THERAPEUTIC TOUCH

Acupuncture originated several thousand years ago in China as part of a body Medicine which includes the use of Herbs, tuina (Chinese Massage), exercise and diet. Stone acupuncture needles dating back to 3000 B.C. have been found by archaeologists in inner Mongolia, and acupuncture has been widely practiced in China for around 3,500 years. In the 17th century Doctors and missionaries brought acupuncture to Europe. Later spectacular examples of acupuncture as an alternative to conventional anesthesia during surgery gained enormous popularity in the West. Acupuncture itself refers to the insertion of very fine, sterile needles at different points on the body to stimulate the flow of energy, or Qi. Acupuncture points are located along a network of 14 Main Meridian lines, or channels, through which the body's energy flows. Acupuncture stimulate the body's natural healing abilities, relieve Pain and restore internal regulation systems. In Western terms, the benefits of Acupuncture are sometimes explained in terms of the stimulation of body's production of endorphins, pain-relieving chemicals and triggering nerve "gate Control". New Technology has been introduced to allow variations in acupuncture: electropuncture, Low power laser acupuncture, etc. The World Health Organization has identified over 40 conditions treatable with Acupuncture. Auricular Acupuncture (part of Body Acupuncture) based on the medical theory , there are over 120 acupoints on each ear relating to specific parts of the Body. The traditional Auriculotherapy was deeply studied by a French Doctor Paul Nogier in the late 1950 's. Dr. Nogier developed a theory that the ear corresponded to an inverted fetus, identified 30 basic points that appeared to have a reflex response in an associated area of the body and now regarded as the father of modern Auricular Acupuncture. Treatment is designed to stimulate the acupoints on the ear by application of gentle Pressure, tiny acupuncture needles, a mild electrical current, laser or infrared light. 

American Academy of Medical Acupuncture Homepage

AAMA is a physician organization promoting the integration of acupuncture with Western medical training and a comprehensive approach to health care. www.medicalacupuncture.org/

The British Medical Acupuncture Society - Home Page

BMAS is an organization of medical practitioners who use acupuncture in hospital or general practice. Includes dentists and vets. Links to training courses www.medical-acupuncture.co.uk/