6^th International Conference and Expo on Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine April 18-19, 2018 Las Vegas, USA

Acupressure, a non-invasive form of acupuncture, uses physical pressure applied to acupressure points by the hand, elbow, or with various devices. Tui Na is a Traditional Chinese Medicine i.e. a TCM method of attempting to stimulate the flow of Qi by various bare-handed techniques that do not involve needles. Electropuncture is a form of acupuncture in which acupuncture needles are attached to a device that generates continuous electric pulses. Sonopuncture is a stimulation of the body similar to acupuncture using sound instead of needles. This may be done using purpose-built transducers to direct a narrow ultrasound beam to a depth of 6–8 centimetres at acupuncture meridian points on the body. Alternatively, tuning forks or other sound emitting devices are used. Auriculotherapy, commonly known as ear acupuncture or auricular acupuncture is considered to date back to ancient China which involves inserting needles to stimulate points on the outer ear. Scalp acupuncture, developed in Japan, is based on reflexological considerations regarding the scalp area.

In Acupuncture very thin needles, slightly thicker than a human hair, are inserted into acupuncture points. The objective of acupuncture as explained earlier is to regulate and normalize the flow of the Chi, so that the Yin and the Yang return to a state of dynamic equilibrium. Acupuncture aims to relieve symptoms by curing the disease. The choice of acupuncture points to be used is the most crucial part of the treatment. The acupuncturist must know the function of each acupuncture point and its interaction with other acupuncture points. He can then plan the treatment to eliminate obstructions in the flow of Chi and to balance the Yin and Yang. After the acupuncturist has examined the patient and reached a diagnosis, he decides how the patient should be treated.

Acupuncture often used with electrical stimulation in treating nerve conditions, is very effective at relieving the pain and restoring normal function.  There are several ways this is thought to work, all of which have been carefully researched mainly acupuncture stimulates the brain to release chemicals  such as neurotransmitters and opioids into the body that reduce sensitivity to pain and normalize the nervous system or acupuncture with electrical stimulation interrupts the pain signal allowing the nerve to calm down thereby reducing pain. Acupuncture promotes actual healing by altering the body's electrical system to allow the transfer of material and electrical energy between normal and injured tissue thereby reducing the amount of recovery time.

TCM encompasses many different practices, including acupuncture, moxibustion (burning an herb above the skin to apply heat to acupuncture points), Chinese herbal medicine, tui na (Chinese therapeutic massage), dietary therapy, and tai chi and qi gong (practices that combine specific movements or postures, coordinated breathing, and mental focus). TCM is rooted in the ancient philosophy of Taoism and dates back more than 2,500 years. Traditional systems of medicine also exist in other East and South Asian countries, including Japan (where the traditional herbal medicine is called Kampo) and Korea. Some of these systems have been influenced by TCM and are similar to it in some ways, but each has developed distinctive features of its own.

Traditional Korean medicine encompasses many different practices, including Acupuncture, moxibustion (burning an herb above the skin to apply heat to acupuncture points), Aromatherapy (treating bodily ailments using essential plant oils), Meditation (Self-directed practice for the purpose of relaxing and calming the mind and body), Herbal medicine (tudy and practice of using plant material for the purpose of food, medicine, or health) With the increase in the number of Korean immigrants coming to the United States in recent years it has become important for modern medicine to understand these traditional healing techniques and how they are used. Statistical analysis of experiments involving more traditional remedies including herbal supplements and acupuncture have found that a patient's mental state is more relaxed.

Oriental medicine has been practiced for more than 2,500 years and includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, moxibustion, Oriental massage and Oriental nutrition. It is a system of medicine that categorizes body patterns into specific types of diagnoses with corresponding treatment plans. Oriental medicine is practiced in China, Japan, Korea, Viet Nam, Thailand, Tibet and India. One may be surprised to find that Oriental medical theory and practice has spread to France, England, Spain, Germany, Russia, much of Middle and South America, and Africa. It has gained worldwide acceptance and recognition as effective medical treatment. Due to the sheer weight of evidence, Oriental medicine demands that it be taken seriously as a clinical approach of considerable value. Over 15 million Americans have turned to it, making it the complementary treatment of choice for Americans everywhere.

Laser acupuncture has included advanced brain imaging, as well as several other modern protocols for measuring various physiological effects to the body. These studies show that laser acupuncture has physiological effects, not only locally, but also in the brain, similar to needle acupuncture. Laser on Urinary Bladder 67, for example, shows measurable effects in the brain. The effects were only detected when the laser was turned on. When the laser was turned off, no effects were detected. Good effects of laser acupuncture for the following conditions: hiccups, bed wetting, weight loss, post-operative nausea and vomiting, pain control, surgical anaesthesia, dental anaesthesia, carpal tunnel syndrome, dry eyes, and stroke-related paralysis.

Acupuncture is becoming a complementary treatment in addiction recovery programs. Ear and Auricular acupuncture is a popular form of this treatment that involves insertion of a thin needle at various points on the skin of the external ear to help ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. Acupuncture is both safe and cost-effective. When combined with other forms of treatment, such as individual therapy, group counselling, and support groups, it can benefit those suffering from a substance addiction. The practice can reduce cravings, increase patient retention in rehab, ease unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, decreases anxiety and stress and reduces pain.

A developing number of individuals are utilizing alternatives, and new research proposes that Acupuncture could be a promising alternative. One new investigation observed the Traditional Chinese practice to be as viable as antidepressants, and an alternate report found that needle therapy may help treat the depression.

Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a therapist puts special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. People get it for many purposes, including to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation and well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage.

The methods of acupuncture are based on the belief that the body contains patterns of energy flow referred to as qi. Proper, unimpeded flow of qi is believed to be essential for the maintenance of proper health, and needles applied to specific acupuncture points are believed to help correct and balance that flow. Due to its ability to stimulate the central nervous system, acupuncture has the potential to significantly affect the perception of back and neck pain.

Acupuncture is used mainly for functional problems such as those involving noninfectious inflammation, paralysis, or pain. For small animals, acupuncture has been used for treating arthritis, hip dysplasia, lick granuloma, feline asthma, diarrhea, and certain reproductive problems. For larger animals, acupuncture has been used for treating downer cow syndrome, facial nerve paralysis, allergic dermatitis, respiratory problems, nonsurgical colic, and certain reproductive disorders. Acupuncture has also been used on competitive animals, such as those involved in racing and showing. Veterinary acupuncture has also recently been used on more exotic animals, such as an alligator with scoliosis, though this is still quite rare.