What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of sterile, hair-thin, needles into acupuncture points on the body. Acupuncture points are places where nerves and blood vessels are densely packed and the stimulation of these points regulates the function of the brain, nervous system, and internal organs to stop pain, increase circulation and restore normal functioning of the body. Hormones, neurotransmitters, natural pain-relieving substances and natural anti-inflammatory mediators are also released during acupuncture and help to stop pain and restore optimal functioning. Effects of acupuncture include pain relief, increased circulation, improved organ, nervous, and immune system functioning, reduction of muscle spasms, increased range of motion in joints, stress relief, relaxation, and overall well being.Acupuncture has been used as part of traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to safely, effectively and naturally treat pain and disease. Only the most effective and time tested therapies ha
Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world. Originating in China more than 2,000 years ago, acupuncture began to become better known in the United States in 1971, when New York Times reporter James Reston wrote about how doctors in China used needles to ease his pain after surgery. The term acupuncture describes a family of procedures involving stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques. American practices of acupuncture incorporate medical traditions from China, Japan, Korea, and other countries. The acupuncture technique that has been most studied scientifically involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation.
Acupuncture is the gentle insertion of hairfine thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of ones Qi (pronounced chee) or natural healing energy. Sometimes rather than just inserting acupuncture needles, your doctor may choose to use fine acupuncture tacks to stimulate it over a long period of time or may use heat or mild electrical stimulation. The technique of heat is called moxibustion and the application of local electricity used is called electrostimulation. Acupuncture needles used in the United States are all sterile and generally disposable.
Acupuncture is a well known therapy included in the thousands of year old system of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Practitioners may use aspects of the comprehensive system to balance a person’s energy systems including, though not limited to: • Acupuncture – inserting needles into specific energy spots (acupoints) • Moxibustion – warming herbs used for specific reasons • Herbal formulas taken internally • Herbal plasters applied externally • Cupping – applying suction to specific body parts • Gua sha – similar to massage using a smooth tool • Acupressure manual therapy • Stimulation of acupoints with an energy source (sound, light, or electrical) • Tui na bodywork massage • Qigong energy and breathing practices • Dietary and lifestyle therapy There are many different styles of Acupuncture, and each individual practitioner has his or her own unique way of working with patients. The Acupuncture Licensing Board verifies Licensed Acupuncturists initially satisfy licensing requirements and
Acupuncture is a 3,000 year old Chinese technique involving the insertion of fine needles just under the skin in specific locations to treat a wide variety of complaints. The World Health Organization says acupuncture can be beneficial in many conditions ranging from neurological and gastrointestinal to mental and emotions. The point location is based on the concept of Qi (pronounced ‘Chee’) or life force that flows throughout the body via meridians or pathways. When we are in a state of perfect health, this Qi flows easily throughout our body. When we are sick or are in pain, the flow of Qi becomes disturbed which can manifest in many different symptoms. The insertion of needles in the specific points along these meridians alters the energy flow ~ dispersing and regulating the flow of Qi in the meridians. The meridians are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. A simplified ‘Western’ explanation of acupuncture is that needling the acupuncture points
