The short answer is- nope! Chinese Medicine and its most popular and best known modality, acupuncture, are absolutely not affiliated with any religion or belief system. The practice of Chinese Medicine is a scientific and evidence based medical system based out of the rules of naturally occurring processes and the effect they have over us as living beings.
There are millions who visit an acupuncturist. According to the western world, acupuncture treatment is considered an alternative medical treatment. Physicians often refer people to acupuncturists to treat health issues. But what is acupuncture? What is the origin? How can it heal issues? Can Christians participate?
Acupuncture Practices
Acupuncture involves stimulating strategic places to produce benefits. Usually needles stimulate, which ought to be sterile and single use. Variations include: acupressure (without puncture), laser and electroacupuncture (using electric current), and moxibustion (burning substances on skin at points).
Some believe that mental acupuncture implies the idea of Buddhism. Additionally, the combination of acupuncture and herbal medicine is considered Buddhist medicine. Can it cause damage? Bruising at puncture sites does occur, sometimes from blood irritation during the procedure or even from slight pressure, and occasionally for unknown reasons.
Acupuncture and Religious Concerns
Christianity encourages seeking God’s wisdom for direction in health. Before making decisions, examine your values and beliefs about health and illness, so you can make an informed decision about participating in acupuncture.
Is it safe for Christians? When conducted by a licensed practitioner trained in safety protocols, it’s generally safe. However, individual tolerance levels differ. It is best to consult a physician before undergoing this therapy.
Acupuncture is based on a medical system that recognizes the influence of naturally occurring processes. Many benefits of acupuncture have been proven, such as decreased pain and successful pregnancies after failed treatments. Despite a lack of complete scientific understanding, traditional Chinese medicine is increasingly incorporated into Western practices.
A typical acupuncture session costs between Rs. 500 to Rs. 1600. Acupuncturists insert tiny needles into specific skin points on muscles and tissues connecting body parts.
Acupuncture is different from acupressure. Acupuncture places needles at nerve points to stimulate blood flow and nerves, while acupressure applies pressure to nerve centers.
Dr. Felix Mann introduced acupuncture into UK clinical practice. He did not identify with any religious faith and did not heavily emphasize Yin-Yang theories. He believed ancients found something that worked and explained it in their cultural context.
Benefits of Acupuncture
- Acupuncture has a long safe and effective history, with continually verified and improved theories and techniques.
- Acupuncture is an accepted worldwide medicine that successfully and cost-effectively treats a broad range of cases.
Buddhism and Taoism have ideas that coincide with aspects of Chinese medicine but are not directly connected to its practice. Acupuncture philosophy may diverge from biblical teachings, but the practice may be considered acceptable for Christians if separated from its philosophical roots.
Situations to avoid acupuncture include the presence of infections, cancer threatening to spread, and severe neutropenia risking infection. The use of plants with medicinal properties is referenced in the Bible.
You may not get immediate pain relief from your first visit, but many patients experience improvement over the course of six to 10 visits. It’s not unusual for patients to experience emotional release during or after treatments.
Acupressure is said to involve energy flow through body meridians. Studies show it may help with nausea and vomiting, but its effectiveness for other ailments lacks conclusive proof.