Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body. A key component of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain. Increasingly, it is being used for overall wellness, including stress management.
Traditional Chinese medicine explains acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force — known as chi or qi (chee) — believed to flow through pathways (meridians) in your body. By inserting needles into specific points along these meridians, acupuncture practitioners believe that your energy flow will re-balance.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture improves the body’s functions and promotes the natural self-healing process by stimulating specific anatomic sites--commonly referred to as acupuncture points, or acupoints. The most common method used to stimulate acupoints is the insertion of fine, sterile needles into the skin. Pressure, heat, or electrical stimulation may further enhance the effects. Other acupoint stimulation techniques include: manual massage, heat therapy, cupping, and the application of topical herbal medicines.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on an ancient philosophy that describes the universe, and the body, in terms of two opposing forces: yin and yang. When these forces are in balance, the body is healthy. Energy, called "qi" (pronounced "chee") flows along specific pathways, called meridians, throughout the body. This constant flow of energy keeps the yin and yang forces balanced. However, if the flow of energy gets blocked, like water getting stuck behind a dam, the disruption can lead to pain, lack of function, or illness. Acupuncture therapy can release blocked qi in the body and stimulate function, evoking the body’s natural healing response through various physiological systems. Modern research has demonstrated acupuncture’s effects on the nervous system, endocrine and immune systems, cardiovascular system, and digestive system. By stimulating the body’s various systems, acupuncture can help to resolve pain, and improve sleep, digestive function, and sense of well-being.
Traditional Chinese medicine explains acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force — known as chi or qi (chee) — believed to flow through pathways (meridians) in your body. By inserting needles into specific points along these meridians, acupuncture practitioners believe that your energy flow will re-balance.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture improves the body’s functions and promotes the natural self-healing process by stimulating specific anatomic sites--commonly referred to as acupuncture points, or acupoints. The most common method used to stimulate acupoints is the insertion of fine, sterile needles into the skin. Pressure, heat, or electrical stimulation may further enhance the effects. Other acupoint stimulation techniques include: manual massage, heat therapy, cupping, and the application of topical herbal medicines.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on an ancient philosophy that describes the universe, and the body, in terms of two opposing forces: yin and yang. When these forces are in balance, the body is healthy. Energy, called "qi" (pronounced "chee") flows along specific pathways, called meridians, throughout the body. This constant flow of energy keeps the yin and yang forces balanced. However, if the flow of energy gets blocked, like water getting stuck behind a dam, the disruption can lead to pain, lack of function, or illness. Acupuncture therapy can release blocked qi in the body and stimulate function, evoking the body’s natural healing response through various physiological systems. Modern research has demonstrated acupuncture’s effects on the nervous system, endocrine and immune systems, cardiovascular system, and digestive system. By stimulating the body’s various systems, acupuncture can help to resolve pain, and improve sleep, digestive function, and sense of well-being.
Advantages
Unlike undergoing surgery or even completing a drug regimen, acupuncture is a noninvasive treatment, with little to no side effects or recovery time. It may therefore reduce dependence on medications as well as the need for unpleasant medical procedures. Acupuncture is suitable for almost all people, regardless of physical condition, with the possible exception of those suffering from bleeding disorders or taking blood thinners. The practice takes a holistic approach in attempting to eliminate the root cause of the malady, rather than simply mitigating the symptoms.
Unlike undergoing surgery or even completing a drug regimen, acupuncture is a noninvasive treatment, with little to no side effects or recovery time. It may therefore reduce dependence on medications as well as the need for unpleasant medical procedures. Acupuncture is suitable for almost all people, regardless of physical condition, with the possible exception of those suffering from bleeding disorders or taking blood thinners. The practice takes a holistic approach in attempting to eliminate the root cause of the malady, rather than simply mitigating the symptoms.
Uses of Acupuncture
Acupuncture is used mainly to relieve discomfort associated with a variety of diseases and conditions, including:
Chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting
Dental pain
Headaches, including tension headaches and migraines
Labor pain
Low back pain
Neck pain
Osteoarthritis
Menstrual cramps
Respiratory disorders, such as allergic rhinitis
Acupuncture is used mainly to relieve discomfort associated with a variety of diseases and conditions, including:
Chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting
Dental pain
Headaches, including tension headaches and migraines
Labor pain
Low back pain
Neck pain
Osteoarthritis
Menstrual cramps
Respiratory disorders, such as allergic rhinitis