Acupuncture

About Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

Chinese medicine is a prevention-oriented, holistic approach to physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. It is a comprehensive natural health care system that has been used in Asian countries for thousands of years to preserve health as well as diagnose, treat and prevent illness.

The general theory of acupuncture is that proper physiological function and health depend on the circulation of nutrients, substances, and vital energy called Qi (pronounced “chee”) through a network of channels and meridians in our body. This network connects every organ and system of the body, providing balance, regulation, and coordination of physiological processes.

What causes an imbalance?

Imbalance, pain and ill health result when the flow of this vital Qi through the body is disrupted or blocked. This can be caused by many things, including disease, pathogens, trauma/injuries, and medication (side effects), as well as lifestyle factors such as overwork, poor diet, emotions, lack of rest, and stress.

Is Acupuncture Painful?

Stimulation of the appropriate acu-points can be done by inserting very thin needles through skin as well as through heat or finger pressure. When a needle is inserted into an acupuncture point it is normal to feel a sensation of warmth, slight numbness, heaviness or mild achiness at the point of insertion, or sometimes nothing at all. If sharp pain or unusual discomfort is felt, the needle is removed immediately. The ultimate goal is to restore sufficient, continuous, and even flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, thereby restoring health and balance to the body while relieving pain and other symptoms.

Western Scientific Research

Research has shown that acupuncture increases the microcirculation and vasomotion throughout the body which in turn increases oxygenation of the tissues which will help flush toxins, waste products, and other accumulated particles and chemicals from the tissues improving their overall function. Therefore, the small electrical currents generated by the insertion of a needle into the fascia or connective tissues can indeed have beneficial effects. And because of the nature of the connective tissues, it is quite plausible that these effects could occur both locally at the site of needle insertion or at a distance from the acupoint.

Who can benefit from acupuncture? What conditions can be treated?

Patients of acupuncture range from infants to senior citizens. They may be seeking an alternative to Western medicine or it may be their last hope of relief, having exhausted other methods of treatment for a chronic condition. Or, an acupuncturist may be their first choice of health care practitioner for a low-risk form of treatment with few side effects.

Acupuncture can effectively treat various conditions, including but not limited to: