What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a therapeutic method which inserts very fine needles into a patient’s body at various specific points along the meridians (energy channels). Acupuncture effectively reduces inflammation that causes pain and improves Qi and blood circulation to promote healing and maintain good health.
How does Acupuncture work?
An acupuncturist inserts hair-thin needles into the skin at precise points known as acupuncture points. According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is based on the theory that an essential life energy, called qi, flows through the body along channels called meridians. Each meridian is connected to a specific internal organ. When the flow of qi is blocked or out of balance, illness or pain results. The stimulation of acupuncture points along the meridians releases the blockage and promotes the smooth flow of qi, restoring health.
What types of pain can Acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture can treat a wide variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
Acupuncture is used mainly to relieve discomfort associated with a variety of diseases and conditions, including:
- – Chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting
- – Dental pain
- – Headaches, including tension headaches and migraines
- – Labor pain
- – Low back pain
- – Neck pain
- – Osteoarthritis
- – Menstrual cramps
- – Respiratory disorders, such as allergic rhinitis
How is Acupuncture treatment conducted?
Acupuncture generally involves several weekly treatments. Most courses consist of up to 12 sessions. A visit to an acupuncturist will involve an exam and an assessment of the patient’s condition, the insertion of needles, and advice on self-care. Most sessions last about 30 minutes.
The patient will be asked to lie down, either face-up, face-down or on his/her side, depending on where the needless are inserted. The acupuncturist should use single-use disposable sterile needles. As each needle is inserted the patient should feel them, but initially without pain. However, when the needle reaches the right depth there should be a deep aching sensation. Sometimes the needles are heated or stimulated with electricity after insertion. Once inserted, the needles will remain there for about twenty minutes.