Discover the Healing Power of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and improve functioning, which is done by inserting needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at exact acupuncture points.

The classical Chinese explanation is that energy channels run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up the flow in one part of the body and restricts it in others.

Needling the acupuncture points can impact the meridians; the needles remove the obstructions at the dams and restore the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can help the body’s internal organs correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities and circulate their energy through the meridians.

The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain or trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones that influence the body’s internal regulating system.

The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.

Acupuncture is an ancient medical art with many approaches to learning and practicing it. Medical acupuncture is the term used to describe acupuncture performed by a doctor trained and licensed in Western medicine (M.D. or D.O.) who has also had thorough training in acupuncture as a specialty practice. Such a doctor can use one or the other approach, or a combination of both as needed, to treat an illness.

Medical acupuncture is a system which can influence three areas of health care:

·         Promotion of health and well-being

·         Prevention of illness

·         Treatment of various medical conditions

While acupuncture is often associated with pain control, it has much broader applications in the hands of a well-trained practitioner. Acupuncture can be effective as the only treatment used or as the support or adjunct to other medical treatment forms in many medical and surgical disorders.

The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems, including: 

• Digestive disorders: gastritis and hyperacidity, spastic colon, constipation, diarrhea

• Respiratory disorders: sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, recurrent chest infections

• Neurological and muscular disorders: headaches, facial tics, neck pain, rib neuritis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, various forms of tendonitis, low back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis

• Urinary, menstrual, and reproductive problems

Acupuncture is particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to tension, stress, and emotional conditions.

The number of treatments needed differs from person to person. One or two treatments per week for several months may be recommended for complex or long-standing conditions. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required, and for health maintenance, four sessions a year may be all that is necessary.

Usually not. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated, and healing begins. Occasionally, the original symptoms worsen for a few days, or other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel, urination patterns, or emotional state may be triggered. These should not cause concern, as they indicate that the acupuncture is starting to work.

It is familiar with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These pass quickly and never require more than a bit of rest to overcome.

People experience acupuncture needling differently. Most patients feel minimal pain as the needles are inserted; some feel no pain. Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt.

Acupuncture needles are skinny and solid. They are made from stainless steel. The point is smooth (not hollow with cutting edges like a hypodermic needle), and insertion through the skin is not as painful as injections or blood sampling. The risk of bruising and skin irritation is less than when using a hollow needle.

Because your doctor carefully sterilizes the needles using the same techniques as surgical instruments or uses disposable needles, there is no risk of infection from the treatments.