The Fascinating History of Acupuncture

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The Fascinating History of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical technique that has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of conditions. The modern theory and practice of acupuncture is believed to have originated in China and was first mentioned and recorded in documents dating a few hundred years before the Common Era.

Previous to China, there are records from around 6000 BCE of sharpened stones and long sharp bones being used instead of needles for acupuncture treatment. Ötzi the iceman, a spectacularly preserved mummy of a man who lived near the Alps about 5,300 years ago, consumed medicinal herbs and had tattoos that correspond to some well known acupuncture points2. The ancient society of the iceman most likely already had a considerable knowledge about medical treatment.

 

Modern (traditional) acupuncture is believed to have developed out of ancient Chinese philosophy’s dualistic cosmic theory of the yin and the yang, and its use was first recorded around 100 BCE in China, when The Inner Classic of Huang Di (Huangdi Neijing) was published. The book describes the use of acupuncture needles to treat a variety of conditions, including pain, fever, and digestive disorders. The Neijing is considered the authoritative source of acupuncture theory and practice, and it describes the concept of qi (life force), the meridians (energy channels), and the acupoints (specific locations on the body where needles can be inserted). Acupuncture was based on the philosophy of yin and yang, the opposite forces that govern the natural world and the human body. By balancing the yin and yang, acupuncture aimed to restore health and harmony1.

Acupuncture spread from China to Korea in the 6th century AD, then to Japan through medical missionaries, eventually reaching Vietnam and many other parts of Asia.  Its use was documented in France in 1810, and eventually branched out to other parts of Europe and America between the sixteenth to the nineteenth century.

As a medical system it was traditionally preserved by master-disciple relationships, with each generation contributing to an ever-growing body of knowledge, but now is taught in formal educational institutions.  To practice acupuncture today, one has to acquire a 4 year masters degree in the Science of Oriental Medicine.

Today, acupuncture is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, migraines, anxiety, depression, autonomic nervous system disorders, stress and more. If you’re curious if acupuncture can help you, schedule an initial consultation.

Acupuncture and epicondylitis (tennis and golf elbow)

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elbow pain

 

At Boulder East West Acupuncture we treat all musculoskeletal conditions, but tennis (and golf) elbow is one we see quite often.

Tennis elbow is an overuse injury that occurs when tendons (tissues that attach muscles to bones) become overloaded, leading to inflammation, degeneration and potential tearing. It commonly affects tennis players who grip their racquets too tightly. But anyone can develop this painful condition, medically known as lateral epicondylitis. The condition causes pain at the point where the tendon attaches to the epicondyle.

Acupuncture can help with tennis elbow by reducing inflammation and increasing blood flow to the target area, in this case the outside of the elbow and forearm, relieving pain and restoring mobility and strength. It works by decreasing the hypertonicity of the extensor muscles, and allowing more Qi to flow throughout the body. The blocked energy from tennis elbow builds up too much pressure causing ongoing pain and restriction in flexibility²¹.

If you or someone you know is suffering from tennis elbow schedule an initial consultation to discuss a treatment plan with one of our acupuncturists.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 6/5/2023
(1) An Acupuncturist’s Guide to Treating Tennis Elbow | Acupuncture Today. https://acupuncturetoday.com/article/34354-acupuncturists-guide-to-treating-tennis-elbow.
(2) Can Acupuncture Help with Tennis Elbow? Research Says Yes!. https://acupuncturecontinuingeducation.com/acupuncture-for-tennis-elbow.
(3) Acupuncture therapy for tennis elbow: A protocol for… : Medicine. https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/Fulltext/2021/02050/Acupuncture_therapy_for_tennis_elbow__A_protocol.74.aspx.

Some of the benefits of acupuncture

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Here are some reasons why acupuncture can benefit your life:

  1. Acupuncture promotes relaxation.
  2. Acupuncture can help improve sleep.
  3. Acupuncture can boost your energy.
  4. Acupuncture can decrease musculoskeletal pain.
  5. Acupuncture can treat headaches.

These are just a few of the many benefits of acupuncture. If you’re interested in learning more about acupuncture and how it can help you, let us know!

Recover, Rejuvenate, and Repair With Boulder East West Acupuncture

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Boulder East West Acupuncture understands that injuries can happen unexpectedly to athletes of any level, whether they are professionals, college students, high schoolers, or weekend warriors. These injuries can be caused by overuse or traumatic incidents, leading to pain and a disruption of the body’s energy flow, or Qi. Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment option, helping to restore the flow of Qi and promote blood circulation to the injured area. Additionally, herbal medicine may be incorporated into the treatment plan to further alleviate pain.

Acupuncture has a long-standing tradition in Traditional Chinese Medicine of treating pain and reduced function as a disorder of the body’s natural state, with the aim of restoring internal harmony. Recent studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating sports injuries such as strains, sprains, and pain in the neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle, and shin. Furthermore, acupuncture can help enhance athletic performance, providing a competitive edge.

Professional sports teams have increasingly recognized the benefits of acupuncture in aiding injury recovery and resolving overuse injuries. However, athletes of any level can benefit from regular acupuncture treatments. A 2015 study demonstrated that a combination of acupuncture and herbal medicine was highly effective in treating motor impairments in athletes, with an 84% total effective rate.

Acupuncture can also be used preventatively to reduce the risk of injuries before they occur, making it a valuable tool for those training for triathlons, marathons, or engaging in any sports or activities. Consulting with an acupuncturist can be helpful in developing a recovery plan for acute traumatic injuries or preventative measures to keep injuries at bay. Don’t wait, book an appointment with Boulder East West Acupuncture today to get back in balance and back to the activities you love.

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Bring Balance to Your New Year

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New Year’s resolutions can be hard to stick to throughout the year. If you could use some extra motivation to follow your resolutions, acupuncture can help. While you might think of acupuncture as mainly a form of alternative pain relief, it has several other beneficial effects. These are some of the ways that this form of traditional Chinese medicine can help you reach your goals this year.

Reach Target Weight and Stay There

Losing weight is the most common New Year’s Resolution. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can help you reach your goal weight and maintain it by promoting better digestion, smoothing emotions, reducing appetite, improving metabolism, and eliminating food cravings.

Acupuncture has been shown to have an effect on the function of the nervous system, endocrine system, digestive system, food cravings, and metabolism. All of which can help to energize the body, maximize the absorption of nutrients, regulate elimination, control overeating, suppress the appetite, and reduce anxiety.

The beauty of acupuncture is that each treatment is catered to the needs of the individual patient. Acupuncture points on the body will be chosen for overall well-being with the objective of increasing circulation of the blood and calming the nervous system.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are powerful tools for healthy weight loss, by themselves or as a supportive treatment in conjunction with other weight management programs.

Stay Sharp

Your New Year’s resolution may be to learn a new language, take a class at your local college, or pursuing new endeavors. However you choose to exercise your brain, acupuncture can help. Numerous studies suggest that acupuncture can help improve memory, mental clarity, concentration, and cognitive function.

One recently published study shows how acupuncture can be used to treat memory impairment induced by diabetes and cerebral ischemia. Other studies have looked at how acupuncture affects the performance of students during an exam, post-menopausal “brain fog”, Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. All results, thus far, have been positive.

Relieve Pain Naturally

If you have chronic pain that affects your day-to-day life, acupuncture offers a safe and natural type of pain relief. Unlike medications, acupuncture won’t cause adverse reactions or unpleasant side effects. Instead, you get natural and effective pain relief that can ease soreness so you can fully enjoy life. Acupuncture doesn’t hurt, and you don’t have to worry about experiencing lingering side effects. Keep in mind that this form of treatment is also effective for other health issues, including menstruation problems, insomnia, and asthma.

 

Some studies have shown the pain relief it provides can last for months. In addition to reducing pain, acupuncture also hastens the healing process by increasing circulation and attracting white blood cells to an injured area.

Eliminate Stress

Stress reduction is always on the top ten list for New Year’s resolutions and for a good reason. Stress is often the cause of illness and the deterioration of health. Numerous studies have demonstrated the substantial benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of stress, anxiety and lowering blood pressure

You might not be able to get rid of stress entirely, but you can manage everyday stress more effectively with the help of acupuncture. These treatments can reduce stress levels, relieve anxiety, and help you feel healthier overall. Acupuncture can also lower your blood pressure, giving you extra protection from health issues associated with high blood pressure.