What is acupuncture?
In the philosophy of Acupuncture, which has been developing and existing for 3000 years, humans are accepted as a part of the living universe and it is believed that the universal power that exists in everything also exists in humans. This energy, called "Chi", circulates in the human body through channels called "meridians". If this energy balance, which is perfect in creation, is disrupted or blocked by some internal and external pathogenic factors (stress, trauma, wrong nutrition, heat, cold, wind, etc.), diseases begin to occur. Acupuncture treatment prevents and treats diseases by eliminating the energy circulation obstacle in these channels and maintaining balance.
The human body has a very high self-repair power. There are certain stimulation points in our body that activate this power and these are called acupuncture points. Just as we call certain people by pressing certain numbers on our phone, each acupuncture point has certain functions and organs that it affects. By stimulating these points, the energy circulation in our body is normalized and the disease is eliminated. Thus, the body eliminates the disease with its own innate power, without the need for external medication or any chemical support. Its most important feature is that it has no side effects.
It is not an alternative, but a complement to Western medicine, and there is no doubt that it will quickly become an important part of it. The phrase "the future belongs to energy medicine" is being uttered more and more every day in American and European clinics.
Although acupuncture has its own pulse, tongue and eye evaluations, physical examination and history taking techniques, treatment cannot be started without obtaining the necessary films, examinations and expert consultations depending on the nature of the disease. Acupuncture philosophy addresses the mental, emotional and physical findings of a person together with his soul. It is a holistic approach. The energy currents we mentioned are symbolized in the philosophy of acupuncture by two opposite but harmonious energies in the body called yin and yang. The emblem depicting this is called Taiji (great dilemma). Black symbolizes Yin and white symbolizes Yang. However, there is Yang within Yin, and Yin within Yang. Balancing Yin and Yang leads to normality, and disruption of balance leads to abnormality. Unbalanced Yin and Yang constantly change themselves in search of balance. The acupuncture doctor supports this balance by pricking the relevant points. The aim is to achieve balance, healing and peace.
How is acupuncture applied?
First of all, the patient is evaluated by the acupuncture doctor with a physical examination, detailed history, and acupuncture diagnostic methods (tongue, eye, skin, pulse evaluations). Examinations related to the disease complained of (X-ray, CT, MRI, blood and urine tests, specialist doctor consultations regarding the relevant disease) are evaluated. The diagnosis is made and the treatment method is determined. Regardless of the purpose, it warns the points where treatment is required. Although the most common method is needling, laser, electrical stimulation (electro acupuncture), acupressor (massage), moxa (heat) methods can be applied. The needles used are hair thin and very sharp. Therefore, pain is almost never felt. If there is no obstacle, the application is performed by lying face down or on your back. There are a wide variety of needle uses. The most commonly used sterile steel (disposable) needles. In some cases, gold and silver needles can be used. Generally, following the application of acupuncture needles, the patient remains under treatment for approximately 20 minutes in a quiet room. The duration may increase or decrease depending on the disease and condition.
The number of sessions in acupuncture varies depending on the type and duration of the disease and the age of the patient. While there are problems that can be solved in 2-3 sessions, there are also diseases that may require 40 sessions or more. Permanent needles (ASP) that stay for 7-10 days are more my preference for ear acupuncture. Laser applications may be a priority for pediatric patients, those with needle phobia and very elderly patients.
Although the main acupuncture practice used for 3000 years is body acupuncture, it has been developed by French Dr. Ear acupuncture and other microsystem acupunctures (such as hand, foot, face) developed by Nogier (in whose clinic I have the honor of working) are improving day by day.