What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture ranks among the world's most ancient therapeutic methods and is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine - along with Chinese medications, Chinese nutritional science (nutrition according to the Five Elements), Qi Gong (Chi Gong - therapeutic exercise) and Tuina (Massage).

The empirical knowledge of the Oriental world concerning the functions and treatment of the human body dates back over 5,000 years and retains its validity today. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) focuses on the energy balance in the human body. Simply put, in the healthy body "Qi" (or Chi, vital energy) pulsates harmonically through a network of pathways (meridians). Disharmony leads to blockages in the energy balance of the individual and, if untreated, results in pain or illness. A disturbance in the energy flow or balance can be treated externally by means of acupuncture, among other methods.

Located along these energy pathways in every person are 361 precisely defined classical acupuncture points, each of which is related to a specific organ. These acupuncture points are located just beneath the surface of the skin and provide a means of access to the energy system deep within the body.

Virtually every syndrome can be treated by stimulating one or usually several corresponding acupuncture points, traditionally with needles. But these needles have the drawback that sensitive individuals may find them painful.

This is where the ACU Pen comes in - BECAUSE:

The ACU Pen helps you precisely locate the acupuncture points you need to work on, and then provides electrical current stimulation at that point.

First, you would use the diagrams in the free booklet that comes with the ACU Pen to determine the approximate location of an acupuncture point. The picture below shows a typical diagram; there are 12 of these diagrams in the booklet altogether covering all of the most common types of complaint or benefit acupuncture would be used for (this one just happens to show the acupuncture points for relief of muscle and joint pains and tennis elbow):-

 

Having determined the approximate position of the required acupuncture point, scan this spot with the ACU Pen. The ACU Pen measures electrical resistance of the skin to accurately locate the precise acupuncture point. The Pen emits an acoustic signal to indicate the precise acupuncture point has been found. This technique enables even lay people to locate the relevant points.

Then, having found the precise acupuncture point you need to work on for your particular ailment or benefit you want to achieve, the ACU Pen will emit a low-intensity electric current to stimulate the acupuncture point. This makes the Pen method especially simple, clean, painless and gentle, particularly suitable for sensitive individuals.

The duration as well as the intensity of stimulation of a given acupuncture point is individually adjustable. Pre-set the stimulation time to either 15 or 30 seconds, or set to continuous and use for as long as required - the duration of stimulation of the acupuncture points depends on the condition being treated (it is generally recommended to begin by stimulating each acupuncture point at least two or three times daily for about 30 seconds).

Initial benefits should be achieved after five to ten applications. For chronic conditions the application should be repeated two to three times per week for a longer period of time. When the condition has improved, the application can be gradually reduced in frequency and eventually discontinued.