This content is for informational purposes only. Acupuncture is not a substitute for standard diagnosis and treatment; always consult an authorized physician for personal evaluation and treatment planning.
Pre-Acupuncture Treatment Evaluation
Acupuncture is a Traditional and Complementary Medicine (GETAT) application that has a history of thousands of years and is examined with modern medical approaches today. Before starting acupuncture treatment, evaluating the patient's general health status, medical history, and current complaints is of great importance in terms of determining the appropriate treatment method. However, there is no information in the guidelines regarding specific clinical evaluation steps such as physical examination, taking an anamnesis (patient history), or laboratory tests before acupuncture.
As a requirement of general medical principles, as before any medical intervention, it is essential that a detailed evaluation is performed by a physician before the acupuncture application. The physician evaluates the patient's condition and decides which of the mechanisms of acupuncture will be targeted and which application method will be chosen.
Philosophy and Mechanism of Action of Acupuncture
One of the most important factors your physician will consider in the pre-acupuncture evaluation is the mechanism of action of the application on the body. The mechanism of action of acupuncture is based on various theories such as the yin-yang theory, the five-element theory, the zang-fu organs theory, the collaterals theory, and the theory of blood, body fluids, and Qi.
According to Traditional Chinese philosophy, there are a total of 14 main meridian channels in the human body, 12 pairs and 2 single ones. There are 360 acupuncture points on these meridians. In Chinese Medicine, Qi (life energy), Xue (blood), Jinye (body fluids), Jing (essence), and Shen (spirit) flow through these meridian channels (Jing Lou). The most important element effective in acupuncture application is not the needle itself, but these entry points on the body surface whose location and characteristics are specific. If these points are not stimulated correctly, inserting the needle has no effect.
Characteristics of Acupuncture Points in Modern Medicine
The existence and functioning of acupuncture points have also been examined through modern scientific studies. As a result of histological and anatomical studies, increased mucopolysaccharide concentration has been detected in the advanced capillary network located at acupuncture points.
In addition, it has been determined that acupuncture points have different electrical properties. These properties are observed as an increase in conductivity, a drop in impedance, a decrease in resistance, an increase in capacitance, and a rise in electrical potential. Furthermore, the presence of opioid, GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid), bradykinin, histamine, serotonin, and capsaicin receptors in the nociceptor surface membrane suggests that pain control extends from the spinal cord dorsal horn to the nociceptors.
Application Methods Determined After Evaluation
One of the most important outputs of the physician evaluation performed before acupuncture is the selection of the most appropriate application method for the patient. Acupuncture is not only performed with needles; different technological and traditional methods are also used today.
Needle Acupuncture and Electroacupuncture
In needle acupuncture, which is the most widely used method, sterile, disposable needles of various sizes and dimensions are inserted into acupuncture points. The needles used can be made of steel, gold, or silver alloys. Gold needles are used for reinforcement and tonification purposes, while silver needles are preferred for sedation.
Electroacupuncture is a technique involving electrical stimulation. Using needles connected by cables to a device that generates electrical frequencies, a mild electrical current is passed between two needles. This method provides more stimulation to the acupuncture points than manual manipulation techniques such as needle twisting.
Laser Acupuncture and Special Patient Groups
If it is determined during the physician evaluation that the patient has a needle phobia or if the patient is in the elderly (geriatric)/child (pediatric) group, the Laser Acupuncture method can be preferred. Laser acupuncture involves the use of non-thermal, low-level laser radiation. Since it is a non-invasive and painless application, it constitutes an important option for geriatric, pediatric patients, and patients with needle phobia.
Other Traditional and Modern Techniques
Other methods that can be selected according to the patient's condition are:
Acupressure: The application of pressure to acupuncture points on the body using fingers, palms, or elbows to support healing.
Moxibustion: The stimulation of acupuncture points with the effect of heat. It is applied by wrapping dried mugwort in a roll or cone shape and burning it (directly or indirectly).
Sonopuncture: The process of stimulating acupuncture points with sound waves.
Implantation Acupuncture: Providing long-term stimulation by placing permanent steel, gold, or silver needles on or inside the skin tissue where acupuncture points are located. It is also aimed to create a magnetic effect on the point with these needles, which can also be produced as magnetic.
In conclusion, acupuncture applications have a wide range and a deep-rooted mechanism of action. Although general medical principles apply to the pre-acupuncture evaluation process, the foundations of the application are entirely based on the physician's professional evaluation and personalization according to the patient's characteristics.
This content has been translated using artificial intelligence technology.