Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and improve function. This is done by inserting sterilized, stainless-steel needles (that are as fine as a human hair) into specific points located near or on the surface of the skin which have the ability to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions in order to treat a wide variety of illnesses. It is a component of the health care system in China that can be traced back for at least 2,500 years. The general theory of acupuncture is based on the premise that there are patterns of energy flow (Qi) through the body that are essential for health. Disruptions of this flow are believed to be responsible for disease. Acupuncture may correct imbalances of flow at identifiable points close to the skin. There has been an explosion of interest in the United States and Europe in the application of the technique of acupuncture to Western medicine.
Traditional Chinese Medicine views a person as an energy system in which body and mind are unified, each influencing and balancing the other. Unlike Western medicine which attempts to isolate and separate a disease from a person, Chinese Medicine emphasizes a holistic approach that treats the whole person.
Acupuncture grew out of ancient Chinese philosophy's dualistic cosmic theory of the Yin and the Yang. The forces of Yin and Yang act in the human body as they do throughout the natural universe as a whole.
An imbalance of Yin and Yang results in an obstruction of the vital life force, or Qi (pronounced Chee ), in the body. The fundamental energy of the Qi flows through 12 meridians, or pathways, each of which is in turn associated with a major visceral organ ( liver, kidney, heart, etc ) and with a functional body system. An obstruction of the Qi would lead to dysfunction, ultimately diseases and even death. Acupuncture is designed to unblock the obstruction so that the Qi will be enabled to flow freely and harmoniously, thus restoring the person to health.
Scientific research has demonstrated that acupuncture influences the central and peripheral nervous system, and the needle stimulation triggers the release of neurotransmitters and endorphins. These change our body's internal chemistry, relieve pain and promote healing. Among a host of factors, acupuncture affects sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in the blood, the functioning of the gastrointestinal system and circulation system, and the activity of the endocrine system.
As a system of diagnosis and treatment, acupuncture can influence three areas of health care:
The needles used are extremely fine and a skilled acupuncturist will cause minimum of pain. Normally, the insertion of the needles is not felt as they enter the skin. When the needles reach the correct points, there may be a feeling of soreness, heaviness or numbness. Most patients feel very relaxing, some patients even sleep during treatment. Occasionally the original symptoms worsen temporarily. These symptoms are nothing to worry about since they are generally indications that your body is trying to achieve a proper balance.
There are absolutely no harmful side effects from acupuncture treatment. All the needles we are using are disposable. They are used once and discarded in accordance with medical biohazard regulations and guidelines. The risk of bruising and skin irritation is much less than using a hypodermic needles.
The number of treatments required varies depending on the nature of the illness and the patient's general state of health. It is highly recommended to follow the treatment plan and complete the course of therapy to restore health.
Needless treatments are available, such as auricular therapy, Chinese herbs, acupressure, moxibustion, TuiNa, cupping and magnetic.
Please do not arrive rushed for your appointment. Rest and proper diet are important for desirable response to acupuncture stimulation.
Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine consists of 5,767 substances derived from plant, animal, and mineral sources. The use of these substances can be traced back to 1,000 BC. Over the past 3000 years, an incredibly rich and powerful system has medicine has been created. During this time, classical herbal formulas that are effective for many health concerns have been developed. The herbs are available in the form of herbal teas, liquid extracts, tablets, capsules, granules, lotions, creams, salves, or poultices.
Study at Stanford University: Acupuncture Helps Fight Depression during Pregnancy. <Research Paper>
Acupuncture May Relieve Joint Pain Caused By Some Breast Cancer Treatments -- A new study, led by researchers at the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, demonstrates that acupuncture may be an effective therapy for joint pain and stiffness in breast cancer patients who are being treated with commonly used hormonal therapies. Results were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
The New York Times: Hold the Chemicals, Bring on the Needles
