Acupuncture Treatment
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a component of traditional Chinese medicine that originated in China over 5,000 years ago. The intent of acupuncture therapy is to promote health and alleviate pain and suffering. The method by which this is accomplished, though it may seem strange and mysterious to many, has been time-tested over thousands of years and continues to be validated today. The perspective from which an acupuncturist views health and sickness hinges on the concepts of “vital energy”, “energetic balance”,and “energetic imbalance”. Just as the Western medical doctor monitors the blood flowing through blood vessels and the messages traveling via the nervous system, the acupuncturist accesses the flow and distribution of this “vital energy” within its pathways, known as “meridians and channels”. The acupuncturist is able to influence health and sickness by stimulating certain areas along the “meridians”. Traditionally fine, slender needles stimulate these areas or “acupoints”.
How does acupuncture work?
There are numerous theories about how acupuncture works. Some of them are:
- Acupuncture stimulates the release of pain-relieving endorphins
- Acupuncture influences the release of neurotransmitters, substances that transmit nerve impulses to the brain
- Acupuncture influences the autonomic nervous system
- Acupuncture stimulates blood circulation
Clinical Research (NIH) demonstrates that Acupuncture
- Stimulates bone regrowth
- Regulates blood pressure
- Increases red and white blood cell count
How are acupuncturists educated?
Today, acupuncturists undertake three to four years of extensive and comprehensive graduate training at nationally certified schools. All acupuncturists must pass a national exam and meet strict guidelines to practice in every state.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes! The U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners, requiring that needles be manufactured and labeled according to certain standards. For example, the FDA requires that needles be sterile, nontoxic, and labeled for single use by qualified practitioners only. When performed by a properly trained and licensed practitioner, acupuncture is safe and effective, free from adverse or addictive side effects. Commonly, a sense of relaxation and well-being come about during and after treatments. While experiencing therapy for one weakness, other imbalances may resolve alongside. This is a common side benefit that again demonstrates the value of balancing the quality and quantity of “vital energy” within the entire person.
What can be treated with acupuncture?
Acupuncture treats two different states of being, the disease/illness half and the general well being half. Regular health problems and chronic conditions, for which drug therapy and surgery have not been effective, often benefit from Acupuncture/Oriental Medicine. These include yet are not limited to:
Orthopedic Issues:
- Arthritis
- Back pain
- Tennis elbow
- Knee pain
- Sciatica
- Neck pain
Neurological Issues:
- Stroke
- Bell’s Palsy
- MS
- Numbness
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Dizziness
- Migraine
- Tinnitus
Allergies & Skin Issues:
- Acne
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Hay fever
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Rhinitis
Internal Issues:
- Anemia
- Angina
- Heart attack
- Hypertension
- Cholesterol imbalance
- Diabetes Mellitus
Gastro-Intestinal issues:
- Acid reflux
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Gastritis
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Crohns Disease
Gynecological issues:
- Infertility
- Menstrual pain
- Irregular menses
- Uterine bleeding
- Endometriosis
- Morning Sickness
- Menopause
- P.M.S.
The second realm of what acupuncture can treat falls under the state of well-being in the individual. The overall well-being of the individual consists of the strength of the “vital energy” and the body’s vulnerability to stress. Tune-ups are done twice a month with patient to strengthen their “vital energy” and decrease their stress levels. The amplification of the “vital energy” will allow fewer imbalances to occur, minimizing the build-up of weak energy that can accumulate and cause a failing of the body’s self defense mechanisms.