What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the use of needles to stimulate specially designated points on the body. The Chinese began using acupuncture over 2000 years ago, and it has been the subject of continuous study and clinical experience since that time. Chinese Medicine is holistic; that is, it treats the whole person rather than the symptoms out of the context of the individual. Traditional acupuncture, therefore, is a complex system of examination, diagnosis, and treatment. It seeks to alleviate symptoms and pain by assisting individuals to find balance in their lives. Preventative maintenance is central to the philosophy of Chinese Medicine and this extends to what we generally consider our mental health.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely thin needles through the skin, to various depths at strategic points on the body. Most patients claim that they experience no pain during treatments. Because the needle is so thin, it does NOT resemble the pain of a typical shot that one might want to associate with. Over the past few decades, acupuncture's popularity has grown significantly within the United States. Although scientists don't fully understand how or why acupuncture works, most patients that have tried acupuncture claim their pain has been significantly reduced and / or disappeared after treatments.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Chinese medical theory holds that a vital life energy circulates through the human body by way of channels called meridians (similar but not identical to the nervous and blood circulatory systems). When this flow of energy is smooth and unobstructed, good health is the result. However, if for any reason this flow is blocked, ailments and disease occur. The function of acupuncture is to restore balance in the body so the vital life energy can flow.

In contrast, the Western explanation of acupuncture incorporates modern concepts of neuroscience. Many practitioners view the acupuncture points as places to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue. This stimulation increases blood flow, which in turn, allows the body to naturally soothe pain.

What is the Benefit of Acupuncture?

As with almost all medical therapies, acupuncture has both benefits and risks. Acupuncture is generally considered safe and effective.

Acupuncture is safe when performed properly by a licensed acupuncturist. It can be used as a complement to other Western treatment methods. It helps control pain. It is an alternative to those who may not want to take medications or simply don't respond to medications prescribed.

It is advised not to attempt acupuncture if a bleeding disorder is present or blood thinner medications are being taken. Side effects are rare, and can include soreness, bleeding or bruising at the site of needle entry. In rare cases, a needle can break and cause other issues. If a licensed acupuncturist is not used or improper handling of needles occurs, a possibility of reused needles can transmit infectious diseases.

Some commonly seen ailments that may be treated by acupuncture:

Digestive System

Gastric Pain, indigestion, digestive ulcers, constipation, abdominal pain, diarrhea, gall bladder infection and stones, colitis, hiccups, hemorrhoids

Musculoskeletal

Neck pain, back and lower back pain, sciatica muscle cramping, tightness, weakness, arthritis, auto injury, sports injury, tennis elbow

Neurological

Headaches, migraines, strokes, bell's palsy, parkinson's disease, trigeminal neuralgia

Emotional

Anxiety, depression, insomnia, nervousness, neurosis, stress

Respiratory

Asthma, cough, common cold, sinusitis, tonsillitis

Gynecological

Infertility, painful menstruation, menopause, PMS, cystitis, irregular menstruation, habitual miscarriage, endometriosis

Men's Diseases

Impotence, prostatitis

Children's Diseases
(may use acupressure or medical massage in place of acupuncture)

Digestion problems, bed-wetting, diarrhea, constipation, ADD, infantile paralysis, media otitis

Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat

Tinnitus, toothache, poor vision, conjunctivitis

Dermatology

Acne, Eczema, canker sores, boils, varicose veins

Cardiovascular

Hypertension, dizziness/vertigo, palpitations

Addictions

Alcohol, food, tobacco, barbiturates, heroin, tranquillizers

Miscellaneous

Allergies, hay fever, thyroid conditions, athletic performance, chronic fatigue, immune system tonification, incontinence, cosmetic, weight gain, weight loss, quitting smoking

An In-Depth Look at Acupuncture

In traditional Chinese medicine, health results from a harmonious balance between the complementary extremes (yin and yang) of the life force known as "qi." Qi is believed to flow through pathways (meridians) in your body. These meridians and the energy flow are accessible through more than 350 acupuncture points. Illness results from an imbalance of the forces. By inserting needles into these points in various combinations, acupuncture practitioners believe that your energy flow will rebalance. Unlike hypodermic needles you may see in a doctor's office (large and hollow), an acupuncture needle is solid and extremely fine.

Needles are not the only technique used by licensed acupuncturists. Other suggestions and treatments may include: TDP lamp, cupping, Chinese herbs, Chinese massage, acupressure, electrical stimulation, guasha technique, nutrition and exercise.