Tortoise shells have been found and dated back to 1500 B.C. - during the Shang Dynasty - recording the use of acupuncture. The first actual written text acclaiming acupuncture is called Nei Ching Su Wen. It is written into two basic sections. The Su Wen, or easy questions and the Lung Shu, or hard questions. (Mann, 12) This book basically lays out all the different points, but it is mostly a book on concept and theory. The Nei Ching Su Wen lays the basic ru

Although there are arguments that acupuncture is purely suggestion, they can be proven wrong. Suggestion cannot allow for a human being to under surgery with pain. The discovery of endorphins shows that a chemical process is instigated through pressure points. There is a chemical increase of endorphins when acupuncture is performed. "Research being funded in China by the United States, and other Western countries, are going to lead us to a great break through some day. The future looks bright, and everyday we learn more and more. Some day we may learn the secret of why acupuncture works for now we will have to accept that it does work and try to combine old and new philosophies to reach a greater understanding."(Mann, 169)

The use of acupuncture must not be taken as a cure all. It is most often used along with another form of treatment or regimen. For example if pain serves as a warning sign and you use acupuncture to dull the pain you could do more harm than good. The best way to use acupuncture is in conjunction with the healing process of your body. Thus it has become very popular in the western countries. So much so that there are insurance companies specifically to provide health care through acupuncture. California recently approved a healthcare plan called Acupuncture Plus+. Positive attitudes continue to grow through good experiences with acupuncture in China itself. James Reston was on an interview assignment in Peking when he was overcome by a sudden attack of appendicitis. He was taken to the government hospital, and diagnosed through the same procedure used in acupuncture. He describes the doctors and nurses as " meticulous, calm, and cheerful.." He thus underwent surgery with local anesthesia. After his surgery he experienced some discomfort. Thus the resident acupuncturist applied pressure to a few specific points and he gradually felt better.(Mann, 127) There are many factors involved I how well acupuncture works. The most important are the skill of the doctor, and experience of the doctor. The second is the willingness of the patient. If the patient cannot relax then the treatment will be unsuccessful. The needles will be gripped by the skin and will cause pain rather than a seeping sensation of pleasure. Another key factor is the size and length of the needle. One of the most interesting is how long the needle is left in the skin. The longer you leave the needle in the greater chance you will become numb. It is only sensible that if needles can be used to relieve pain af

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Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)