What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a procedure of inserting and manipulating sterilized metallic needles into varios points on the body to relieve pain or for therapeutic purposes. metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation. Acupuncture has been practiced in China and other Asian countries for thousands of years.
Does acupuncture treatment hurt?
Most patients have stated that there is little or no pain as very fine, sterile, disposable needles are used. Treatments are available without the use of needles through Acupressure, Moxibustion and Laser stimulation.
What is Chinese Medicine?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the body is seen as a delicate balance of two opposing, complementary and inseparable forces: yin and yang. Yin represents cold, slow, or passive aspects of the person, while yang represents hot, excited, or active aspects. The foundation of Traditional Chinese Medicine is the achievement and maintenance of health through the balance of yin and yang. Disease is caused by an imbalance leading to a blockage in the flow of qi (vital energy). Acupuncture, moxibustion, Chinese herbs, nutrition, exercise (meditation/qi gong, tai ji) and tui-na (Asian Bodywork) are the key components of Chinese medicine to balance the yin and yang of the body and regulate one’s vital energy.
How effective is Acupuncture?
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has been studying acupuncture. Even though they have not been able to fully discover how acupuncture works, they recognize the efficacy of acupuncture. Promising results have emerged, for example, to treat adult post-operative dental and medical pain, chemotherapy nausea and vomiting. There are other situations–addiction, stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low-back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma, in which acupuncture may be useful as an adjunct treatment or an acceptable alternative, or be included in a comprehensive management program.
Can acupuncture be effective when other treatments have failed?
Yes, Absolutely. For many it is the “last resort”. Conventional medicine is very effective in suppressing symptoms, such as pain, but often does not address the root cause. During your first office visit, the practitioner will ask you at length about your health condition, lifestyle, and behavior. The practitioner will want to obtain a complete picture of your treatment needs and behaviors that may contribute to your condition. Please inform the acupuncturist about all treatments or medications you are taking and all medical conditions you have.
What kind of conditions should I seek acupuncture treatment?
An acupuncturist may be consulted for specific symptoms and conditions such as pain, weight control, anxiety, depression, arthritis, asthma, migraine, menstrual disorders, intestinal disorders, addictions and a whole array of other conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed the above conditions and many more as being responsive to acupuncture treatment
There has been extensive practice and research that has evidenced that acupuncture is effective in helping patients with many of the conditions listed by WHO as well as many others. It does more than simply relieve the symptoms. The aim of acupuncture is to treat the whole patient and restore balance between the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of the individual. Many people also have acupuncture as a preventative treatment, which is the most important benefit of this medicine.
Can children be treated with acupuncture?
Children of all ages are treated and respond well to acupuncture and Chinese herbal treatment. In addition, young children of those apprehensive of the use of acupuncture needles may be treated without needles using Acupressure, magnets and/or electrical probes. In addition, herbal formulas are usually prescribed to enhance the acupuncture treatments and to provide further care between treatments as well.
Can you tell me more about Chinese herbal treatment?
Chinese herbal medicine, also known as Chinese herbology is one of the primary modalities within the scope of Oriental medicine. Chinese herbology includes treatment with substances such as plants, roots, minerals and more. Like acupuncture, Chinese herbology has evolved as an integral part of Chinese medicine and is used to re-harmonize imbalances in the body.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines herbal medicines to include herbs, herbal materials, herbal preparations and finished herbal products that contain as active ingredients parts of plants, or other plant materials, or combinations. Chinese formulas are comprised of herbs designed for each individual patient. This special formulation is crucial because these formulas must be delicately composed for the purpose of achieving balance in each disharmonious state of being. Even small deviations in dosage or herb composition can change the entire focus of the formula and therefore, the results.
