain is felt in the
superficial layers of the skin, a quick
insertion of the needle is
recommended
Insertion

18. Insertion
• The needles may be inserted just
under the skin, or deeper so they
reach muscle tissue. Once the
needles are in place, they may be
left in position for a length of time
lasting from a few minutes up to
around 30 minutes.

19. Effect
• According to scientific evidence of NICE (National Institute for Health and Care
Excellence ) that acupuncture works for a small number of other
problems, including neck pain and post-chemotherapy nausea
and vomiting.
• Treatment option for chronic lower back pain, chronic tension-
type headaches

20. Main Mechanisms of Action
• There are three main mechanisms of action:
1- Conduction of electromagnetic signals
2- Activation of opioid systems
3- Changes in brain chemistry sensation, and Involuntary
body functions

21. Conduction of electromagnetic signals
• Stimulating points along these pathways through
acupuncture enables electromagnetic signals to
be relayed at it greater rate than under normal
conditions

22. Activation of opioid systems
• Several types of opioids may be released into the
central nervous system during acupuncture
treatment, thereby reducing pain.

23. Changes in brain chemistry sensation, and Involuntary body functions
• Acupuncture may alter brain chemistry by changing the
release of neurotransmitters and neuro-hormones in a good
way.
• Affect the parts of the central nervous system related to
sensation and involuntary body functions, such as immune
reactions and processes where a person's blood pressure,
blood flow, and body temperature are regulated

24. Contraindication
• Bleeding disorders such as hemophilia, or people taking
medication to prevent blood clotting anticoagulants may not
be able to have acupuncture.
• If patient have a metal allergy or an infection in the area
where needles may be inserted
• Pregnant women

25. Risks and side effects
• Mild, short-lasting side
• pain where the needles puncture the skin
• bleeding
• drowsiness
• feeling sick
• feeling dizzy or faint

26. Risks and side effects
Serious complications from treatment, such as infections or
damage to tissue, are extremely rare
They usually only occur as the result of bad practice, carried out
by an acupuncture practitioner who has not been properly
trained.

27. Risks and side effects
• Other side effects include bacterial infections locally at the
site of needle insertion in the skin and elsewhere in the body.
• Generally, side effects seem to relate to poor hygiene and
training of the acupuncturist.

28. references
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
The NHS website - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
MedicineNet - Health and Medical Information Produced by Doctors
WebMD - Better information. Better health.