Acupuncture -- an Overview Briefly Term Paper

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The first reference to the practice of acupuncture is found in the 4,700-year-old Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, the oldest medical textbook in the world, which was itself a chronicle of much earlier practices to treat circulation, pulse, and heart-related conditions (Singer, 2007). Acupuncturists can use as many as nine types of needles today, though only six are commonly used. These needles vary in length, width of shaft, and shape of head (Singer, 2007).

Preclinical studies have documented acupuncture's effects, but they have not been able to fully explain how acupuncture works within the framework of the Western system of medicine that is commonly practiced in the United States, as Western medicine does not believe in the concept of energy blockage or ying and yang. Various theories as to acupuncture's efficacy have been proposed, including the theory that it stimulates pain-killing endorphins, encourages the release of neurotransmitters that promote healing of the immune system, that the treatment improves circulation, or that a combination of all of these reactions benefit the immune system and desensitize the perception of pain ("Acupuncture," 2006, NIH).

Discuss potential hazards or cautions regarding the therapy, and describe any licensing, certification, or governmental regulations related to therapy.

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Acupuncture has become increasingly accepted in the mainstream medical community, and many insurance companies even cover the therapy (Trujillo, 2007). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a specific type of acupuncture needle that can only be use by licensed practitioners in 1996. These needles must be sterile and nontoxic needles and labeled for single use by qualified practitioners ("Acupuncture," 2006, NIH). There is always a danger when needles are used in any type of medical procedure, of course, and complications have resulted from inadequate sterilization of needles and from improper delivery of treatments. Practitioners are required by law to use a new set of disposable needles from a sealed package for each patient. They must swab treatment sites with alcohol or another disinfectant before inserting needles. "When not delivered properly, acupuncture can cause serious adverse effects, including infections and punctured organs" ("Acupuncture," 2006, NIH). While the federal government regulates its administration, it is also important for receivers of the treatment to keep a watchful eye upon how the administrator of the treatment operates, and to be mindful of his or her certification and licensure before agreeing to submit to the procedure.

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