With the development of medical science and a lot of scientific research, now various therapeutic methods can be chosen, one of which is Medical Acupuncture. Medical Acupuncture is a branch of medical science that stimulates acupuncture points throughout the body using medical sciences such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, biochemistry, and so on. The goals of Medical Acupuncture include the maintenance of health, prevention, treatment and recovery of disease. Acupuncture has been practiced in China since more than 5000 years ago in the form of classical/traditional acupuncture, which is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In the 1970s Medical Acupuncture began to be developed and is quite popular in America and Europe. In 1991 the World Health Organization (WHO) has approved acupuncture to be applied as a method of treatment in the health system of each member country. In contrast to classical/traditional acupuncture which is based on ancient Chinese philosophy such as yin yang theory, wuxing theory (5 elements), zang fu organs, and so on, medical acupuncture is based on Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) or evidence-based medical science from research.
What are acupuncture points?
Acupuncture points are points on the surface of the body that are sensitive to stimulation, have lower electrical resistance, and higher nerve tissue density. The parts of the body that are usually treated with acupuncture are the scalp, earlobes, face, trunk area, upper and lower limbs. Selection of acupuncture points by a competent doctor is carried out as needed, based on the desired effect by considering various risk factors.
Various modalities of medical acupuncture
- Manual acupuncture (stimulation of acupuncture points using special acupuncture needles)
- Electroacupuncture (the needle that was inserted earlier is supplied with low voltage electricity from an electrostimulator device)
- Thermoacupuncture (stimulation using heating with a heating lamp or moksa directed to the acupuncture point in question)
- Aquapuncture (stimulation of acupuncture points using a liquid injected into the points in question)
- Threadlifting (stimulation of acupuncture points inserts threads, which are self-absorbable by the body, into the acupuncture points)
- Laserpuncture (stimulation of acupuncture points using laser light, without discomfort)
- Sonopuncture (stimulation of acupuncture points using ultrasound waves)
What happens in the body during acupuncture?
Acupuncture will have certain effects on acupuncture points and other parts of the body that are interconnected through the spinal cord to the brain to achieve homeostasis, namely the balance of the body's metabolic system.
What are the advantages of acupuncture?
The action is simple, the patient is free from drug side effects because acupuncture does not use drugs, and the desired therapeutic effect can last a long time (long term). Acupuncture can also be accompanied by treatment from other specialist doctors. As a support for therapy, if acupuncture is used together with drugs, it can reduce the side effects of drugs that may arise, and support the work of drugs more effectively and efficiently, and can reduce the recurrence rate of the patient's disease.
Is this action safe?
It is safe, if it is performed by an experienced medical acupuncture specialist and also because the acupuncture needles used are very thin (only a quarter of the diameter of a sewing needle, much thinner than a syringe), the needles are sterile, throw it away immediately, and minimal side effects. Acupuncture is also safe for babies to the elderly, men and women, even women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, and have menopause.
What diseases / health problems can acupuncture treat?
Apart from playing a role in slimming programs and beauty efforts (aesthetics), it turns out that the benefits of acupuncture are very broad. Acupuncture can relieve various pains, including menstrual pain, facial pain, migraines, and others to pain from herpes infections. Can overcome one-sided facial paralysis (Bell's palsy) or paralysis due to stroke. Relieve digestive tract dysfunction, impaired function of female and male reproductive and sexual organs, as well as pregnancy programs, support insemination programs, IVF, and so on. Can overcome allergic conditions such as: asthma, eczema, colds due to allergies and hives, reduce dependence on alcohol, psychotropic drugs, cigarettes, and so on. Play a role in metabolic disorders such as: high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and high uric acid. Simply put, acupuncture has benefits for almost all cases other than those that acupuncture cannot, namely emergency cases and cases that require surgery.
Are there any side effects?
However, every therapy has risks and side effects, as well as acupuncture therapy. The lightest is that the skin turns blue at the puncture site because there are small blood vessels under the skin that are broken. Not all puncture marks will turn blue, for example if there are 10 acupuncture points that are punctured, only a maximum of 1 to 2 points will bleed or not even at all. In addition, there may be some discomfort when the needle penetrates the skin which is relieved immediately. While serious side effects, such as punctured internal organs, may occur if acupuncture is performed by those who are not competent, however, the risk is very small if it is performed by a medical acupuncture specialist.
What is the duration of therapy?
To achieve optimal results, acupuncture is generally done 2-3 times per week, depending on each case.
Article written by dr. Freddy Julianto, Sp.Ak, MM (Acupuncture Specialist at EMC Pulomas Hospital).