Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture?

Originating in China 5,000 years ago, it is the oldest continuously practiced medical system in the world.  Outside of China, in other parts of Asia, Europe and South America, Acupuncture has been practiced for about 200 years.  In the United States, Acupuncture has been available since 1972.  It is used by nearly one-third of the world as a primary health care system and many more as an adjunct therapy.  The fundamental principles of Acupuncture are to treat the person as an integrated whole in body, mind and spirit, and to remedy the root of the cause of illness and disease, not only the symptoms.

How does  Acupuncture work?

Acupuncture is based on the movement of Chi (pronounced "chee").  Chi is the life-giving energy that circulates along channels to all organs of the body and enables them to function.  Chi is what animates you, gives you vitality, and shows up as the sparkle in your eye.  When the Chi in the body is abundant and flowing freely, you thrive.  If your Chi is depleted or obstructed, symptoms (the body's distress signals warning there is a problem) arise.  If the underlying problem is not addressed, serious illness or disease may begin to affect your physical body, mental clarity, sense of joy in living, or your sense of purpose.

Nature's tendency is to self-correct imbalances in Chi, and maintain homeostasis, so that we may recover from illness or emotional hurt in due course.  Symptoms that persist, however, alert us to an imbalance on a deeper level.  The Acupuncturist looks to the underlying disharmony and focuses treatment on both the root cause and the symptoms brought on by the imbalance.

There are approximately 360 points that Acupuncturists use to influence Chi.  This is done with the use of very fine needles.  Over time, Acupuncture treatment rebalances the circulation of Chi to all of the organ systems.  When performed by a properly trained and licensed practitioner, Acupuncture is safe and effective, free from adverse or addictive side effects.

What do the needles feel like?  Are they safe?

Acupuncture needles are very slender, barely beyond the the thickness of several human hairs.  The finest quality stainless steel, pre-sterilized, single use, disposable needles are used.  The needle is gently inserted beneath the skin's surface, and the sensation from the needle varies from person to person.  Most points you won't even feel, some will be a quick pinch, and some will be a dull ache or tingle.

What can Acupuncture help?

Although well known in the United States for pain relief, Acupuncture is effective for a wide variety of problems. The World Health Organization (WHO) of the United Nations and the National Institutes of Health have endorsed Acupuncture for the following conditions:

•     Addictions
•     Arthritis
•     Back pain
•     Carpal Tunnel
•     Chemotherapy Nausea
•     Depression
•     Digestive Problems
•     Ear Problems (ringing, earaches)
•     Fibromyalgia
•     Headaches
•     Infections, Cold, Flu
•     Insomnia
•     Menstrual and Female Disorders
•     Muscle/Joint Pain (Tendonitis, Bursitis, Sprains, ect.)
•     Post-OP, Dental Pain
•     Sinusitis
•     Skin Disorders
•     Stroke Rehabilitation
•     Urinary Problems
•     AND MORE

How long is each session? How many sessions will I need?

During the intial visit, information about your medical and family history, life situation, as well as information from a brief physical examination and ElectroMeridian scan are gathered.  This is a time for your concerns to be heard and understood.  Acupuncture does not separate the mind and body, and looks at everything about a person, including lifestyle stresses and symptoms.  From this visit, we determine the underlying energetic imbalance influencing your well being.

At subsequent visits, a brief update on your life situation, symptoms and bodily systems is taken. Treatment is designed to clear blocks, re-balance and build energy.  An average session lasts about 30 minutes, and the number of sessions an individual needs varies.  Some conditions may only require a couple of visits while more persistent cases may require up to 15 sessions.  Typically, after six weeks of weekly sessions, your energy begins to hold balance for longer periods, and the time between sessions increases dramatically.  To maintain well being, Acupuncture sessions at the change of seasons or during times of stress provide an opportunity to correct minor imbalances.

In addition to treating their primary concern, people often report side benefits such as increased energy and vitality, more restorative sleep, healthier appetite, more enjoyment of life, better handling of stress and an overall sense of well being.

Are results permanent?

For acute problems where there has been little or no organ system or tissue damage, results are often permanent.  For chronic conditions, symptoms may recur from time to time. Generally a few additional sessions are sufficient to obtain relief.  It is suggested that patients with severe or chronic conditions return for a booster session two to three times per  year.