Acupuncture and a Reflection on this Semester

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese alternative medicine that uses thin needles inserted into specific points on the body to produce healing energy. These needles are then inserted into channels, called the meridians. There are 12 meridians and this illustration below helps give us a good visual.

I have experienced the use of acupuncture. I needed to try everything possible to relieve my bladder pain and thought this would be a good alternative. As shown in the picture above, I had needles placed into my lower leg where the Urinary bladder meridian is located. I also had needles place on the top of my hand in hopes that it could relieve my intestinal problems as well. Unfortuantly, acupuncture did not help me. It was very relaxing and I always felt mentally better walking out. Even though I didn't get relief, I know many others have tried acupuncture for other various diseases and conditions. In some cases, acupuncture has helped them.

I learned even more about acupuncture from Kelly Jasinski. I learned that acupuncture could be used for weightloss. Kelly said " According to Dr. Oz, acupuncture can be used for weight loss. Acupuncture may also increase tone in the smooth muscle of the stomach to help people know that they are full". Due to the fact that she brought up that subject, I looked more into it. I wanted to know:

What points are used for this treatment? According to this website; here are the points used for weight loss:

• Mouth - for the impulsive eater who may also smoke a lot and talk a lot
• Stomach - for the person who eats even after they're full or who's constantly nibbling
• Hungry - for general appetite control
• Lung - for food addicts, and people who love chocolate, sweets
• Shenmen - a calming point, for the psychology overlay for anxiety, anger, frustration, insecurity
• Endocrine - for water retention that's responsible for some of the weight gain
• Adrenal and Ovary - if weight gain is due to menopause or P.M.S.
• Spleen - for sugar imbalances and hormonal disturbances
• Kidney - for water retention, and nervous system and hormonal imbalances
• Thyroid - for slow metabolism

I find this all so interesting. However, people need to realize that they need to have a healthy diet and good exercise plan along with the acupuncture, in order for it to work. The more educated we get, the better we understand.

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I did learn a lot throughout these 7 modules. I believe I will be able to use all of the information I learned from this course and apply it in the future.
My grade did suffer due to the fact that I lacked participation in the discussion forums. I have made an effort to reply to more than one person, hoping that it will improve my grade. Of course, this is something I should have done all along!
My first couple student seminar discussions that I posted were not very good. Due to your feedback, I was able to improve and get 5's instead of 2's or 3's. If I were to give myself feedback, I would say to add more information and to make it interesting. Making it interesting will increase the chances of getting multiple replies and starting an actual discussion with one another.
I did learn a lot during this semester and I hope to apply it in the future.