Acupuncture is one of the three oldest practices of health care, following faith healing and herbology. It has been practiced for over 3,000 years, and it is only a part of the vast practice of medicine known as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). According to Chinese medicine, vital energy, or qi (pronounced “chee”), flows along the pathways or meridians in the body. When the energy flows freely and is unimpeded, a balance is maintained and wellness is preserved.

The word acupuncture literally means “needle piercing,” and the practice involves the use of very thin, solid needles. The needles are placed through the skin, just deep enough to hold them in place, and into one of more than 2,000 points along the pathways or meridians.

If the flow of energy is impeded or blocked, the balance is affected. The acupuncturist takes a careful history and classifies the issues into yin and yang. The needles are placed into appropriately chosen acupuncture points along the meridians to help improve the flow of energy and reinstate the yin/yang balance.

In terms of Western medicine, it is believed that acupuncture regulates the nervous system, which allows for the release of endorphins and immune system cells that aid in the alleviation of pain. Other studies have shown that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry. This results in the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones that affect portions of the central nervous system. This leads to changes in involuntary bodily functions, such as immune reactions. It can also alter blood pressure and body temperature.

Education and More Information

Allied health care professionals can train in acupuncture through accredited programs, which involves 300 hours of training, including 100 hours of clinical practice. Physicians can apply to the American Board of Medical Acupuncture to become board certified in acupuncture.

Others seeking to become acupuncturists must graduate from an accredited school with a master's degree in acupuncture and Asian medicine in order to be licensed by their state. Most accredited programs include an internship of about 400 hours of closely supervised work with professional medical practitioners.

More information about careers in acupuncture is available from the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture. Their Web site is www.medicalacupuncture.org. Their address is 4929 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 428, Los Angeles, CA 90010.