What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories that states all living beings are comprised
of Qi(Energy) and Xue(Blood) which flows along pathways or meridians through out the body much the same way as the nervous
and circulatory systems.
Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points that lay on these
meridians. Stimulating these points will influence physiological functioning, treating specific health problems or diseases
and thus helping the body heal itself.
How does Acupuncture work?
Energy/ Qi flows along channels or pathways are called meridians through the body to irrigate and nourish
the tissues and organs. In
order for health to be maintained, the energy must flow smoothly. Bodily malfunction, pain and illness will occur when the flow is disrupted, blocked or
stagnate. By stimulating the acupuncture points at specific sites this will move the stagnation balancing the body and restoring
health.
Advanced medical research has determined that stimulation of acupuncture points produces definite
physiological reactions in the body such as changes in heart rate, blood pressure, intestinal activity and blood chemistry.
These immediate effects quickly aid in deadening pain, boosting the immune system to fight infection, regulate glands and
promote the healing process.
How many treatments are needed?
The length of treatments varies depending on the illness, severity and duration of the condition and the
physical state of the patient at the time of treatment. Generally, five to fifteen treatments are adequate for the majority
of health issues. Some
people experience immediate relief, while others may take months to achieve results.
Is Acupuncture painful?
Acupuncture needles are solid and thin, just like a cat’s whisker or a human hair. When inserted, acupuncturists
use extreme caution avoiding any veins or arteries. The sensitivity of different acupuncture points will vary depending on the area of the body. Patients will
often feel either warmth around the needle, heaviness, tingling or an electrical sensation radiating down the meridian. Once
the needles are in, no pain is felt. In order for the treatments to be successful, it is vital that a stimulus is obtained. Patients are surprised at how relaxed they
feel during the treatments and quite often fall asleep. A treatment usually lasts 35-45 minutes.
Are there any side effects after the Acupuncture
treatment?
As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and the healing
process begins to take place. It is quite common to feel a deep sense of relaxation or mild disorientation after treatment.
These symptoms pass within a short time and usually only require a small amount of rest.
Are the needles clean?
Yes, Acupuncture needles are sterile, individually packaged, one time use, and then discarded.
Why did my Acupuncturist recommend Chinese
herbs?
Chinese Herbal Medicine is often used in conjunction with acupuncture care to obtain optimal results. Chinese Herbs have very few side effects
and help the body by treating the source of the problem as opposed to treating only the symptoms.
What can Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal
Medicine treat?
Muscular /Orthopedic
disorders…such as neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, tendonitis, frozen shoulder,
arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, joint disorders, fibromyalgia, pain, weakness & numbness, tingling or muscle cramping
anywhere in the body, sciatica.
Digestive
System/Gastrointestinal Dysfunction….abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome(IBS), chronic constipation/diarrhea,
indigestion, ulcers, acid reflux, nausea/vomiting ( including morning sickness), colitis, crohn’s disease, GERD, heartburn,
gastritis.
Emotional…..stress,
anxiety, mood swings, fear, irritability, insomnia, depression, tension.
Neurological…..headaches,
including migraines, bells palsy, trigeminal neuralgia, tremors, seizures, peripheral neuropathy
Respiratory,
Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders…..frequent colds, flu, asthma, sinusitis, recurrent respiratory infections, allergies,
TMJ, tinnitus, sore throat, veritgo.
Gynecological
Disoders….PMS, menstrual cramps, irregular menstruation, painful menstruation, infertility, menopause symptoms,
absence of menses.
Other
Conditions….addictions, skin problems, high and low blood pressure, high cholesterol, urinary tract infections,
hyper-hypothyroidism.
