Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine What is Acupuncture?
How Does it Work?

Acupuncture is Powerful Medicine

Acupuncture is powerful medicine which aids in strengthening the immune system and serves to prevent disease, control pain, and increase both the ability to function and quality of people’s lives. Acupuncture is a well developed whole health care system based on natural energetic laws. Dating back to over 3,000 years as a primary health care system in China, acupuncture is widespread in Asia, Europe, and now North America

What is the Function of Acupuncture?

While the effect of acupuncture is symptom relief, it is far more than this. With its origins in Taoism, acupuncture has served over the centuries to intercede and re-attune a person to his/her source. Those who receive acupuncture often not only heal physically, but experience new and profound states of peace, clarity and harmony through treatment which often has lasting impact.

How Effective is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is highly effective not only as a preventative medicine, but as a drug free treatment of signs and symptoms.

Studies indicate that acupuncture influences the central and peripheral nervous system. Evidence shows it releases endorphins from the brain which make acupuncture particularly effective in pain control.

Acupuncture can affect sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in the blood, the functioning of the gastrointestinal system and the activity of the endocrine system.

Acupuncture works with the body, strengthening and balancing energy. It improves circulation and allows the body to heal itself more quickly and more completely.

Is Western Medicine Incorporating Acupuncture into It’s System?

Western medical doctors have developed great interest in incorporating acupuncture, particularly as they have noticed its impact and success - with addictions, AIDS, sports injuries, trauma, and pain relief.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

As a system of medicine it uses natural laws and energetic principles rooted in Taoism with the application of needles, energy, and pressure to specific points on the body. Each point provides a specific function in the body in regulating the free flow of vital energy for health and well-being. Acupuncture accesses the source of life itself.

The acupuncturist opens or closes specific “gates” or points grouped along lines of energy flow called meridians, which go deep into the body. Disease, for example, is prevented or treated by stimulating or reducing the flow of vital energy or “chi” through specific points in the body. Vital energy then is strengthened or sedated, monitored, and balanced to achieve the desired result.

Western doctors are discovering medications can suppress or stimulate electrical impulses within the body but they cannot regulate it in the way in which acupuncture can.

Oriental Diagnosis and Examination

Trained Oriental Medicine practitioners use a highly developed system of corollaries to diagnose, treat, and test the immediate success of treatment.

On your first visit most acupuncturists will listen carefully to you in an extensive interview which provides vital clues to an overall pattern of health or disease. The acupuncturist will feel the subtle variations in the pulses in the wrist to determine a wealth of information about how the body is functioning. Sound of voice, the condition of the tongue, smell, overall appearance of face and skin, emotions - all are important indicators of your condition. Particular patterns are discerned to determine which specific points on the body to use.

How Does an Acupuncturist Treat?

Acupuncturists may use their refined skills with one or a number of techniques to administer effective treatment. The principle techniques and their functions are described below:

• ACUPUNCTURE as described above. Only sterile disposable needles are used.
• ELECTRICAL STIMULATION through the needles opens energy conducting pathways throughout the body.
• ACUPRESSURE (the use of finger instead needling the point) and MOXIBUSTION (the burning of moxa over the point) help to promote circulation and relax muscle spasm.
• ORIENTAL HERBS are very effective at strengthening and regulating flows of energy through out the body.
• NUTRITION programs restore balance within the body.
• Most people receive acupuncture treatment lying down, although a seated position is sometimes used. Your acupuncturist will guide you and help you relax and receive the most benefit from treatment.

What does Acupuncture Feel Like?

Acupuncture needles are gently placed at the specific gateways of the body we spoke of earlier. These may not be felt at all, or may be felt as a mild initial sensation upon entering followed by tingling, numbness, ache or traveling warmth. Acupressure on these same points is most often successfully used with children.

What can I expect with Acupuncture?

Most people are surprised at the depth of relaxation, the intensity of energy which occurs, and sense of well being and healing which occurs from the rebalancing of energy.

Often relief from symptoms is felt immediately, although relief may occur in the following days (or weeks) depending on the severity of symptoms. You will find you will look forward to treatment for the many benefits that are received from Acupuncture.

Many who have lived with their condition for so many years believe they will just have to make do. Others live with pain thinking that “someday” it will go away. Acupuncture has succeeded in many cases where other treatments have not. You can optimize your health.

If you have any further questions about acupuncture, please feel free to call us. We are happy to make a consultation visit with you to talk about your conditions or to discuss how Acupuncture may benefit you.

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