Acupuncture Basics
Modern research and international health organizations agree that acupuncture is a safe and highly effective treatment for many conditions. The World Heath Organization recognizes acupuncture and Oriental medicine as effective for over 43 common ailments including:
Digestive difficulties, such as food allergies, peptic ulcer, chronic diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, gastrointestinal weakness, anorexia, and gastritis bladder disorders, including incontinence, urinary tract infections, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), reproductive issues such as irregular, heavy, or painful menstruation, infertility in women and men, breach births, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and sexual dysfunction, breathing problems, such as emphysema, sinusitis, asthma, allergies, and bronchitis.
Pain, such as arthritis, migraine headaches, neuralgia, dizziness, and low back, neck, dental, and shoulder pain, circulatory problems, such as hypertension, angina pectoris, arteriosclerosis, and anemia, emotional issues, including depression, insomnia, and anxiety, addictions, such as alcohol, nicotine, and drugs. Supportive therapy, reduces nausea, vomiting, and pain after adult post-operative and chemotherapy, nausea and vomiting and in postoperative
dental pain, and many chronic conditions.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture is based on the idea that health is determined by a balanced flow of Qi. (pronounced chee) or energy. Qi is circulated through the body via energy pathways called meridians. Each of these meridians through which Qi flows is linked to an internal organ system. There are over 1,000 acupoints on the meridian system that can be stimulated to enhance the flow of Qi. Acupuncture addresses illness by finding and repairing low levels and blockages of Qi in the body’s meridians. Special needles are inserted into the acupoints which are located just below the skin. Inserting these needles helps correct the flow of energy within the body, relieving pain and restoring health.
Will I Get Better?
Many conditions are alleviated very rapidly by acupuncture. However, conditions that have arisen over many years require a longer course of treatment. As in any form of healing, the patient’s attitude affects the outcome of a course of treatment. Patients are always encouraged to participate in their healing process. In some cases, practitioners may recommend herbs, dietary, exercise or lifestyle changes.
Is Acupuncture Painful?
Acupuncture rarely causes any pain. Acupuncture needles are very fine and flexible, about the diameter of a human hair. In most cases, insertion by a skilled practitioner is performed without discomfort. A patient may experience a sense of heaviness or electricity in the area of insertion. Most patients find the treatments very relaxing and many fall asleep during treatment. A patient’s reaction to acupuncture treatment is as unique as the patient. If a patient has any questions or concerns about what to expect during treatment, the best way to find out is to ask the practitioner.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
When performed by a qualified professional, acupuncture is one of the safest medical procedures in the world. A licensed and certified practitioner is one who has completed a three to four year program at a nationally-approved school, passed national certification exams, and actively seeks continuing education. A licensed and certified practitioner’s office carries liability insurance like most other healthcare professionals.