ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE AND HERBAL MEDICINE
Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used systems of healing in the world. Originating in China approximately 2,000 years ago, only in the last three decades has it become popular in the United States. The FDA estimates that Americans make up to 20 million visits per year to acupuncture practitioners and spent upwards of a billion dollars on acupuncture treatments.
A BBC produced film on Acupuncture and its benefits
The practice of acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of Qi (Energy) and Xue (Blood) through distinct meridians--or pathways--that cover the body somewhat like the nerves and blood vessels do.
A traditional acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points mapped by the Chinese. These points have proven to be effective in the treatment of specific health problems.
A traditional acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points mapped by the Chinese. These points have proven to be effective in the treatment of specific health problems.
How does it work?
Acupuncture works on several levels. On one level pain impulses are blocked from reaching the spinal cord or brain at various "gates" to these areas. Since a majority of acupuncture points are either connected to, or located near, neural structures, this suggests that acupuncture stimulates the nervous system. On another level acupuncture stimulates the body to produce endorphins. Other studies have found that opiods are released into the body during acupuncture treatment.
According to ancient Chinese theory, acupuncture allows Qi to flow to areas where it is deficient and away from where it is in excess, thus regulating and restoring the harmonious energetic balance of the body.
Acupuncture works on several levels. On one level pain impulses are blocked from reaching the spinal cord or brain at various "gates" to these areas. Since a majority of acupuncture points are either connected to, or located near, neural structures, this suggests that acupuncture stimulates the nervous system. On another level acupuncture stimulates the body to produce endorphins. Other studies have found that opiods are released into the body during acupuncture treatment.
According to ancient Chinese theory, acupuncture allows Qi to flow to areas where it is deficient and away from where it is in excess, thus regulating and restoring the harmonious energetic balance of the body.
How deep do the needles go?
This depends on the nature of the problem, the location of the specific points, the patient's size, age and constitution. Usually, needles are inserted barley beyond skin level.
This depends on the nature of the problem, the location of the specific points, the patient's size, age and constitution. Usually, needles are inserted barley beyond skin level.
Does it hurt?
Unlike hypodermic needles, acupuncture needles are solid and hair-thin, and they are not designed to cut the skin. Also, they are inserted to much shallower levels than hypodermic needles, depending on the type of treatment being delivered. While each person experiences acupuncture differently, most people feel only a minimal amount of sensation as the needles are inserted. Some people reportedly feel a sensation of excitement, while others feel relaxed. If any discomfort is felt, it is usually mild.
Unlike hypodermic needles, acupuncture needles are solid and hair-thin, and they are not designed to cut the skin. Also, they are inserted to much shallower levels than hypodermic needles, depending on the type of treatment being delivered. While each person experiences acupuncture differently, most people feel only a minimal amount of sensation as the needles are inserted. Some people reportedly feel a sensation of excitement, while others feel relaxed. If any discomfort is felt, it is usually mild.
Are the needles clean?
Yes!
We uses only sterilized, individually packaged, disposable needles. This eliminates the possibility of transmitting a communicable disease by a contaminated needle.
Yes!
We uses only sterilized, individually packaged, disposable needles. This eliminates the possibility of transmitting a communicable disease by a contaminated needle.
How many treatments are needed?
This depends on the severity, duration and nature of the complaint or illness. Sometimes, a single treatment will alleviate symptoms. Some chronic problems may require a series of 5 to 15 treatments. Some degenerative conditions may require many treatments over time.
This depends on the severity, duration and nature of the complaint or illness. Sometimes, a single treatment will alleviate symptoms. Some chronic problems may require a series of 5 to 15 treatments. Some degenerative conditions may require many treatments over time.
