Acupuncture
The use of acupuncture has spread widely in the US in the past 20 years, researchers are studying the benefits of acupuncture for many conditions, some of which include low-back pain, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome and headaches.
Acupuncture may be useful as an independent treatment for some conditions, but it can also be used as a complement to other healthcare therapies. It is a non-drug, non-invasive therapy that may produce a variety of benefits – from pain management to helping with nausea associated with chemotherapy.
This ancient healing art originated in China thousand of years ago. It is derived from the belief that illnesses are caused from
interference with the flow of energy, otherwise known as “chi”, and imbalance of two opposing and complementary forces within the body: yin, the cold and passive aspect, and yang, the hot, active and excited aspect.
To restore the yin and yang balance and to “unblock” one’s chi, acupuncture stimulates specific points of the body through several
techniques, including insertion of hair-thin metal needles through the skin. In Chinese medicine, chi is believed to flow through pathways (meridians) in the body, which are accessible through more than 350 acupuncture points.
Western medicine explains the effect of acupuncture through stimulating nerves, muscles, and connective tissue, which increases the body’s natural activity to regulate pain and increase blood flow. During your first office visit, you are likely to be asked for details
related to your health condition, lifestyle and behavior. Be sure to be open with us on all treatment or medications you are taking and all conditions you have. This is very important as we will use this information to tailor your treatment accordingly as well as determine the number of treatments you require.
A typical acupuncture session usually lasts about 30 minutes. It will include an exam and assessment of your condition, insertion of needles and advise post-acupuncture treatment. Before the needles are inserted, you will lie down on a comfortable surface face down, face up, or on your side, depending on where the needles will be inserted. The procedure is known to be painless however you might feel a brief, sharp sensation when the needle is inserted and reaches the correct depth. The needles might then be gently moved or stimulated with electricity or heat.
Each treatment may require the insertion of as many as 12 needles, which stay in place for 5 to 20 minutes. The reaction to acupuncture varies according to the individual – some report feeling energized by treatment; others relaxed, whilst most
others report feeling none or minimal pain from the insertion of the needles.
Soreness and pain during treatment can result from improper needle placement, a defect in the needle, or the movement of the
patient. We are qualified in this area so do ensure to query with us if you are interested in finding out more about how acupuncture can work for you.
