About Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a procedure involving the stimulation of anatomical points on the body using a variety of techniques. Acupuncture is a technique that has been most often studied scientifically which involves penetrating the skin with a hair-thin, disposable needle manipulated by the hands and sometimes by electrical stimulation.
Cited as an effective system of healthcare by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the
World Health Organization (WHO); acupuncture and Oriental Medicine are becoming a serious alternative or complement to conventional pain management and medical treatment.
Acupuncture is among the oldest healing practices in the world. In the United States, where practitioners incorporate healing traditions from China, Japan, Korea, and other countries, acupuncture is considered part of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Oriental medicine is an effective, low cost medical treatment that works in harmony with the
body's natural healing ability. Diagnosis in Oriental medicine involves the classical procedures of observation, listening, questioning and palpation, including feeling pulse quality. Treatment focuses on the well-being of the entire person and not simply on the physical complaints and symptoms.
Acupuncture can assist in the treatment of many disorders such as:
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Traditional Chinese medicine explains that health is the result of a harmonious balance of the complementary extremes of yin and yan of the life force known as gi or chi. Qi is said to flow through meridians (pathways) in the human body. Through 350 acupuncture points in the body, these meridians and energy flows may be accessed. Illness is said to be the consequence of an imbalance of the forces. If needles are inserted into these points with appropriate combinations it is said that the energy flow can be brought back into proper balance.
In Western societies and several other parts of the world, acupuncture is explained including concepts of neuroscience. Acupuncture points are seen by Western practitioners as places where nerves, muscles and connective tissue can be stimulated. Acupuncture practitioners say that the stimulation increases blood flow while at the same time triggering the activity of our own body's natural painkillers. |
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What to expect from Acupuncture visits
During your first office visit, the practitioner may ask you at length about your health condition, lifestyle, and behavior in confidentiality with the patient. The practitioner will want to obtain a complete picture of your treatment needs and behaviors that may contribute to your condition. Inform the acupuncturist about all treatments or medications you are taking and all medical conditions you have.
Acupuncture needles are metallic, solid, and hair-thin. People experience acupuncture differently, but most feel minimal or no pain at all as the needles are inserted. Some people feel energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed. It's important to seek treatment from a qualified acupuncture practitioner since Improper needle placement, movement of the patient, or a defect in the needle can cause soreness and pain during treatment.
Treatment may take place over a period of several weeks or more.
Acupuncture needles are metallic, solid, and hair-thin. People experience acupuncture differently, but most feel minimal or no pain at all as the needles are inserted. Some people feel energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed. It's important to seek treatment from a qualified acupuncture practitioner since Improper needle placement, movement of the patient, or a defect in the needle can cause soreness and pain during treatment.
Treatment may take place over a period of several weeks or more.
