The Magical Healing Needles of Acupuncture.

Essay by niki_nmnHigh School, 12th gradeA, September 2003

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Catherine Leary was living a life of constant pain and sorrow. Even after a year and a half after her tragic car accident, she was unable to sit up without support, lie down on her stomach, or even stand up for five minutes. She was prescribed numerous painkillers, but they only made matters more complicated. Yes, they eased the pain, slightly, but she was left feeling dizzy, nauseated, and uncomfortable with massive headaches. She was desperate to try anything to help her do day to day activities, and she knew she could never ride horses again. It was not until Ms. Leary heard of acupuncture that she found hope. The idea of the procedure scared her, and it was expensive

considering her medical insurance would not pick up the expense. She soon discovered her money and fears were well worth the investment. After treatments, she began to notice miraculous improvements and began to take control of her life.

She weaned herself off the pain medicine and began moving for herself again (Kanigel, 47).

Acupuncture, preformed by inserting tiny needles into the skin at predetermined points, is a relatively old practice. Its written records date back as far as 200 to 100 BC in the writings of Chin Su Wen (Yellow Emperor's Classic of International Medicine) and the Shi Ju (Book of History) (Cook, 55). Since, it has been used throughout China, Japan, Korea, and most other oriental countries (NIH Consensus, 504). For centuries, this technique was undiscovered to Europe and the Americas. It was not until President Nixon visited China for political reasons that acupuncture caught US attention (NIH Consensus, 504).

Chinese theory of acupuncture is based on the idea that there is a pattern of energy flow throughout the body that are essential for good health (NIH Consensus, 503).