ACUPUNCTURE
What is Acupuncture? How does it work?
The classic Chinese explanation is that there
are channels of energy running in a regular pattern throughout the body and
over the surface of the skin.
These
energy channels are known as Meridians. The best way to describe
these meridians is to picture rivers of energy flowing throughout the body
irrigating and nourishing the tissue & organs of the body. When an
obstruction occurs (think of a dam in a river) then the flow of energy is slowed
down or even blocked thus causing a shortage to the target tissue and a
back upflow occurs to others.
Meridians are
influenced by needling of the acupuncture points. The acupuncture
needles unblock the obstruction and thus re-establish the energy flow.
What is the difference in having a Doctor
of Chiropractic perform Acupuncture verse an acupuncturist?
Acupuncture is
a very old medical art, so there many learning and practice approaches.
Acupuncture performed by a Chiropractor who has been trained
and licensed in Western medicine along with a thorough training in acupuncture
as a specialty practice can use one or the other approach, or a combination of
both as the need arises, to treat your condition.
Acupuncture
is often associated with pain control, but in the hands of a well-trained
practioner there are much broader applications. Acupuncture can be
effective as the only treatment, or as a support, or adjunct to other medical
treatments.
What conditions are treated by Acupuncture?
The World Health
Organization (WHO) lists the following conditions as being
appropriately treated with Acupuncture.
|
Musculoskeletal |
Neurological |
Gastrointestinal |
|
Arthritis |
Headaches |
Acute/Chronic
Gastritis |
|
Neck/Back Pain |
Migraine Headaches |
Ulcers (Duodenal) |
|
Muscle Cramping |
Dizziness |
Colitis |
|
Frozen Shoulder |
Vertigo |
Constipation |
|
Sciatica |
Intercostal Neuralgia |
Hiccups |
|
Sprain/Strain |
Nocturnal Bed Wetting |
|
|
Ear/Nose/Throat |
Gynecological |
Addictive Behaviors |
|
Toothache |
Infertility
(co-manage) |
Stop Smoking |
|
Tinnitus (Ringing) |
PMS symptoms |
Substance Abuse |
|
Sinusitis |
Irregular Periods |
Weight Loss |
|
Rhinitis |
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments will differ from person
to person. Complex or long-standing conditions may take one to two
treatments per week for several months.Acute problems generally take fewer
visits.
What do Acupuncture needles feel
like?
Acupuncture needles are very thin, solid and are
made from stainless steel. The needle point is very smooth (not hollow like a
hypodermic needle) and insertion is not painful like an injection or drawing of
blood. The risk to bruising & skin irritation is less than when using a
hollow needle.
