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What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture, simply stated, is a health
science that is used to successfully treat both pain and dysfunction in
the body.
How does it work?
This ancient healing art has been used in China for over 5,000
years. Its use expanded throughout Europe as far back as the 1700’s.
Early Chinese physicians discovered there is an energy network
traversing just below the surface of the skin that communicates from the
exterior to the internal organs and structure at over 1,000 “Acupoints”
on the body. This energy works in harmony with the body’s circulatory,
nervous, muscular, digestive, genitourinary and all other systems of the
body. When this vital energy becomes blocked or weakened, it can alter
the entire system, producing pain or symptoms in the body. Acupuncture’s
goal is to stimulate one or a combination of key “Acupoints” on the
body to restore harmony to the affected area.
In addition, the body is comprised of five
basic forms of energy called “elements”. These five elements are
constantly being transformed from one into another throughout the natural
world and determine our whole physical, psychological and emotional
balance. One of the long-term goals of acupuncture is to balance the
body’s elements: earth, fire, metal, wood and water. This will further
balance the body’s five colors: yellow, red, white, green and blue and
help harmonize the five emotions: worry, joy, panic, grief anger and fear.
Is it painful?
There are many ways to stimulate an
Acupoint - needles, electronic stimulation, cold laser beam or pressure
massage, singularly or in combination. Does it hurt, you ask? Four
acupuncture needles could easily fit into one hypodermic needle. Because
of the extreme slenderness, most people compare the sensation as “less
than a mosquito bite”. The other methods of stimulation compare to being
tapped by a ballpoint pen or totally painless.
How many treatments are usual?
Obviously, the number of treatments varies
with different conditions and individuals. Chronic problems generally
require more treatment than acute ones. Some patients notice an immediate
improvement after the first treatment, whereas, others may not notice any
effect until the seventh or eighth visit. Researchers internationally
agree the usual number of treatments is between eight and sixteen with the
usual frequency being between two to four visits a week.
A small number of patients will experience
a worsening of symptoms as the body’s energies are returning to normal.
This is usual and no need for alarm. It is followed by improvement.
Patients are encouraged to be patient with the healing process.
What conditions are accepted?
Acupuncture textbooks list well over one
hundred different conditions that respond well to Acupuncture. The
following are a few of the more common conditions:
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Acute and chronic
pain relief |
Migraines |
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Trigeminal
neuralgia |
Tension, cluster, &
sinus headaches |
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Bladder dysfunction
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Upper, lower &
mid-back pain |
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Sciatica
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Osteoarthritis |
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Sprains & strains
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Frozen shoulder |
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Tennis elbow
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Post-operative pain
relief |
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Gastric problems
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Asthma & allergies |
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Skin conditions
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Anxiety |
Information summarized from "Acupuncture, Meridian Therapy" authored by
Dr. John A. Amaro, International Academy of Clinical Acupuncture Inc,
copyright 1989 T.J. Art Studio Inc. |
