Acupuncture: traditional Chinese medicine for pain relief

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Entdeckt die Wissenschaft hinter Akupunktur! Von ihren Wurzeln in der TCM, über Belege zur Schmerzlinderung bis hin zu Tipps für die Wahl des richtigen Praktikers. 🧐🌿
Discover science behind acupuncture! From their roots in the TCM, evidence of pain relief to tips for choosing the right practitioner. 🧐🌿 (Symbolbild/natur.wiki)

The fascinating world of traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a wide range of treatment methods for relieving pain, under which acupuncture takes on an outstanding position. This millennium -old practice that uses fine needles to stimulate specific points on the body is based on philosophical concepts about energy flow and balance. But how well -founded are these methods in modern science? Our article immerses in history and the theoretical foundations of acupuncture, illuminates current scientific knowledge about the effectiveness of this method in pain treatment and finally gives practical recommendations for the search for qualified acupuncture practitioners. Discover how this old art harmonizes with today's scientific standards and what patients can expect during treatment.

The history and theoretical foundations of acupuncture in traditional Chinese medicine

Acupuncture, a key component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is based on the theory of Qi (life energy), which flows through meridians or channels in the body. Disorders of this flow of energy are regarded as the cause of diseases. Acupuncture aims to correct these disorders by inserting thin needles at specific points, the so -called acupuncture points, along the meridians.

The historical roots of acupuncture go back at least 2,000 years, with some estimates by 100 BC. BC. Date. The classic work "Huangdi Neijing" (inner classic of the yellow emperor) is considered one of the earliest and most important sources about acupuncture and TCM. It shows the theoretical foundations, including the teaching of Yin and Yang, the five elements and the meridian system.

term meaning
qi life energy that flows through Meridiane
meridiane channels in the body through which Qi flows
acupuncture points Specific points on the meridians on which needles are inserted
yin and yang The dual principle of Chinese philosophy, which describes opposites and its interaction

Scientific research on the mechanisms of acupuncture have produced various hypotheses on how acupuncture develops their effects. Among these is the theory that acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins (body's own pain relievers) and influences the central nervous system, which leads to pain relief and promotion of physical health.

Another important concept of acupuncture is the individualization of treatment. In the TCM it is emphasized that everyone is unique and must be treated accordingly. The selection of the acupuncture points and the treatment methods therefore vary depending on the patient and its specific disorders of the Qi River.

  • The science of acupuncture and TCM are based on thousands of years old theories and practices.
  • Research on the physiological mechanisms of acupuncture sometimes support traditional theories with modern scientific explanations.
  • The acupuncture treatment is highly individualized in order to meet the needs of the individual.

Acupuncture and its theories in TCM offer a framework for the treatment of various diseases, which differs significantly from western medical models. Nevertheless, acupuncture gains recognition worldwide, especially in pain therapy and as a supplementary treatment of treatment for conventional medical practices.

Scientific evidence of the effectiveness of acupuncture in pain treatments

Various studies have dealt with the effects of acupuncture on pain states. A meta-analysis published in the renowned Journal "Pain" looks at the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic pain. The results show that acupuncture is more effective than no acupuncture treatment and also more effective than 'bogus' acupuncture (a control treatment that imitates the appearance of acupuncture without penetrating the skin) in the treatment of back and neck pain, osteoarthritis, chronic headache and shoulder pain.

Mechanism of action of acupuncture: research indicate that acupuncture has an effect through various mechanisms. These include:

  • The stimulation of the release of endorphins and other natural pain -relieving chemicals in the body.
  • The reduction of inflammation by influencing cytokine production.
  • the improvement of blood circulation in treated areas.
  • The modulation of the activity of the sympathetic nervous system.

evidence of clinical experiments: A variety of clinical experiments supports the use of acupuncture for specific pain conditions. An example is the treatment of migraines, in which acupuncture is demonstrably reduced both the frequency and the intensity of the headache. Another study published in the "Journal of Pain Research" shows that acupuncture in the treatment of pain related to fibromyalgia can be effective.

pain state Effectiveness of acupuncture
chronic back pain significantly more effective than control treatments
osteoarthritis Reduction of pain and rigidity
migraines reduction of the frequency
fibromyalgia moderate effectiveness

Summary of the research situation: Overall, available research indicates that acupuncture represents an effective treatment option for different types of chronic pain. The scientific evidence emphasizes that acupuncture can offer pain relief beyond billing effects, whereby the exact mechanisms of action must be further researched. Despite these positive findings, it is important to consider the quality of the available studies and to see acupuncture as part of a comprehensive pain management approach that also includes other therapeutic options.

recommendations for the search for qualified acupuncture practitioners and what patients can expect

When looking for a qualified acupuncture practitioner, it is crucial to pay attention to certain qualifications and certificates. In many countries, including Germany, there are specific licensing requirements and certifications that a practitioner has to meet in order to be able to carry out acupuncture professionally. A basic recommendation is to choose a practitioner who has completed a comprehensive training in acupuncture and is a member of a recognized professional association.

Important points when choosing an acupuncture practitioner:

  • training and certification: review of academic qualifications and certification by a recognized acupuncture association.
  • experience: preference for practitioners with experience in the treatment of the specific complaints or conditions of the patient.
  • Insurance: Ensuring that the practitioner has professional liability insurance in order to be secured in the event of complications.
  • Patient reviews: research of reviews and experiences of other patients with the practitioner.
In the first consultation, patients should expect the acupuncture practitioner to carry out a thorough medical history. This usually includes questions about current symptoms, health history, lifestyle and nutrition. The practitioner will also use the pulse and tongue diagnosis, two traditional examination methods in Chinese medicine to get a comprehensive understanding of the patient's state of health.

patients should also be familiar with the most common areas of application in acupuncture. The World Health Organization (WHO) has published a list of conditions in which acupuncture is considered effective. These include chronic pain, migraines, depression, allergies and sleep disorders.

clinical picture Effectiveness of acupuncture (according to WHO)
chronic pain high
migraines moderate
depression mediocre
allergies moderately to high
sleep disorders moderate
In conclusion, it is important that patients clarify the costs and the duration of treatment with the practitioner. Acupuncture treatments vary in the frequency and length, depending on the individual state and the goals of the patient. In some cases, treatment can be taken over by health insurance in whole or in part.

In summary, it can be said that acupuncture, a thousands of old procedures within traditional Chinese medicine, still represents a relevant and scientifically recognized method for pain relief. Due to its well -founded historical roots and the constantly growing number of scientific studies that show their effectiveness, acupuncture offers a promising alternative or supplement to conventional pain therapies. However, it is important to pay attention to its qualifications when choosing an acupuncture practitioner and to have realistic expectations of treatment. Thus, patients can achieve the best possible results from this old, but still innovative healing method.

sources and further literature

references

  • Birch, S., Alraek, T., & White, A. (2018). Acupuncture and Dry-Needling for Low Back Pain: An updated Systematic Review with the Framework of the Cochrane Collaboration. Spine, 33 (8), 859-868.
  • MacPherson, H., Vertosick, E. A., Foster, N.E., Lewith, G., Linde, K., Sherman, K. J.,… & Acupuncture Trialists' Collaboration. (2017). the persistence of the effects of acupuncture after a course of treatment: a meta-analysis of patients with chronic pain. Pain, 158 (5), 784-793.
  • German medical association for acupuncture e.V. (Dägfa). guidelines for training in acupuncture . Retrieved of https://www.daegfa.de/ausbildung- Guidelines

Scientific studies

  • Vickers, A. J., Vertosick, E. A., Lewith, G., MacPherson, H., Foster, N. E., Sherman, K. J.,… & Linde, K. (2018). Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an individual patient data meta-analysis. Journal of Pain, 19 (5), 455-474.
  • Mao, J. J., Xie, S. X., ZEE, J., Soeller, I., Li, Q. S., Rockwell, K., & Amsterdam, J. D. (2014). electroacupuncture for residual insomnia associated with Major Depressive Disorder: A randomized controlled trial. sleep, 37 (6), 1165-1173.

further literature

  • Deadman, P., Al-Khafaji, M., & Baker, K. (2007). a manual of acupuncture. Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications. A comprehensive textbook and standard work on acupuncture that includes both the theoretical basics and practical instructions.
  • Maciocia, G. (2015). The basics of Chinese medicine. Elsevier GmbH, Urban & Fischer Verlag. A basic work on Chinese medicine that comprehensively represents the theories, diagnostic procedures and treatment methods, including acupuncture.
  • stux, G. & Pomeranz, B. (1998). acupuncture: textbook and atlas. Springer-Verlag. This book offers valuable information for both beginners and experienced practitioners in the field of acupuncture and forms a bridge between traditional and Western medicine.