What is Acupuncture? A Look at One of the World’s Oldest Forms of Medicine

modern acupuncture

Modern acupuncture treatment is a form of complementary holistic medicine. It has been shown to provide relief for people suffering from a variety of ailments and pains. 

Whether patients are struggling with physical pain or suffering on a mental and spiritual level, acupuncture can help. Acupuncture is one of the world’s oldest effective forms of medicinal treatment. 

Acupuncture has been taught and practiced for many millennia, and it has evolved into what we now call modern acupuncture.

In this article, we are going to look at some of the history, foundational uses, and benefits of acupuncture. Acupuncture is still very popular today and it should be understood why. 

The Basics of Modern Acupuncture

Why do patients seek out acupuncture treatment? With modern medicine and all the latest therapies available, why do more than 10 million people in the United States turn to acupuncture to help them with their pain? To put it simply, it’s time-tested. 

Acupuncture is believed to around 3,000 years old, but it’s difficult to pinpoint (no pun intended) the date when it was first widely practiced. 

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine. The foundational principles behind it are centered on balancing energy and getting your body in alignment. In traditional Chinese culture and medicine, there’s an ancient term “qi,” which represents the life force or energy a person holds within. Acupuncture was first practiced to put this energy back into balance, promoting health and wellbeing. 

Modern acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin sterilized needles into different energy points on your body. A licensed acupuncturist will listen to your symptoms and determine which strategic points on your body the needles would be most effective to create an energy exchange. The goal is to rebalance your body’s energy, and relieve pain in doing so.


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What Is Modern Acupuncture Used To Treat?

With modern medical treatments, instead of prescribing dangerous painkillers, some physicians prescribe acupuncture as a treatment. Patients suffering from nagging or chronic pain issues can find relief with acupuncture treatment. And, it doesn’t involve invasive or chemical-based tactics. 

Some of the pains, conditions, and diseases acupuncture has been used to help alleviate include: 

  • Migraines and tension headaches
  • Arthritis pain 
  • Stress and Anxiety 
  • Depression
  • Allergies

Can Anyone Become An Acupuncturist? 

Becoming a licensed acupuncturist is not a light commitment.  It takes years of dedication, study, and devotion to higher education.

Generally speaking, it takes three years to go through the education and accreditation process to become a certified acupuncturist.

Acupuncture studies consist of a mixture of oriental medical theory and biomedical clinical sciences, with a focus on communications and ethics.

Only those who are passionate and committed will make it through all the hard work and schooling it takes to become an acupuncturist. When seeking treatment, work with certified and licensed acupuncturists. 

Why Work With An Acupuncturist?

In our chiropractic and wellness center, people come to us looking for guidance and help. They’re tired of nagging pain that isn’t going away with pills or DIY fixes. Chiropractic treatment helps people suffering from neck and back pain issues – among other ailments. Acupuncture is great for patients suffering from pains and imbalances that are not going away with traditional treatment alone. 

You work with an acupuncturist for the same reasons you work with a chiropractor. Time-tested, holistic treatments provide results. They’ve been helping people for thousands of years. A modern acupuncturist is approved to carry out ancient treatment for hard-to-treat pains. 

Sometimes the best solution for pain is from a multidisciplinary approach.

Traditional medical diagnosis/treatment is the correct place to start addressing pain. Acupuncture complements modern medical treatment. It applies thousands of years of wisdom to address specific ailments. Acupuncture helps patients find relief for pain that is nagging, resistant, and debilitating. Often times, when other methods fail, acupuncture succeeds. 

Maintaining Your Wellbeing

Keeping a healthy body and mind does not come easy. Your body needs consistent maintenance and upkeep to keep everything in balance. Acupuncture is a tool at your disposal to ensure wellbeing and balance within your body. 
To learn more about acupuncture treatment, please contact us here.