Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for over 3,000 years. It is practiced by inserting needles under the skin and applying heat or electrical stimulation at points located along meridians or energy pathways.

Meridians are channels of energy that run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. The meridians are like rivers irrigating and nourishing the tissues and organs. Any obstruction in their movement can cause stagnant energy to build up adversely affecting overall health. The flow of energy in the meridians can be reestablished by needling the appropriate acupuncture points.

Western science believes that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system releasing chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system.

The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture stimulates the body's natural healing abilities, and promotes physical and emotional well-being.

Scope of Acupuncture

 

Acupuncture can:

  • promote health and well-being

  • prevent illness

  • treat various medical conditions

While acupuncture is often associated with pain control, in the hands of a well-trained practitioner it has much broader applications.

The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems, including:

  • Digestive disorders: gastritis and hyperacidity, spastic colon, constipation, diarrhea.

  • Respiratory disorders: sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, recurrent chest infections.

  • Neurological and muscular disorders: headaches, facial tics, neck pain, rib neuritis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, various forms of tendonitis, low back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis.

  • Urinary, menstrual, and reproductive problems.

Acupuncture is particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to tension and stress and emotional conditions.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

The number of treatments needed differs from person to person. For complex or long-standing conditions, one or two treatments a week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required.

Possible Side Effects

It is quite common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following treatment. This will pass within a short time with a bit of rest.

Occasionally the original symptoms worsen for a few days. Treatment can trigger general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel/urination patterns, or emotional state. This should not cause concern, as these changes are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work.

Do The Needles Hurt?

Everyone experiences acupuncture needling differently. Most patients feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted; some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt.

Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid and are made from stainless steel. The point is smooth (not hollow with cutting edges like a hypodermic needle) and insertion through the skin is not as painful as injections or blood sampling. The risk of bruising and skin irritation is less than when using a hollow needle.

To avoid risk of infection, the Wellness Clinic uses only disposable needles.

Does Acupuncture Really Work?

In the past 2,000 years, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined. Today acupuncture is practiced widely in Asia, the Soviet Union, and in Europe. It is now being used more and more in America.

A positive attitude toward wellness may reinforce the effects of the treatment received, just as a negative attitude may hinder the effects of acupuncture or any other treatment. A neutral attitude ("I don't know if I really believe in this.") will not block the treatment results.

Treatment Day Do's & Don’ts

To enhance the value of a treatment, the following guidelines are important:

  • Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your treatment.

  • Do not over-exercise, engage in sexual activity, or consume alcoholic beverages within 6 hours before or after the treatment.

  • Plan your activities so that after the treatment you can get some rest, or at least not have to be working at top performance. This is especially important for the first few visits.

  • Continue to take any prescription medicines as directed by your regular doctor. Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol) especially in the week prior to treatment will seriously interfere with the effectiveness of acupuncture treatments.

  • Remember to keep good mental or written notes of what your response is to the treatment. This is important for your acupuncturist to know so that the follow-up treatments can be designed to best help you and your problem

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