Acupuncture

Acupuncture is part of the ancient practice of Chinese, Ayurvedic and Tibetan medicine. The human body has more than 2,000 acupuncture points connected by pathways or meridian channels. These channels carry an energy flow of Qi ("chee") through the body that when in balance is responsible for overall health. Disruption of the balance of energy flow can cause disease. By properly applying acupuncture to certain points there is an improvement in this balance thereby improving health.

Acupuncture is the practice of penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles which are then activated through gentle and specific movements of the practitioner's hands or with electrical stimulation.

Improper placement of the needle can cause pain during treatment. Today most acupuncturists use sterilized needles to prevent infection. The needles are then discarded properly after one use. The FDA regulates acupuncture needles just as it does other medical devices under good manufacturing practices and single-use standards of sterility.

Most people report feeling minimal pain as the needle is inserted. The needle is inserted to a point that produces a sensation of pressure, tingling or mild ache. Needles may be heated during the treatment or mild electric current may be applied to them. Some people feel energized, others feel relaxed.

Instead of needles, other forms of stimulation are sometimes used over the acupuncture points, including: Heat (moxibustion) (TDP lamps), Pressure (acupressure), Friction or Scraping (gua sha), Suction (cupping), Impulses of electromagnetic energy (electro-acupunture)

Precautions: Discuss all the treatments and medicines (dietary supplements, prescription and over-the-counter) you are taking. If you have a pacemaker, are at risk for infection, have chronic skin problems, are pregnant, or have breast or other implants, be sure to tell your doctor. Acupuncture may be risky to your health if you fail to mention these matters.

A Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM) viewpoint – addressing cause. OUR APPROACH.

Acupuncture based on the classics of Chinese Medicine views acupuncture differently. The western medical approach to acupuncture deals with symptoms and western disease diagnoses, “the Outer” manifestation, the “Branches”. Classical Chinese Medicine uses all modalities of Chinese Medicine to address “the Inner”, “the Root”, the Cause of “The Outer” symptomatic Western diagnoses. We strive to deal with the imbalances that cause symptoms or disease, not change the symptoms. If cause is addressed then symptoms and disease will be changed by the body as it heals itself. This is the same approach followed in Classical Ayurvedic and Tibetan medicine.

HOWEVER

Acupuncture from a Western Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) viewpoint – symptoms and disease diagnoses treatments.

In modern theory acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system. This, in turn, releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.

National Institutes of Health (NIH) studies have shown that acupuncture is an effective treatment alone or in combination with conventional therapies to treat the following:

Nausea caused by surgical anesthesia and cancer chemotherapy, Dental pain after surgery, Addiction, Headaches, Menstrual cramps, Tennis elbow, Fibromyalgia, Myofascial pain, Osteoarthritis, Low back pain, Carpal tunnel syndrome and Asthma. It may also help with stroke rehabilitation.

Many Americans seek acupuncture treatment for relief of chronic pain, such as arthritis or low back pain.

Acupuncture, however, has expanded uses in other parts of the world. Conditions which may benefit from acupuncture:

Digestive, Emotional, Gastritis, Irritable bowel syndrome, Hepatitis, Hemorrhoids, Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia, Nervousness, Neurosis, Eye-Ear-Throat, Gynecological, Menstrual pain, Rhinitis, Infertility, Sinusitis, Sore throat, Musculoskeletal, Neurological, Arthritis, Headaches, Migraines, Neck pain, Back pain, Sciatica, Muscle cramping, Muscle pain and weakness, Neurogenic bladder dysfunction, Irritable bladder, Parkinson's disease, Postoperative pain, Stroke, Respiratory, Allergic rhinitis, Sinusitis, Bronchitis, Prostatitis, Male infertility, Some forms of impotence, Addiction.

**If you choose to see an acupuncturist, find a practitioner who is licensed and has graduated from a college that is credentialed and which offers either a masters or doctoral degree