What is Acupuncture?
The ancient medical art of acupuncture and related treatments are established evidence-based, clinically-proven medical methods that are over 3,000 years old. In conjunction with Chinese herbal medicine, it forms a complete and comprehensive approach to treat the entire person.
Acupuncture is a technique of passing very thin single-use sterile needles through the skin to specific points on the body. The purpose of this stimulation is to influence physiological, psychological, and spiritual functions in the body and mind. Chinese medicine acknowledges that the body, mind, and spirit are interrelated, and treats the body as a whole. When the body manifests a symptom, it is signal that the body is essentially out of balance energetically and/or physiologically in a particular area or organ, and is manifesting as disease.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) identifies the origin or "root" of the disease process and focuses treatment there, thus eliminating the cause and resolving the symptom. TCM is based on the theory that energy flows through certain pathways of the body called meridians. If there is blockage in this flow, it is reflected as an imbalance in the body by showing itself externally most often as pain, or internally as a malfunction of an associated organ, which causes disease and related symptoms.
Acupuncture is a technique of passing very thin single-use sterile needles through the skin to specific points on the body. The purpose of this stimulation is to influence physiological, psychological, and spiritual functions in the body and mind. Chinese medicine acknowledges that the body, mind, and spirit are interrelated, and treats the body as a whole. When the body manifests a symptom, it is signal that the body is essentially out of balance energetically and/or physiologically in a particular area or organ, and is manifesting as disease.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) identifies the origin or "root" of the disease process and focuses treatment there, thus eliminating the cause and resolving the symptom. TCM is based on the theory that energy flows through certain pathways of the body called meridians. If there is blockage in this flow, it is reflected as an imbalance in the body by showing itself externally most often as pain, or internally as a malfunction of an associated organ, which causes disease and related symptoms.
How does acupuncture Feel?
Prior to the first treatment, many people find it hard to believe that acupuncture is painless. Different sensations such as warmth or pressure may be felt. An energetic sensation can also be felt; this differs from pain. Many patients comment that it is an unfamiliar sensation, but pleasant and relaxing. The needles used are sterile and are extremely thin. All needles are individually wrapped and discarded after one use. In some cases, it is not necessary to use needles during treatment. For example, when treating young children, infants, or sensitive adults, there are other techniques such as tui na massage and acupressure that can be effective in the treatment of particular disorders.
Why is acupuncture and plant-based medicine becoming so popular?
- It is a simple, cost effective treatment with virtually no side effects.
- It works well in conjunction with Western Medicine and can provide relief for conditions that don't respond to conventional therapies.
- It reduces feelings of stress and produces a sense of calm.
- It enhances the body's natural healing response.
- It encourages people to play a more active role in their overall health.
What can acupuncture treat?
The World Health Organization (WHO) currently recognizes acupuncture and herbal medicine effective treatments for:
Dermatological
- Eczema
- Acne
- Herpes
Genitourinary & Reproductive
- PMS
- PID
- Impotence
- Infertility
- Morning sickness
- Cramps
- Vaginitis/Cystitis
- Irregular Period
- Menopause
Infections & ear, NOse, and THroat
- Colds and flu
- Bronchitis
- Sore throat
- Earache
- Sinus infection
- Hay fever
- Ringing in the ears
- Dizziness/vertigo
Internal Disorders
- Hypoglycemia
- Colitis
- Asthma
- Ulcers
- Hypertension
- Constipation
- Diabetes
- Indigestion
Mental-Emotional & addiction
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Stress
- PMS
- Smoking cessation
- Appetite control
- Substance abuse
Musculoskeletal & neurological
- Arthritis
- Headaches
- Neck & Back pain
- Sciatica
- Sprains
- Shingles
- Tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Stroke
- Sports injuries
- Enuresis
Using Chinese Medicine, patients are educated to be more aware of their body and play a more active role in their health care. This increased personal involvement helps patients maintain a better state of health, prevents future health problems, and reduces the number of treatments necessary while helping them get out and live the life they know they deserve.
