Why Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an effective form of medical treatment. Today it has evolved into a complete holistic health care system. The doctor places fine, sterile needles at specific points, which are usually located along 14 major energy channels called meridians. This activates the body's Qi (pronounced "chee") and promotes natural safe natural healing. It can enhance recuperative power and immunity, support physical and emotional health, and improve overall function and well-being. Acupuncture is a safe and effective way to treat a wide variety of medical problems plaguing our society today.
What is Qi?
Qi or life's energy is based on ancient Chinese medicine and philosophy. Qu animates the body and protects it from illness, pain, and disease. A person's health is influenced by the quality, quantity, and balance of Qi, which flows along pathways called meridians. Each meridian is linked to specific organs and glands. Several things can influence the flow of Qi throughout one or in many cases a combination of several meridian pathways. Acupuncture acts to restore the balance of Qi throughout the body.
What should I expect during treatment?
Where the acupuncture needle has been inserted, you may experience a vague numbness, heaviness, tingling, or dull ache. Sometimes people experience a sensation of energy spreading around the needle, known as the "Qi Sensation". All these reactions are good and a sign that the treatment is working. After treatment, you may feel energized or may experience a deep sense of relaxation.
Does it hurt?
Generally people don't even realize the needles were inserted or removed. Occasionally some feel a mild discomfort during the insertion of the needle. Pain is rarely expressed. Still concerned? Advancement in technology enables treatment to still be effective using a PointPulse device, in which a small electrical current stimulates the acupuncture point.
Acupuncture is recognized to be effective in the treatment of over 2000 conditions including:
Anxiety, Asthma, Fertility, PMS, Headaches, Indigestion, Stress, Morning Sickness, Common Cold, Irritable bowel Syndrome, Menopause, Fibromyalgia, Pain, Fatigue, Carpal Tunnel, Nausea, Tooth Pain, Sleep Disturbances, Migraines, Sciatica, Incontinence, Low Back Pain, Tennis Elbow, Neck Pain, Osteoarthritis, Constipation, Arthritis, Sinusitis, and Menstrual Irregularities.
"There is sufficient evidence of acupuncture's value to expand its use into conventional medicine."
--National Institue of Health, 1997 Consensus on Acupuncture