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Now I have never been afraid of sharp prickly things. Pine cones, pick up sticks, staples, I have survived them all. But the thought of 3 teeny tiny needles being placed, oh so gently, through my forehead, scares the life out of me. Of course, I am talking about acupuncture. The ancient Chinese alternative medicine stated to be the cure all for a myriad of ailments ranging from sinus headaches to foot pain.

Acupuncture was first used over 2000 years ago in China. It gained popularity here in the United States around the early 1970's. Acupuncture is the practice of sticking needles into the skin to stimulate specific anatomic points for therapeutic purposes. It is believed that this helps with the flow of energy that is thought to be blocked. This blockage manifests itself as pain and diseases such as cancer and depression.

But is acupuncture just for the sick? Surprisingly, the answer is no.

Though it is often used as a form of preventative medicine, acupuncture is beneficial in preventing illnesses from occurring. Any healthy individual can benefit from acupuncture. As we age, our bodies start to change. Some of these changes are noticeable, such as a little thinning on the top of our heads, a little pooch in the middle of our tummy's or perhaps unpredictable menstrual cycles. Others such as a "little" depression or a "little" chill that lasts for hours at a time may not be as noticeable or even predictable. Also, as we age our chances of illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure greatly increase. This is where acupuncture comes in to save the day.

Acupuncture benefits the strengthening of the immune system. A more fully functional immune system will aid the body in eliminating almost any disease. The immune system is made up of special cells, proteins, tissues, and organs that defend people against germs and microorganisms. The immune system's primary function is to keep people healthy and prevent infections. Additional benefits of acupuncture are faster recovery from injuries, decreased symptoms of stress and improved circulation.

So, what can you expect at your first appointment? Most will include a very thorough examination and either a questionnaire or interview to delve into your physical and emotional medical history. Next, the acupuncturist will look closely at the tongue, the pulse at various points in the body, the complexion, general behavior, and other signs like coughs or pains. This will help the acupuncturist to determine patterns of symptoms which indicate which organs and areas are imbalanced. Depending on the problem, the acupuncturist will insert needles into one of the nearly 2,000 points which can be used in acupuncture. During an individual treatment, one to twenty needles may be used.

As you can see, there are benefits to using acupuncture before an illness or pain occurs. We should all consider an initial treatment in our 30's or 40's. Imagine the quality of life we could gain in our 50's and 60's from just a few little needles.

Learn more about this author, Mimi Ashworth.
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