The highest form of acupuncture is to enable a person to live a healthy life

Acupuncture, one of the world's oldest and most commonly used medical procedures, is gaining in popularity for its prevention and treatment of a variety of modern diseases.

Shen Weidong, an acupuncturist and the chief doctor at Shanghai Shuguang Hospital, said the practice which originated in China thousands of years ago, was primarily used previously for pain relief and in anesthetizing patients for surgery. However, this was now changing.

"The emphasis of acupuncture now is on prevention," he said. "In traditional Chinese medicine, the highest form of acupuncture was applied to enable a person to live a long and healthy life."

The Shanghai native said nowadays the small size of acupuncture needles brings hope to those who want to use the procedure for a variety of different purposes.

Typically, it is used by people to lose weight, for facial rejuvenation, to quit smoking and to cure psychological and physical illnesses. Click to learn Pelvic Inflammation in TCM.

"Often a therapy will start with a consultation with an acupuncturist to let him know more about the patient's symptoms and requirements.

This will help to determine the correct acupuncture points on the body," Shen said.

"Acupuncture can stimulate the immune system and the release of a variety of hormones that help the body to respond to injury and stress.

"Circulation, blood pressure, the rhythm and stroke volume of the heart, secretion of gastric acids and the production of red and white cells will also be affected."

Take weight loss for example. Often a good fitness program will involve diet, exercise and stress reduction techniques. However, weight loss will become more efficient with the help of acupuncture needles which are inserted into specific points on the body and the ear. Click to learn Premenstrual Syndrome in TCM.

"Acupuncture needles release endorphins that have a calming and relaxing effect. This makes it easier to deal with stress, frustration and anxiety that can trigger overeating and bingeing on fatty foods," Shen said. "Endorphins also affect the digestive and hormonal systems so as to help re-balance the organ systems that are running too fast."

As to the number, length and frequency of acupuncture treatments necessary, Shen said it depended on a patient's goals such as the speed at which they want to lose weight and their commitment to keeping the kilos off.

In addition, acupuncture has also helped to turn a growing number of cigarette addicts into permanent ex-smokers.

"It is effective in making it easier to quit. If a smoker is highly motivated, acupuncture can empower him to take control and begin a healthy and smoke-free life," Shen said. "Usually a combination of body acupuncture points and points on the ear are used to influence the organs and energetic pathways associated with smoking."

Working under the same principle, acupuncture for facial rejuvenation is a non-surgical method not only to maintain beauty, radiance and vitality in the face, but also to improve overall health.

Shen said ailments in children such as shortsightedness, autistic disorder and brain paralysis could also be relieved by acupuncture. Click to learn Intermenstrual Bleeding in TCM.

He added that the hospital in Zhangjiang High-tech Park featured a architectural form that defines the medical philosophy practices of Chinese traditional medicine.

The center's faculty features medical practitioners from around the world to provide treatment for both the local and expat community.

Article source: Chinadaily