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For decades, solar energy has been touted as an alternative power source. Increasingly, however, solar energy is standing toe-to-toe with traditional power sources as a viable, cost-effective option for electricity.

When solar energy burst onto the scene in the 1980s, nobody was making an economic case for including it in America's utility electric fleet. The argument in favour of solar energy was primarily environmental. Photovoltaic (PV) panels generate energy without carbon emissions or the constant need for fuel. Since 1998, however, the cost of panels has fallen by about 8% every year. Now, it is reaching what is known as "grid parity", which means that the electricity produced by PV is costcompetitive on a per-kilowatt basis with electricity from natural gas or coal plants. At the point of grid parity, advocates of the technology can use both pure cost analysis and environmental benefits to make their case. Recently, the EPA released its Clean Power Plan, which is likely to define the environmental legacy of the Obama administration. The plan calls for a nationwide 30% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030. While environmental benefits were certainly part of the motivation behind the plan, its feasibility largely hinges on the affordability of renewable energy technology.

Traditionally, electric utilities in the United States are vertically integrated monopolies. Vertical integration means one company produces and delivers a product to consumers. Solar energy, however, is already breaking up those vertically integrated monopolies. While it doesn't make sense for everyone to have their own coal plant, photovoltaic electricity gives every American the opportunity to produce their own power. This has come to be known as "energy democratization". Today, people have an unprecedented level of choice. Many homeowners are crunching the numbers and realising that an investment in their own electricity production can save them thousands over the life of the system.

It's not only individuals taking advantage of declining prices on their own rooftops. The utility companies themselves have seen the writing on the wall and have begun to invest in large-scale solar systems. There are now several solar power farms located throughout the United States. They are strategically constructed in areas with high solar resources, such as the Mojave Desert. The largest of these farms have a production capacity of upwards of 500 megawatts.

Americans are increasingly aware of the need for a clean energy future and the economic advantages of producing electricity at home. Solar energy is coming into its own as the economic and environmental choice of the future.

(1) Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of alternative medicine in Chinese history. The philosophy of acupuncture is based on the “Taoist Tradition” where these people meditate and observe the flow of positive energy inside and outside the body. Acupuncture has evolved over the years, but the concept and philosophy remain the same. Acupuncture involves the stimulation of anatomical locations on the skin through a variety of techniques and thin metal needles. Generally, alternative treatments receive little attention because some doctors are not aware that science proves that they really are effective alternatives to “drugs” and “medications”.

(2) Acupuncture works through physiological and energetic mechanisms. The energy mechanism is the balance of the channels or meridians through which the energy is transferred from one part of the body to another. Although the benefits of acupuncture have long been proven, it is essential that the technique is performed by a qualified professional.

(3) The benefits of acupuncture are mainly to counteract the pain. That’s why the technique is used against headache, toothache, osteoarthritis, rheumatism and to relieve menstrual pain. Acupuncturists use special needles of different sizes. These needles are sterile and inserted into one of the specific acupuncture points as well as the position of the energy flow. Normally, patients feel poking of the needles into their skin, but they cannot feel any pain. These needles are strong and larger than normal hair size.

(4) People who seek the unconventional treatment of acupuncture are those people who have suffered from a long period of chronic pain caused by their conditions such as chronic back pain that seems to never go away, painful headaches and migraines, cancer, depression, sleep disorders, and other effective disorders.

(5) Acupuncture for a headache: Several studies have scientifically confirmed the effectiveness of acupuncture in preventing and treating migraine attacks and headaches. In cases of a headache, traditional Chinese medicine techniques are analgesic, antiinflammatory, and act as a muscle relaxant.

(6) Acupuncture for anxiety and depression: Acupuncture may also be an option for the treatment of emotional disorders, depression, and anxiety. Acupuncture provides relaxation by balancing the body’s energies. Several studies in China have confirmed that acupuncture, combined with a very low dose of drugs to avoid stress, depression, and anxiety, is just as effective as treating a patient with a full dose of medication against depression.

(7) Repair the nerves efficiently: Acupuncture, unlike other medicines, acts directly on the nervous system. Therefore, it is undoubtedly the most effective therapy to stimulate nerve repair. Thus, it is the therapy of choice for strokes, paralysis, and health problems.