Developed over five thousand years ago in ancient China, this healing art has been transforming lives ever since! Acupuncture addresses the physical, mental and emotional imbalances that give rise to symptoms and disease. Traditional Chinese Medicine explains acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force known as “qi” (pronounced as chee) believed to flow through pathways (meridians) in your body. By inserting needles into specific points along these meridians your energy flow will re-balance.
Acupuncture
FAQs about Acupuncture
What is it?
Acupuncture is an ancient method of natural healing developed by Chinese physicians more than 5,000 years ago.
How does it work?
The stimulation of various energetic points on your skin triggers chemical reactions within the body that cause changes that activate the natural healing process. The stimulation can be done with needles, electric current, a pointed object, or simple pressure with the fingertips.
How do we get out of balance?
Physical and emotional circumstances can cause the body to become out of balance. This could be due to unrecognized food sensitivities and nutritional deficiencies, along with sudden changes in temperature or wind conditions, depression, anger, worries, etc. With acupuncture and herbs, the acupuncture physician can bring your body back into normal - back into balance.
Is the effect psychological?
No. The effect caused by acupuncture is totally physiological. The best proof of this is the exceptional success in Veterinary Acupuncture. Additionally, many western researchers have been able to scientifically prove how the body responds to acupuncture stimulation.
Is it painful?
There is minimal to no pain or bleeding involved with acupuncture needles as they are extremely thin. You may feel warmth or pressure where the acupuncture is being done and some patients feel what they describe as a “release of blocked energy.” A slight discomfort may or may not be felt when the practitioner applies pressure at certain points, but the results are well worth it.
Do the results last?
Usually in acute cases the result of the treatment is permanent. In cases where structural damage is present due to chronic conditions of degeneration, more treatments or a periodic “tune up” may be necessary in order to keep your body in balance.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of acupuncture treatments needed depends on the condition being treated, its severity, and how your body responds. A common treatment plan is one or two treatments per week for 6 to 8 weeks. However, the number of treatments can vary from person to person.
Some factors that can affect how many treatments are needed include:
Condition: Chronic conditions usually take longer to treat than acute conditions.
Severity: More severe symptoms typically require more sessions.
Health: Older patients and those in poor health tend to need more sessions than young, healthier patients.
Aftercare: Taking your practitioner's recommendations regarding aftercare may help you see improvements quicker.
Your acupuncturist will recommend a schedule that's right for you. They may increase or decrease the frequency of your treatment depending on how your body responds. Once your condition begins to improve, the rate of treatment is often reduced. Many people find it beneficial to continue with acupuncture treatments every month to prevent symptom recurrence.
Where are the needles applied?
The needles are applied all over your body along the “meridians”, or energy channels. They can also be applied on the ears, palms and soles. Ear acupuncture is very useful, especially when treating different types of addictions such as tobacco, hallucinogenic drugs, or food, making its use in weight control very popular.
What should I wear for acupuncture treatment?
The acupuncture physician will need access to the body parts that are being treated. Please dress accordingly to facilitate treatment.
If treating neck and shoulder pain, please wear a tank top that exposes your neck, shoulders and upper back.
If treating low back pain, please wear shorts or a skirt with an elastic waist as the acupuncture physician will need access to the back of your knees, ankles and the lower part of your back. You can also wear loose fitting pants with an elastic waist that can be rolled up above the knee.
If treating knee pain, please wear shorts, a skirt or loose fitting pants that can be rolled up above the knee.
What conditions can be treated?
Acupuncture can treat a wide variety of ailments or complaints such as:
Pain : Acupuncture can help with chronic pain, such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, migraines, knee pain, and menstrual cramps. It can also help with pain from sports injuries, dental pain, and other nerve discomfort such as trigeminal neuralgia.
Nausea and vomiting: Acupuncture can help with nausea and vomiting caused by surgery or chemotherapy.
Digestive issues: Acupuncture can help with digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, gastritis, diarrhea and constipation.
Psychological and emotional disorders: Acupuncture can help with depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia.
Skin conditions: Acupuncture can be used to treat acne, skin rashes, eczema, facial wrinkles and to rejuvenate the skin.
Urinary and reproductive disorders: Acupuncture can help with menstrual cramps, irregular or heavy periods, infertility, and menopausal symptoms.
Other conditions: Acupuncture can also help with asthma, bronchitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, facial paralysis , fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, sinusitis, tendinitis, tennis elbow and many of the problems for which Western medicine has no answers!
Will acupuncture ever replace Western medicine?
Not necessarily. Both sciences have broad application in the healing of diseases; therefore, they can work in conjunction and in mutual cooperation. When we combine the two, the patient is the ultimate winner.