Acupuncture
Acupuncture – is a major part of Oriental Medicine, a complete system that is used to diagnose and treat illness, relieve pain, prevent disease and improve well-being. In itself, it is effective for physical, psychological and emotional problems. Acupuncture originated in China over 3,000 years ago and due to its proven effectiveness has been embraced throughout the world.
How Acupuncture Works – Science has determined that human beings are complex bio-electric systems. This understanding has been the foundation of acupuncture practice for several thousand years. Energy circulates throughout the body along well-defined pathways. Points on the skin along these pathways are energetically connected to specific organs, body structures and systems. If this energy circulation is disrupted, optimum function is affected and this results in pain and illness. Acupuncture points are stimulated to balance the circulation of energy, which influences the health of the entire being.
How Acupuncture Feels – Prior to their first treatment, most people do not believe that acupuncture can be painless. Different sensations such as warmth or pressure may be felt, but the energetic sensation differs from pain. People often comment that the feeling is unfamiliar but pleasant and relaxing. The acupuncture needles are very fine and flexible (disposable), about the size of a hair. Over the centuries, refined needle insertion techniques have been developed which enable the skilled acupuncturist to place a needle with little or no sensation.
Benefits – Since acupuncture promotes the body’s natural healing ability, most conditions an be corrected or improved. Oriental Medicine is a comprehensive system of preventive health care and health maintenance. The effectiveness of acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is well documented and extends far beyond the conception that is only useful for chronic pain management or as an analgesic.
The Treatment
The objective of every treatment is two-fold: to re-balance the body’s energy, and to bring relief of pain and discomfort whether physical or emotional The initial visit takes about an hour and a half and consists of a complete consultation and treatment. Follow up treatments last 45 minutes to an hour. At first treatments are scheduled once or twice a week and may range over several months for the chronic, longstanding conditions. Some will need only a few sessions, while others need sustained care to reverse chronic patterns that have been building up over time
When the needles are gently inserted under the skin, you may feel a slight pinch but rarely pain and if ever it is only for an instant. This is the part most people fear, needlessly I might add. Once you have your first treatment you will join the ranks of patients who actually look forward to their next treatment. The needles are very thin much thinner than needles used for injections and they do not cut the skin; therefore no pain. When all the needles are in place (usually 10 – 12) you lie back, relax and listen to the music for about 30 minutes (most people fall asleep, it is so relaxing) The needles are then removed and the treatment is finished. To ensure patient safety, only sterile disposable needles are used.
It is recommend that you enter Acupuncture therapy with the intention of taking the complete program that is recommended by your Acupuncturist. If you want to “try one or two sessions to see if it works”, you will not get the full advantage. The National Institute of Health reports that one should see results in approximately ten visits, usually results are seen after only one. Do not rush the therapy, allow your body to heal in its’ own time. We are all different, as are our diseases and illnesses. Some of us take longer to heal than others. Our health and lifestyles are different. Chronic conditions take longer to heal than acute ones. Research shows in general, the average therapy runs from six to fifteen sessions. There is no set number. It all depends on the progress of the individual. In most cases, relief is felt almost immediately, (not with everyone) and will usually hold for only a day or two. As the therapy continues, the change or relief is more obvious and lasts longer and longer until complete or substantial recovery.
After therapy, if stress or conditions return causing pain or disease to recur, experience shows that those who have taken the recommended therapy, find their body able to adjust itself in a day or two, releasing the discomfort on its own. Should the discomfort last for more than three days, usually one or two treatments will restore balance. It appears the body remembers all those earlier treatments and adjusts itself with only one or two sessions. Some maintenance treatments may be recommended to maintain body’s balance. Some choose to have monthly treatments, while some choose to come at the change of each season.
Oriental Medicine
Oriental Medicine – encompasses a variety of Asian health-care therapies. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology are the front runners of Oriental Medicine, but also included are Moxibustion, Gua Sha, Cupping and dietary modifications.
Acupuncture – Alone or as an adjunct to Western medicine, acupuncture provides highly effective treatment for many common complaints and may provide additional relief for problems that do not respond completely to Western medical treatment. If you suffer from low back pain, arthritis, PMS , headaches, allergies or any of a host of medical conditions, acupuncture can help. Many patients report not only having relief of the illness being treated but other benefits are also noted such as more energy, fewer colds and flu and being able to sleep better to name a few.
Traditional Chinese Medicine – Chinese medicine is a complete medical system that has been used to diagnose, treat and prevent illness for thousands of years. It’s basic theory states that our physical, mental and emotional states are dependent upon the life giving energy called Qi (chee) that courses through the body. We experience good health and a sense of well-being when the flow of Qi is smooth, balanced, and uninterrupted. An imbalance or blockage of this energy can result in disease. Acupuncture is a primary aspect of Chinese Medicine. It promotes the body’s innate ability to heal itself by regulating and balancing the flow of Qi. The Qi is accessed by inserting fine, stainless steel (disposable) needles under the skin at specific points along the 14 meridians or pathways found on the body‘s surface.