If
you've heard about Acupuncture, you are probably aware that the
treatment involves the use of needles. However, many people assume that
the experience will be painful and similar to getting a shot at the
doctor's office.
Acupuncture needles are different in many ways from a hypodermic needle. The
needles are solid, as opposed to hollow bore, and are extremely thin.
Actually, several acupuncture needles can fit inside a standard
hypodermic needle! Acupuncture needles are very fine and are close in
diameter to a human hair.
Insertion of the needles is virtually
painless and the needling sensation after insertion is brief. Most
people will experience a slight tingling sensation, while others may
feel no sensation at all. Overall, patients are pleasantly surprised
after the first treatment when they realize how little discomfort is
involved in receiving acupuncture.
The vast majority of people
find the treatments to be rejuvenating, often falling into a deep state
of relaxation and will leave feeling refreshed.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture
is an ancient medical art that originated in China at least 3,000 years
ago. Fine, hair-like needles are inserted into specific points on the
body to influence the energy or Qi(Pronounced chee) of the patient.
According to the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi is the life
force that is present in all living things and when there is an
imbalance of this energy, illness occurs. The main goal of acupuncture
treatment is to balance this energy and to promote the body's natural
healing mechanisms.
History of Acupuncture
Archaeological
findings have uncovered early acupuncture instruments that were
manufactured from stone that date back to the 21st century B.C. Although
these early instruments would be considered crude by today's standards,
as early as 475 B.C. cast metal needles appeared, which became the
precursors to the modern acupuncture needle.
In the 4th century A.D. the medical text Huangdi Neijing was written
and is considered the definitive classical text upon which Acupuncture
theory is based.
Today Acupuncture is widely known and used throughout the world and is the oldest, continuously practiced, medical system in the world.
Acupuncture Theory
Traditional
Chinese Medical theory is based upon the principles of Yin and Yang,
opposite forces that work together to maintain balance and harmony. When
Yin and Yang are harmonized there will be a natural flow of Qi
throughout the body. In contrast, when Yin and Yang are not harmonized
there will be impairment in the natural flow of Qi and disease and
illness can occur. Environmental influences, physical or emotional
trauma, unexpressed anger, frustration, grief, worry and depression all
can disrupt the natural balance of Yin and Yang.
Acupuncture has the wonderful ability to reestablish a harmonization of
Yin and Yang by working directly with the Qi of the body, thus
promoting healing and restoring health.
The Advantages of Acupuncture
Firstly,
acupuncture is safe for nearly all patients, including children, the
elderly and those with compromised immune function. In most cases there
are no side effects and it will not interfere with prescribed medical
regimens. It can be used successfully alone, or as an adjunct to western
medicine.
Second, it promotes your body's own natural energy to work more
efficiently, thus providing greater health and well-being in a
completely natural way. Also, most patients report added benefits from
treatment including better sleep, reduced stress, improved energy and
stamina and an overall improvement in their quality of life.
The Acupuncture Treatment
During
the initial visit, which normally lasts 1.5 - 2 hours, a full
consultation and treatment will be performed. Your practitioner will ask
you questions regarding your medical history, diet and lifestyle and
will provide a traditional pulse and tongue diagnosis. A treatment plan
will be discussed in depth which will outline the anticipated course of
treatment for your specific concern.
Follow-up visits normally require about 45 minutes to 1 hour and are
usually scheduled once a week. Although all cases are different and
unique, generally patients will begin to achieve results after 3 to 6
treatments.