Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical practice that treats illness
using acupuncture needles.
The practice is based on the theory that illness comes from an imbalance
or blockage of energy in the body. The Chinese call this energy "chi" and
say it flows through the body along various channels or meridians.
Acupuncturists use needles to correct the flow of energy. The needles are
inserted at "acupuncture points," which are specific points along the energy
channels. Acupuncturists believe that when chi is flowing properly, the disease
or pain will disappear.
Before starting treatment, the acupuncturist has to find out what is ailing
the patient. To help make a diagnosis, an acupuncturist starts by taking the
patient's pulse.
"It looks like what a Western doctor or nurse would do, but the doctor
of Chinese medicine will use three fingers on both wrists," says California
acupuncturist Al Stone. "The quality of the pulse will tell us where the problem
is."
Acupuncturists use other tools, too, such as a tongue diagnosis. "The color
of the tongue's body, its coating and its shape all tell us more," Stone explains.
Acupuncturists also look at a patient's complexion, assessing its color and
qualities.
Once a diagnosis is made, needles are inserted into the skin at the appropriate
acupuncture points. The needles are 1.2 to three inches long, flexible, and
no thicker than a human hair. The needlepoint is no larger than a pin. The
needles don't inject anything into the body.
The acupuncturist stimulates the energy point by twisting or rotating the
needle. Running a weak electrical current through the needles is another way
to start the chi flowing.
The World Health Organization (WHO) now lists nearly 50 different illnesses
that may be effectively treated with acupuncture. Acupuncture is used to treat
disorders such as:
- Headaches
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Immune system disorders
- Back, shoulder or knee pain
- Ear infections
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Addiction and hypertension
Other types of traditional Chinese medicine include acupressure. That's
a massage technique that uses the acupuncture points. Another type of medicine
is seven star. It's a light tapping of a body area with a small seven-pointed
hammer.
Acupuncturists usually work alone or with a partner in a medical office
or clinic. These days, they often team up with other practitioners of non-Western
medicine to form one-stop clinics that offer acupuncture, aromatherapy and
other treatments.
Acupuncturists are independent practitioners. They set their own hours
of work. Since acupuncture isn't used as an emergency treatment, acupuncturists
usually have standard office hours. But in order to accommodate patients,
they may work some evenings and weekends.
Acupuncturist Elaine Wolf Komarow considers her hours typical for an acupuncturist.
She works eight-hour days, usually ending around 7:30 p.m. "Many practitioners
choose to work on Saturdays," she adds.
The number of patients an acupuncturist will treat in a day varies.
An acupuncturist must be willing to see patients of all ages. However,
most patients are 30 to 50 years old.
More women than men seek acupuncture treatment. "I treat about twice as
many women as men," says acupuncturist Heidi Mo Hawkins in Washington.
Acupuncture requires strength to give the treatments. It is important that
acupuncturists have steady hands. Other than that, there aren't many physical
requirements that could prevent you from doing this job.
"I'm on my feet a lot, but I think much of what I do could be done sitting
down," says Komarow. She notes that there is a tradition of blind acupuncturists
in Asia.
The number of people visiting acupuncturists is expected to increase as
the practice becomes more accepted by the public. Several leading medical
centers, such as the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, now offer acupuncture. Meanwhile,
modern research is only beginning to understand how acupuncture works.
Concern about rising health-care costs also has more people turning to
alternative medical treatment. "Relatively speaking, acupuncture is less expensive,"
says acupuncturist Alex Feng of California.
Acupuncturists spend a lot of time speaking with people. They have to be
good listeners and enjoy working with people.
Acupuncture is one of many types of traditional Chinese medicine. Most
acupuncturists have learned some other traditional methods. Some practice
them.
Many people are skeptical of acupuncture. If you're interested in acupuncture,
you have to be able to deal with these people.
"I understand them," says Stone. "Eight years ago, I thought acupuncture
was all in the mind."
He has since come to believe in acupuncture. But he says, "It's important
to allow people to have their doubts. It's healthy."