| Brief History of Acupuncture |
Acupuncture is one of the oldest and widely used traditional medical modalities in the world. It originated in China approximately 3,000 years ago. It has become more widespread and popular as a treatment modality because it is more cost effective and has the least amount of side effects.
Recent findings of “Otzi”a 5,000 year old mummy, found in the Alps, have identified over 50 tattoos on his body. Some of the drawings on his body corresponded to traditional Acupuncture points indicating that he was suffering from disease and was being treated with Acupuncture. This European evidence suggests that Acupuncture was practiced not only in China but also in Eurasia during the early “bronze age”. Some hieroglyphics that have been found dating back to 1,000 BC, may indicate early use of Acupuncture. People used sharp pointed stones, fish bones and bamboo sticks as needles.
Modern Acupuncture
It is a continuation of old traditional Acupuncture with the use of disposable stainless steel needles of fine diameter. The needles are inserted in specific points on 14 main meridians located throughout the body. The 14 main meridians, run vertically, bilaterally and symmetrically and each pathway corresponds to and connects internally with a specific organ. The life energy (QI) flows throughout these channels both internally and externally and any obstruction of energy (QI) along these channels manifest as “imbalance” or “disease”.
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