Acupuncture relieves pain, promotes healing, and addresses a wide range of health problems for millions of people all over the world. It is an effective form of health care and has evolved into a complete and holistic medical system. Practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine use this noninvasive medical system to diagnose common complaints like respiratory infections, digestive troubles, mental and emotional issues, physical pain, and much more.
The goal of this dynamic and integrated health care system is to activate the natural, self-healing abilities of your body and restore it back to normal functioning. This is usually done by stimulating specific acupuncture points, or acupoints.
The most common method used to stimulate acupoints is the insertion of fine, sterile acupuncture needles into the skin. Other techniques such as manual massage (Tui Na), moxibustion, cupping, heat therapy, electrical stimulation or topical herbal medicines can further enhance the effects of an acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture is safe, painless, effective, and a natural approach to getting well.
At the core of this ancient medicine is the philosophy that Qi, or vital energy, circulates throughout specific pathways in the body called meridians. Qi helps to animate the body and protect it from illness, pain, and disease. A person's health is influenced by the quality, quantity, and balance of Qi.
Qi flows through 14 main meridian pathways. Each one is connected to specific organs and glands. Meridian pathways are like rivers. When a river flows, it transports life-giving water that nourishes the land, plants, and people. In the same way, meridian pathways transport life-giving Qi to nourish and energize every cell, organ, gland, tissue, and muscle. When Qi flows freely throughout the body, one enjoys good physical, mental and emotional well-being. An obstruction of Qi anywhere in the body is like a dam, backing up the flow in one area and restricting it in others. Obstructions can be caused by numerous factors, including physical and emotional trauma, stress, lack of exercise, overexertion, seasonal changes, diet, accidents, or excessive activity. The obstruction can then hinder the distribution of nourishment the body requires to function optimally. Usually when this happens, the body naturally returns to a balanced state of health and well-being. However, when the disruption of Qi is prolonged or excessive, or if the body is in a weakened state, then illness, pain or disease can set in.
During your initial exam a full health history will be taken. Your acupuncturist will ask questions regarding symptoms, health, and lifestyle. Your acupuncturist may also check your pulse, tongue, and palpate specific areas to help further their diagnostic intake. This information is organized to create a complete, accurate and comprehensive diagnosis to help alleviate your symptoms and signs, and help you achieve your healthcare goals.
After your initial exam, you may receive an acupuncture treatment and other recommendations. Visits with your acupuncturist can last anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes.
Today, acupuncturists undertake three to four years of extensive and comprehensive graduate training at nationally certified schools. All acupuncturists must pass a national exam and meet strict guidelines to practice in every state.
Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is an all-natural, drug-free therapy, yielding feelings of relaxation and well-being. The risks of acupuncture are low if you have a competent, certified acupuncture practitioner using sterile needles. Side effects are relatively rare, but can include soreness, minor bleeding or bruising where the needles were inserted.
Yes. In some instances, children respond more quickly to acupuncture than adults. If your child has an aversion to needles, your acupuncturist may massage the acupuncture points. This is called acupressure or Tui Na.
Acupuncture needles are very small in diameter. They are approximately two times larger than the average diameter of a human hair and about 10 times smaller than the average diameter of a standard Western hypodermic needle.
Many people avoid giving acupuncture a try because they think the needles may hurt. The sensation caused by an acupuncture needle varies. You may or may not experience a vague numbness, heaviness, tingling or dull ache where the acupuncture needle has been inserted. Sometimes people experience a little discomfort as the needles inserted, or a sensation of energy spreading and moving around the needle. This is called the “Qi sensation.” All these reactions are good and a sign the treatment is working. After treatment, you may feel energized or may experience a deep sense of relaxation and well-being
Treatment frequency and number of treatments needed depend on a variety of factors: your constitution, the severity and duration of the problem and the quality and quantity of your Qi.
Some people experience immediate relief; others may take longer. Chronic conditions usually take longer to resolve than acute ones your acupuncturist will help determine the duration of time it will take for you to see significant changes in your health. They may suggest a specific number of treatments per week, monthly visits for health maintenance and/or seasonal “tune ups.”
There are 12 pulse positions on each wrist your acupuncturist will palpate. Each position corresponds to a specific meridian and organ system. An acupuncturist keenly observes the quality of your pulse, looking for certain characteristics that reflect your overall health, such as pulse rate, strength and “width” of each of your pulses.
One of the benefits of pulse diagnosis is to provide the acupuncturist with the ability to make a differential diagnosis, meaning they can pinpoint which imbalance is causing which symptom.
The tongue acts like a barometer, reflecting the health and well-being of your internal meridian and organ system.
As with the pulse, an acupuncturist will observe the general characteristics of the tongue that show how your body is functioning on a macro level. Your acupuncturist will look at the color, shape, cracks and coating on your tongue.
Herbs can be powerful adjunct to acupuncture care. They are used to strengthen, build, and support the body or to clear it of excess problems like the cold, fever or acute pain. In order to build up your internal strength to receive acupuncture’s full benefits, your acupuncturist may suggest starting with herbs and then adding acupuncture to your treatment in the future.