What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a means of adjusting the body's life energy through the insertion of fine needles into carefully selected acupuncture points along the meridians of the body. The needles, which have a rounded end, rather than a sharp cutting one, are inserted into the points and can then be manipulated by gentle motions. These motions stimulate the flow of energy and remove blockages so that the energy can be dispersed and regulated. When energy is flowing properly through the body, the balance is restored and improved heath results.
What Conditions Does Acupuncture Treat?
The World Health Organization has listed over four dozen different conditions that can be treated by acupuncture. Some of most common uses for acupuncture treatment are pain management, headache, asthma, digestive disorders, arthritis, gynecological and obstetric problems, drug abuse, alcoholism, stroke, smoking, and gastrointestinal disorders.
World Health Organization publishes a comprehensive list at:
http://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/who-official-position/
What Should I Expect On My First Visit?
Prior to their first treatment, many people do not believe that acupuncture can be painless. Different sensations such as soreness, numbness, distending, warmth, and pressure may be felt; but the energetic sensation differs from pain. People often comment that the feeling is unfamiliar but pleasant and relaxing.
Acupuncture needles are very fine, about the size of a thick hair. They are solid and nothing is injected through them.Over the centuries, refined needle insertion techniques have allowed acupuncturists to place a needle with little or no sensation.
If you have a real fear of needles, discuss it with us. An appropriate treatment strategy can always be agreed upon.
Is the Acupuncture Needle Safe?
Yes! Acupuncture is carried out with sterile and disposable needles approved by the FDA.
How Many Sessions of Acupuncture Will I Need?
Since each person and condition is unique, the number of treatments needed will vary. Among the determining factors are the type of condition, whether the condition is chronic or acute, and the vitality of the individual. A treatment program will be discussed upon the first visit.
If you have any further questions regarding acupuncture, please contact us.
How Does it Work?
Although many theories have been presented, there is still no easy answer as to exactly how acupuncture works. In traditional Chinese Medicine, there exists a meridian system through the human body and more than 360 acupoints are located on these meridians. Inserting acupuncture needles into acupoints helps the energy flow and corrects energy imbalances.
The "Gate Control" theory suggests that pain impulses are blocked from reaching the spinal cord or brain at various "gates" to these areas. Since a majority of acupuncture points are either located near, or connected to neural structures, this suggests that acupuncture stimulates the nervous system to "shut the gate" to the sensation of pain. Other theories suggest that acupuncture stimulates the body to produce narcotic-like substances, such as endorphins and opiods, which relieve pain. One thing is certain, the proof is in results. Studies have shown that acupuncture works for individuals with a myriad of conditions.