Acupuncture is part of a complete medical system
called Chinese Medicine which was developed
thousands of years ago and is comprised of
acupuncture, chinese herbs, cupping, moxa, dietary
recomendations and various body work. Most anything
that Western medicine can treat, Chinese
Medicine can treat as well. In our culture, we tend
to call it alternative medicine but Chinese medicine
has been around for thousands of years while our
allopathic medicine is only about 150 years old.
Acupuncture involves the use of tiny, very fine,
sterile, disposable needles which are inserted into
various acupuncture points on the body. There
are hundreds of points on the body and depending on
the ailment, points are selected and
utilized. Chinese Medicine is a holistic medicine
and is based on the idea that if the body is
balanced, there will not be illness and if there is
disharmony in the body, it has the ability to heal
itself through the use of acupuncture and herbs.
Western and Chinese Medicine can be utilized and
integrated for optimal health. However, acupuncture
can treat many ailments without the use of
pharmaceuticals, undesirable side effects and
procedures. We also offer needle free
treatment as an alternative.
FAQ:
The classical Chinese explanation is that
channels of energy, called "Chi" in Chinese, 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 organs and 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.
The meridians can be influenced by needling the
acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock
the obstructions at the dams, and re-establish the
regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture
treatments can therefore help the body's internal
organs to correct imbalances in their digestion,
absorption, and energy production activities, and in
the circulation of 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 they will trigger
the release of other chemicals and hormones which
influence the body's own internal regulating system.
The improved energy and biochemical balance
produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the
body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting
physical and emotional well-being.
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 tendinitis, low back pain,
sciatica, osteoarthritis;
Urinary, menstrual, and
reproductive problems.
Acupuncture is particularly useful in resolving
physical problems related to tension and stress and
emotional conditions.
The number of treatments needed differs from
person to person. For complex or long-standing
conditions, one or two treatments a week for several
months may be recommended. 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 to take place. Occasionally the
original symptoms worsen for a few days, or other
general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or
urination pattern, or emotional state may be
triggered. These should not cause concern, as they
are simply indications that the acupuncture is
starting to work. It is quite common with the first
one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep
relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately
following the treatment. These pass within a short
time, and never require anything more than a bit of
rest to overcome.
People experience acupuncture needling
differently. Most patients feel only minimal pain as
the needles are inserted; some feel no pain at all.
Once the needles are in place, there is no pain
felt. Acupuncture needle are very thin and solid and
are made from stainless steel (it was silver in
ancient time). 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 the use of disposable needles, there
is no risk of infection from the treatments.
Yes. In the past 2000 years, more people have
been successfully treated with acupuncture than with
all other health modalities combined. Today
acupuncture is practiced widely in Asia, the Russia,
and in Europe. It is now being used more and more in
America by patients and practitioners. Acupuncture
treatments can be given at the same time other
techniques are being used, such as conventional
Western medicine, osteopathic or chiropractic
prescriptions. It is important that your
acupuncturist know everything that you are doing, so
he or she can help you get the most benefit from all
your treatments.
Yes. To enhance the value of a treatment, the
following guidelines are important:
Do not eat an unusually large meal
immediately before or after your treatment.
Do not over-exercise, engage in
sexual activity, or consume alcoholic beverages
within 6 hours before or after the treatment.
Plan your activities so that after
the treatment you can get some rest, or at least not
have to be working at top performance. This is
especially important for the first few visits.
Continue to take any prescription
medicines as directed by your regular doctor.
Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol) especially in
the week prior to treatment, will seriously
interfere with the effectiveness of acupuncture
treatment.
Remember to keep good mental or
written notes of what your response is to the
treatment. This is important for your doctor to know
so that the follow-up treatments can be designed to
best help you and your problem.