Acupuncture was an important part of Chinese medicine. The Yellow Emperor’s Internal Book of Medicine, written in 300-200 B.C., was the first time practices related to acupuncture were recorded in written language. There were two different books written that discussed things about the types of needles, and where the Qi meridians were located. Before this time, there were hieroglyphs found that portrayed practices similar to acupuncture.

Just as medicine evolves and changes through the years, the Chinese changed their acupuncture practices. Many different works were written regarding acupuncture over the years in China. It is believed that acupuncture first came about from the needles used to drain abscesses on the skin of diseased people.

It is said that acupuncture was first recognized in the West in the 16th century as a result of Portuguese missionaries who visited the East. Unfortunately, this was during the period of time that the Chinese were considering acupuncture a lost art and pseudoscience that was only practiced by those who were in lower classes or had no scientific or professional background. Despite this, a Dutch physician, Rhijne, wrote the first literature on acupuncture in Europe at this time.

When the Communist and Nationalist Civil War broke out in China, people were beginning to embrace more of the Western culture and therefore, Western medicine. It was during this time, the 1920′s through the 1940′s, when acupuncture began to see a rise in popularity as Chinese medicine was being promoted throughout the country. Also, this is when the practice began being explored in different European countries. Europeans were reading and translating the Chinese literature on acupuncture and finding out how the Chinese medicinal practice worked in conjunction with Western medicine.

Although the practice of acupuncture was becoming increasingly popular in Europe, and being married to the Western philosophy or medicine, it was not catching on in the United States. It wasn’t until the 1970′s that the practice was brought to the United States and began to become popular. With the modern rise of alternative medicine, acupuncture has become more and more popular with the people of the United States. It can even be covered by medical insurance these days.

In modern times, China is still a leader in acupuncture practices, but they have become more popular all over the world. In the U.S., there are now accredited schools where acupuncturists can attend and learn the history and medical practices of acupuncture. In the past forty years, acupuncture has made some important historical strides in the U.S. and around the world.

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Acupuncture first emerged in China thousands of years ago, and has been in use ever since. Ancient Chinese laws did not allow for surgery, so this technique was developed out of necessity. The basic practice is to push sharpened needles into the top layer, or just past the top layer of skin. Where the needles are placed depends on the exact diagnosis and illness associated.

After a suitable acupuncturist has been located, an extensive consultation will ensue. The practitioner will ask many questions and examine you to in order to create a detailed personal profile. You will be asked to position yourself in a reclining position before the treatment begins. A series of very sharp stainless steel needles are strategically placed into your skin. Once the treatment is completed, the practitioner will let you know if repeat visits are necessary.

It can be used to treat just about any illness. From minor injuries to serious diseases, people from all walks of life have utilized it for it’s mysterious medical benefits. For those who are apprehensive about making an appointment, it should be known that acupuncturists are trained medical professionals. No one will be criticized for seeking treatment for any ailment.

One of the best places to go for acupuncturists are big Chinese settlements. Many of the practitioners here will be both very well trained and trusted by their clientele. Another place to seek treatment are at some chiropractors’ offices. In addition to chiropractic services, acupuncture has been put into the list of available services for some. Centers of learning are another good place to look. Many times, the same types of places that traditional doctors have practices are where you can find an acupuncturist.

Just like any medical procedure, proper precautions should be taken to prevent injury. There are certain certifications and licenses necessary for practice, so be sure to ask any potential provider if they have these. Ask in advance how the needles to be used are sterilized. All instruments used need to either be properly sterilized or brand new disposables. Some minor side effects are to be expected, so ask the acupuncturist what to expect. Reasonable practitioners will not be offended by these questions.

Suffering from any medical issue whether severe or minor can be painful and stressful. Although the degree of helpfulness one can attain from the use of acupuncture is debatable, any benefit is better than none. As long as the practitioner is certified and skilled, having this procedure can possibly benefit your health.

Western practitioners have tapped into the acupunctural market by training individuals – doctors and non-physicians – in an art of the ancients. To find out more free information on how you can benefit, visit our website now at http://www.AcupunctureInsight.com

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One of the problems with melatonin is that most of the studies were done on animals, like rats, and not humans. Animal studies are used by the scientific community to indicate whether a substance has promise, and can yield valuable results even though they are ethically reprehensible and other alternatives exist. One such study was done at the University of Texas Health Science Center.

Whilst it was funded by a grant from the California Walnut Industry, these scientists were able to establish not only that walnuts contained melatonin, but that it was able to be absorbed – at least by rats. But they believe humans would also be able to absorb melatonin from walnuts. Unfortunately, they don’t know how many walnuts you’d have to eat to get the benefits they established as a potential in this study. It might be a lot! But using food as a source of melatonin is a good option given that it is much safer, particularly if suffering from serious illnesses.

University of Texas scientists also found that melatonin had an antioxidant effect. Antioxidants protect our cells from damage by oxidation. Antioxidants slow down the aging process, and interestingly, melatonin levels often decrease with age.

The antioxidant effect of melatonin has been presented before. Dr Reiter, also of the University of Texas Health Science Center, believes it can protect the central nervous system as well as the body generally from free radicals. He also thinks melatonin can increase the body’s own production of another antioxidant, glutathione peroxidase.

People who should not take melatonin supplements are:

* children
* pregnant women
* breastfeeding mothers
* couples trying to conceive
* people with serious allergies
* HIV and cancer patients

Whilst it is not recommended that people with cancer take melatonin, this is primarily for the reasons that not enough research has been done on humans, at least according to Dr Kenneth Cooper. But some of the research that has been done with people suggests that melatonin may be very helpful – if it is taken with the supervision of a doctor. And herein lies the crux of the problem – melatonin is a very powerful substance. Only small doses are needed to create improvements. For example, Dr Cooper cites the example of dosages as small as 2 to 3 mg only, for some people suffering insomnia.

Overall, melatonin is very promising, and may well help people with serious illnesses like cancer and multiple sclerosis. In the meantime, increasing our dietary intake of foods like walnuts that potentially supply us with this wonderful nutrient, may have a host of protective health benefits as well as slowing down the aging process.

Tristan Andrews is a freelance author who writes about various topics for http://kitchenaide.net

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