Acupuncture

 Acupuncture has been used to treat illness for more than 5,000 years throughout Asia. Currently, more than one third of the world’s population seeks out acupuncture treatments to help restore or maintain physical, emotional and mental health.

a. What is acupuncture?
 The theory and practice of acupuncture is based on Asian medicine, a comprehensive natural health care system that has been used in Asian countries for thousands of years to preserve health and diagnose, treat, and prevent illness.
Acupuncture treats health conditions by stimulating “acu-points” found at specific locations on the surface of the body. Acupuncturists stimulate the acu-points by inserting hair-thin needles through the skin to produce physiological effects. Other methods are also used to stimulate acu-point, such as heat or finger pressure.

b.What is acupuncture?
 The theory and practice of acupuncture is based on Asian medicine, a comprehensive natural health care system that has been used in Asian countries for thousands of years to preserve health and diagnose, treat, and prevent illness.
Acupuncture treats health conditions by stimulating “acu-points” found at specific locations on the surface of the body. Acupuncturists stimulate the acu-points by inserting hair-thin needles through the skin to produce physiological effects. Other methods are also used to stimulate acu-point, such as heat or finger pressure.

c.Is Acupuncture Safe?
 Acupuncture is a very safe from of therapy when administered by a qualified practitioner. Only sterile, disposable(single-use) stainless steel needles are used during treatments. Nothing is injected into the body. Acupuncture is not addictive nor is it toxic. Side effects are uncommon.

d.How does Acupuncture Work?
 The general theory of acupuncture is that proper physiological function and health depend on the circulation of nutrients, substances, and energy called Qi(pronounced ”chee”) through a network of “channels” or “meridians”. This network connects every organ and part of the body, providing balance, regulation, and coordination of physiological processes. Pain and ill health result when the flow of Qi through the body is disrupted or blocked. This can be caused by many things, including disease, pathogens, emotional trauma, lack of rest, and stress.
Scientific studies suggest that acupuncture influence the autonomic nervous system, the endocrine system, and neurochemical functioning. It can improve overall circulation, reduce inflammation and has been proven particularly effective in pain control.

e.Who can benefit from treatment?
 Acupuncture and Asian Medicine is one of the newest primary health care professions in United States. The potential benefits of acupuncture are widely recognized, and it is steadily being integrated with mainstream health care. More than 15 million American have tried acupuncture and Asian medicine since it was introduced in the United States in the 1970s. The risk of side effects from acupuncture is low and the potential benefits are high.
Patients may be seeking an alternative to Western medicine or it may be their last hope for relief, having exhausted other methods of treatment for a chronic condition.