What Is Acupuncture? And How Does It Work?
Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine that has been practiced for over 3000 years; making it one of the oldest and most long-standing health care systems in the world. It is thought that energy, or qi, (pronounced chee), along with blood, flow through your body and along pathways called meridians.
Illness occurs when the body becomes unbalanced. One way this can happen is due to an excess or a deficiency of qi and/or blood within the body. The technique of inserting tiny hair-thin needles into specific points causes micro traumas and can stimulate the body to respond by sending blood and qi to the site. This either helps to break up and remove a blockage, or replenishes a deficiency, bringing more blood and energy to the area.
Acupuncture stimulates the body's natural healing mechanisms to bring itself back into homeostasis. It has been proven to reset the nervous system, or the body's stress response, which is the underlying cause of many ailments and conditions. It does this by being able to access the blood and qi within the body.
There is significant proof that acupuncture prompts the body to produce the release of endorphins (feel-good hormones) and other neurotransmitters that help decrease or eliminate painful sensations; it is also proven to reduce inflammation. The body has the innate ability to heal itself, but it is acupuncture, this painless, yet invasive technique, that jumpstarts the body to do so. It is also this approach, of keeping the body in balance, that makes acupuncture great as a preventative treatment.
Illness occurs when the body becomes unbalanced. One way this can happen is due to an excess or a deficiency of qi and/or blood within the body. The technique of inserting tiny hair-thin needles into specific points causes micro traumas and can stimulate the body to respond by sending blood and qi to the site. This either helps to break up and remove a blockage, or replenishes a deficiency, bringing more blood and energy to the area.
Acupuncture stimulates the body's natural healing mechanisms to bring itself back into homeostasis. It has been proven to reset the nervous system, or the body's stress response, which is the underlying cause of many ailments and conditions. It does this by being able to access the blood and qi within the body.
There is significant proof that acupuncture prompts the body to produce the release of endorphins (feel-good hormones) and other neurotransmitters that help decrease or eliminate painful sensations; it is also proven to reduce inflammation. The body has the innate ability to heal itself, but it is acupuncture, this painless, yet invasive technique, that jumpstarts the body to do so. It is also this approach, of keeping the body in balance, that makes acupuncture great as a preventative treatment.
As a natural form of healing, acupuncture has the following benefits:
- provides drug-free pain relief
- effectively treats a wide range of acute and chronic issues
- treats the root of disease and illness, as well as the symptoms
- provides a holistic approach to the treatment of disease and illness, linking mind, body, and emotions
- assists in the prevention against disease and illness, as well as the maintenance of general well-being
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture needles are sterile, disposable, and extremely thin. They are FDA approved medical devices.
A licensed acupuncturist has gone through a rigorous training program of over 3,000 hours.
Acupuncture needles are sterile, disposable, and extremely thin. They are FDA approved medical devices.
A licensed acupuncturist has gone through a rigorous training program of over 3,000 hours.
Conditions effectively treated by Chinese Medicine according to the World Health Organization:
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Cardiovascular Disorders:
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hypertension, hypotension, fluid retention, chest pain, angina, poor circulation, cold limbs, and muscle cramps.
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Digestive Disorders:
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toothache, mouth ulcers, hiccough, gastric and duodenal ulcers, gastritis, heartburn, flatulence, colitis, diarrhea, constipation, hemorrhoids, weight control, nausea, vomiting.
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Eye Conditions:
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visual disorders, red, sore, itchy or watery eyes, conjunctivitis
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Gynecological Conditions:
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premenstrual tension, painful, heavy, irregular, or the absence of periods, abnormal uterine bleeding or discharge, hormonal disturbances, disorders associated with menopause, prolapse of the uterus or bladder, difficulty with conception, malposition of fetus, morning sickness.
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Musculoskeletal Disorders:
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sciatica, knee pain, low back pain, tennis elbow, post operative pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, tenosynovitis, shoulder and neck pain, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow.
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Neurological Conditions:
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headaches, migraines, difficulty sleeping, nervous tension stroke, facial and inter-costal neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia, some forms of paralysis, peripheral neuropathy, tinnitus, dizziness.
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Psychological Conditions:
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depression, emotional disturbances, anxiety, nervousness, and addictions such as smoking.
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Respiratory Conditions:
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bronchial asthma, acute and chronic bronchitis, acute tonsillitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, hay fever, chronic cough, laryngitis, sore throat, influenza, common cold.
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Skin Conditions:
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eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, herpes zoster, and scar tissue.
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Sporting Injuries:
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sprained ankles and knees, cartilage problems, torn ligaments, bruises.
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Urogenital Disorders:
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cystitis, prostatitis, low sexual vitality, urinary retention, kidney disorders, nocturnal enuresis.
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