Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine and a key component of traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body. It is most commonly used to treat pain and for overall wellness.
Traditional Chinese medicine explains acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy that flows through your body. This flow of energy, or life force, is known as chi or qi (chee).
Using very fine needles, we can simulate various acupuncture points to heal and restore the body, mind, and spirit. Acupuncture points are chosen based on the patient’s signs and symptoms, as well as the practitioner’s observations and diagnosis. By inserting needles into specific points your energy flow (your chi) will re-balance.
Depending on the nature of symptoms, the practitioner may recommend more frequent treatments in the beginning, and then fewer treatments as progress is made. Reach out and discuss this with your practitioner to get a greater understanding of what treatment may look like for you.
The needles are very small, and many are close to the thickness of a strand of hair. Before inserting the needle, the practitioner will clean the points with alcohol to ensure the treatment is sanitary. Plus, the needles are single-use and disposable.
Many patients feel nothing more than a small pinch when the needles are inserted. Depending on the treatment, needles may be inserted and quickly removed, or they may be retained in the body for a longer time. There may be small circular bruising at the site of the needles, which typically resolve within a day.
The best way to know if acupuncture can help you is to schedule an evaluation and consultation to discuss your specific needs. Contact me to schedule an appointment.
DISCLAIMER: this blog post is intended for informational purposes only. Do not perform any treatments included in the post yourself. This includes, but is not limited to, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and Chinese nutritional therapy. They should only be performed by educated and licensed acupuncture practitioners.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) studies have shown that acupuncture is an effective treatment alone or in combination with conventional therapies to treat the following:
Nausea caused by surgical anesthesia and cancer chemotherapy
Dental pain after surgery
Addiction
Headaches
Menstrual cramps
Tennis elbow
Fibromyalgia
Myofascial pain
Osteoarthritis
Low back pain
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Asthma
It may also help with stroke rehabilitation.
If you are curious about the benefits of acupuncture, scheudule an appointment for a personal consultation, and evaluation.
