Wat Is Acupunctuur? | Praktijk Tian

What is acupuncure?

Acupuncture is a medicine that originated in China about 3,500 years ago. Its original name was 'Zhenjiu' meaning 'acupuncture and Moxa'. The term acupuncture is derived from the Latin words 'acus' (needle) and 'punctura' (sting).

Table of contents

What is acupuncture?
Techniques used.
Indications (according to WHO).
Frequently asked questions about acupuncture

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture forms part of 'Traditional Chinese Medicine'. The aim of acupuncture is not only to cure diseases but also to prevent them. It is an 'energetic medicine' that tries to restore the balance between Yin and Yang(*). Indeed, a disease is considered a disturbance of this balance.

Although acupuncture is still seen by the general public as a technique to relieve pain, it is much more than that. Unlike Western medicine, where pain is often considered a complaint in itself, Chinese medicine always looks at the whole person. The cause of a problem is sought and in this way, one does not just arrive at a temporary but often a permanent solution.

(*) Yin and Yang are best compared to the terms 'matter' and 'energy' in modern physics.

Techniques used.

Needles

Fine needles are inserted at precise points of the body with the aim of improving the disturbed energy flow so that the Yin-Yang balance can be restored. To achieve this effect, the acupuncturist will lightly move the needle to obtain a needle sensation in the patient.

Cupping

This treatment technique creates a vacuum using glass 'cups' (cups). Cupping is effective for neck, shoulder and back pain, among other things.

Moxa

Technique in which the herb moxa (Artemesia vulgaris) is used to heat inserted needles. Heating can also be applied directly to body points.

Herbal Therapy

The use of herbs speeds up the healing process.

Tuina

This energetic massage technique produces very good results in children, among others.

Nutritional advice

The basis of good physical balance.

Indications (according to WHO).

Orthopaedic and rheumatic complaints, muscle, joint and nerve diseases.
Whiplash.
Respiratory problems (aka Asthma).
All pain complaints (including migraines).
Infectious diseases such as zona.
Stomach upset, indigestion, constipation, diarrhoea.
Chronic fatigue syndrome.
General weakness.
Consequences of CVA (cerebral haemorrhage).
High or low blood pressure.
Sports injuries.
Gynaecological complaints.
Infertility.
Obesity.
Addictions (including smoking).
Allergies.
Sleep disorders.
Increasing immunity.
Stress
...

This list is just a sampling of the possibilities and thus by no means exhaustive. For more questions, it is best to contact your recognised acupuncturist.

Frequently asked questions about acupuncture

Is acupuncture painful?

Acupuncture needles are much finer than hypodermic needles. Therefore, pricking is hardly experienced as painful by most patients. However, the needle sensation may be felt.

Is there a placebo effect in acupuncture?

Acupuncture works quickly in babies and even in animals. So it certainly has nothing to do with 'believing in'. The effect of acupuncture has not yet been fully ascertained scientifically but its action, on the other hand, has been widely documented. The results of a specific treatment are also reproducible and biologically measurable.

Is there any risk of infection from the acupuncture needles?

Your licensed acupuncturist uses sterile needles that end up in the medical container after each puncture. Contamination is thus completely eliminated.

What results can you expect from acupuncture?

Depending on the nature of the condition, you will need more or fewer treatments. Usually, the more acute the complaint, the faster the result.

Will acupuncture be reimbursed?

There are mutualities that partially reimburse some treatments of a recognised acupuncturist. You can get more information from Your Mutual or recognised acupuncturist.

Source: EUFOM leaflet.