Commemorative Speech Outline

General Purpose To inform. Specific Purpose To inform my audience about what happens during acupuncture, how it works, what it can treat, and its use in Western culture. Central Idea Acupuncture is the insertion of needles into the skin that can improve the flow of energy, can treat a wide range of medical conditions, and is being used combination with Western medicine. Pattern of Organization Topical Introduction Six months ago, my 78-year-old grandmother was quickly losing her independence. Severe arthritis in both knees hampered her ability to take care of herself. Shopping, getting around the neighborhood, even walking down her front steps was becoming almost impossible. Pain medications helped somewhat, but the side effects created their own problems. Then her doctor suggested acupuncture. My grandmother was skeptical at first, but she was willing to try just about anything. She did and the results were miraculous. After six weeks, her pain and stiffness were significantly reduced. She was able to take care of her apartment again. She could get out on her own to go shopping, to visit friends and family, and to do the other things her arthritis had prevented in the past. Acupuncture restored her quality of life and her independence. My grandmothers story is not unique. Performed for well over 2, 000 years in China and other parts of Asia, acupuncture is becoming more and more popular in the U. S. and other Western countries for one simple reason. It works. Impressed by my grandmothers experience, I began acupuncture treatments for my migraine headaches, and now the headaches are completely gone. Not surprisingly, I wanted to know more about this treatment that produced such miraculous results for both my grandmother and myself. Today I will share part of what I have learned by explaining what happens when you receive an acupuncture treatment, how acupuncture works, the kinds of medical conditions that can be treated by acupuncture, and the

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