Acupuncture is a supportive health practice whose origins are based on traditional methods, but which is evaluated today in light of modern medical approaches and scientific research. Based on the principle of stimulating specific points on the body through various methods, this method requires the patient to undergo a comprehensive clinical evaluation.
Important Notice: This text is for informational purposes only. Acupuncture practices do not replace standard diagnosis and treatment; a specialist physician must be consulted for personal medical evaluation and treatment planning.
What is Acupuncture and How Does It Work?
The mechanism of action of acupuncture is addressed through both traditional approaches and modern histological findings. According to traditional philosophy, there are 14 main meridians (channels) in the human body and approximately 360 acupuncture points located along these meridians. During the application, it is aimed to stimulate these points correctly.
Modern medical studies, on the other art, examine acupuncture points at the anatomical and cellular levels. In histological research, increased mucopolysaccharide concentration has been detected in the developed capillary networks in the regions where acupuncture points are located. Additionally, it has been observed that these special points show structural differences such as an increase in electrical conductivity. When points are not selected on the correct anatomical basis and stimulated appropriately, the targeted response may not be achieved.
Holistic Medicine and Pre-Acupuncture Evaluation
Acupuncture is evaluated as part of holistic medicine practices. Holistic medicine treats the individual not through a single symptom, but together with the immune system, hormonal balance, metabolism, nutrition, sleep patterns, stress factors, and lifestyle habits. This approach offers a scientific evaluation without excluding the laboratory and imaging facilities of modern medicine.
Stages of Patient Evaluation
A healthy and safe acupuncture application process includes evaluation steps meticulously carried out by the physician:
Detailed Patient History (Anamnesis): Before the application, a detailed anamnesis is taken from the patient, an anamnesis form is filled out, and added to the patient's file. The onset of the complaint, duration, triggering factors, accompanying chronic diseases, nutrition, sleep, and movement habits are listened to in detail by the physician.
Clinical Examination: Blood pressure, weight, body composition, detection of painful areas, skin and circulation findings are examined by the physician.
* Laboratory Examinations: In cases deemed necessary, the patient's blood sugar, lipid profile, thyroid hormones, vitamin and mineral levels, and inflammation markers are tested.
Acupuncture Application and Patient Information Process
The acupuncture process begins with transparent information keeping patient safety at the highest level. The patient or the patient's legal representative must be informed in detail about the procedure.
The practicing physician explains the procedure to be performed, the application method, and the points to be considered during the application. In addition, all kinds of undesirable situations and potential side effects that may occur during the application are conveyed in writing and orally to the patient or their legal representative prior to the application. Following this information, in accordance with legal regulations and the Law on the Protection of Personal Data (KVKK), the patient information and consent form is filled out and the process is initiated.
Patient Monitoring During the Application
Acupuncture is a process and requires careful monitoring under the supervision of a physician. The practitioner fills out the patient monitoring form during each session to track the patient's condition. For each session, the patient's vital signs, examination findings, techniques applied, and side effects if observed are meticulously recorded in the patient file.
Who is Acupuncture Applied to and Who Has Limitations?
Acupuncture can be applied to individuals whose medical evaluation has been made and deemed appropriate by a physician. However, there are limitations to the application and situations requiring special attention in certain patient groups.
The decision for application must be made meticulously, especially in the elderly, children, and breastfeeding mothers, who are considered sensitive populations. At the same time, individuals with chronic diseases or a diagnosis of oncological (cancer) diseases must be specially informed about the application, and when necessary, work must be carried out in cooperation with the patient's own relevant specialist physician.
These limitations emphasize that acupuncture is not a standard application for every individual, but a physician-controlled process that must be shaped according to the person's current health profile, medications used, and medical history.
This content has been translated using artificial intelligence technology.
