Originating in China, traditional acupuncture therapy is more than 2000 years old. The Chinese have developed it as a technique that sets free the body's natural energy Chi. In order to unblock Chi, acupuncture therapy applies the insertion of needles at specific points in the body. As the tradition goes, Chi flows all through the body and over its surface. There are 14 main pathways, called meridians, for the circulation of Chi and the energy flows freely along these channels in a normal, healthy individual.

If someone falls ill, it is because Chi gets obstructed along one of the meridians. By inserting needles at specific points, about five hundred of which have been marked by acupuncture practitioners, acupuncture therapy aims at restoring the normal circulation of Chi and thus treating the disease.

Ear Acupuncture

Ear acupuncture, also called Auriculotherapy, is a variety of the traditional acupuncture therapy that is grounded in the assumption that one's ear is the map of one's bodily organs. Thus a problem in a body part, like liver for example, can be treated by inserting a needle in a point on the ear that corresponds to that organ. A special type of Auriculotherapy is the Staplepuncture, which uses staples, instead of needles, on the ear to control harmful habits such as smoking.

Status of Acupuncture Therapy

So far, no true correlation has been proved between the meridians on which acupuncture treatment is based and the array of human organs as delineated by science. Scientific studies have not gone far in verifying the methodology of acupuncture therapy as something effective. However, acupuncture is popular as a therapy among people suffering from problems such as AIDS, respiratory diseases, depression, sciatica, high blood pressure, and sexual problems etc.

Even many of the certified physicians get training in acupuncture in America. Some other factors also support the continued use of acupuncture. For example, before 1996, acupuncture needles had not been officially approved as safe medical devices. In March 1996, these needles got FDA's certification and thus the practice of acupuncture got further support.

Risks Associated with Acupuncture Therapy

Besides the fact that empirical science does not verify the causal efficacy of acupuncture, some risks associated with the therapy also need to be considered before opting for it. Not only have there been cases of needles broken in the skin but also cases of allergic reaction to needles, and punctures of lungs and bladder. In addition, needles that are not properly sterilized can cause infection.