• Doç.Dr. Nisa ÇETİN KARGIN

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture, which consists of the Latin words acus (needle) and puncture (to prick, puncture), is a practice that aims to treat diseases by pricking acupuncture points on the body surface with very thin needles. It was developed approximately 3000 years ago in China, and although it is an effective practice in many health problems today, it is used by integrating it into modern medical techniques in the light of scientific data, as a very effective method, especially in pain treatment.

Traditional Chinese medicine refers to acupuncture as qi (chi), the energy believed to flow through pathways (meridians) in your body. There are more than 2000 acupuncture points in our body. Interruption in this energy flow causes diseases. By applying acupuncture treatment to certain points, this flow is corrected and the state of health is supported.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the effectiveness of acupuncture is based on ensuring that the life energy called Qi, which circulates like blood in our body, is smooth and balanced. Qi energy, with its smooth and balanced flow, creates a holistic well-functioning and healthy state of all hormonal, nervous and functional systems. In fact, Traditional Chinese Medicine also includes a diagnostic method based on the characteristics of Qi flow. However, today, acupuncturists generally plan treatment by making a diagnosis using modern medical methods. When the defined acupuncture points where needles were applied to the body were examined, it was determined that these points were areas rich in vascular and nerve networks. Acupuncture points are cone-shaped, narrow on the skin and wider under the skin, and are slightly painful when pressed. Each acupuncture point has effects on its location, immediate area and distant areas. In acupuncture treatment, these points are used according to their properties and the meridian they are located on. Acupuncture points, especially those with systemic effects, are selected according to the cause of the disease and increase the effectiveness of treatment. In many clinical studies examining the effects of acupuncture points on the body, stimulation of the acupuncture point can increase or decrease antirheumatic, analgesic, sedative, and antidepressant substances, especially chemicals, as well as dilation/constriction of vessels, regulation of bowel movements, regulation of heart rhythm, reduction of edema, immunity. It is possible to create many effects such as muscle regulation and muscle relaxation.

Which Patients Is Acupuncture Used to Treat?

This practice, which has survived from Chinese medicine to the present day, is used in the treatment of many diseases. The main diseases and disorders to which it is particularly applied are as follows:

• Headache and migraine
• Fibromyalgia
• Back pain, neck pain and muscle pain
•Knee pain
• Menstrual cramps
• Digestive system diseases
• Psychiatric problems (Depression)
• Respiratory disorders
• Allergies
• Pregnancy disorders
• Immune system problems
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Weight loss
• Quitting smoking
• Constipation
•Stress of exam

How is acupuncture treated?

The number and frequency of acupuncture sessions are made individually after the patient's complaints and general system examination. The treatment, which starts 1 or 2 days a week, can usually be completed in 8 to 20 sessions. The application is performed with sterile steel acupuncture needles and a session lasts approximately 20 minutes. Treatments performed in a calm environment increase effectiveness. In addition, electroacupuncture, which is also a form of acupuncture application, is a very effective practice in terms of evidence-based medicine and is performed by administering low-frequency currents through acupuncture needles.

Ear acupuncture is performed by scanning the ear with scanning devices called detectors and inserting a needle into the disease-related areas where there is a difference in skin resistance. In addition to the standard points described in Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is possible to complete the treatment with Nogier acupuncture originating from Western medical schools. Although electroacupuncture is not performed in the ear, permanent needle application can also be performed in patients who want to prolong the effect.

What are the risks that may occur during acupuncture treatment?

The risk is very low when acupuncture treatment is performed by an acupuncturist who is trained and experienced in acupuncture, using sterile disposable needles. The most common side effects are pain, bleeding and bruising in the area where the needles are inserted. The risk of infection is much reduced with disposable needles. However, patients with bleeding tendencies, those with diseases that cause coagulation disorders, and those using blood thinners may experience more complications as they may experience more bleeding and bruising. Acupuncture is not recommended for people who have metal allergies or who have developed an infection at the injection site. If electroacupuncture is applied to people with a pacemaker in the heart, it may cause deterioration in the function of the pacemaker. More care should be taken when applying acupuncture to pregnant women.