Acupuncture
originated in China over 3,000 years ago. It is part of traditional holistic Chinese medicine and consists of the gentle insertion of very fine needles into specific points on the body. This process stimulates movement of energy within the body, allowing natural healing to take place. These points are selected, based on the years of training that acupuncturists receive.
Acupuncture helps to prevent illness by improving the overall functioning of the body's immune and organ systems.
In the West, acupuncture is most well-known for its ability to relieve pain, so the majority of research so far has been done in this area. Acupuncture points are now believed to stimulate the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) to release pain-relieving chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord and brain. Acupuncture may also stimulate other chemicals to be released by the brain, including hormones that influence the self-regulating system of the body.
Acupuncture points are where the Qi is both concentrated and accessible. Manipulating needles at those points, will return the body to its natural balance and a sense of well-being returns.
Acupuncture needles are solid, not hollow like needles used by doctors. They are small and hair-thin and can literally be bent with your little finger. Only sterile, disposable needles are used, so there is no risk of infection.
Acupuncture needles are rarely painful and can be quickly adjusted, if the patient feels discomfort. Often people describe the sensation as warming or tingling. The more the patient relaxes during an acupuncture treatment, the better the results. Many people even fall asleep during treatment. Following treatment, it is common to feel a tremendous sense of relaxation and calm.
Acupuncture works whether or not you believe in it. Acupuncture is even used successfully on animals and children.
In general, patients should start to feel benefit in 2-3 treatments. If the problem is acute, sometimes improvement is felt after 1 treatment, and may only need 4-6 treatments to resolve.
Although it is not yet fully understood by Western science, modern technology can now actually begin to "see" the body's response to acupuncture. For example, using an MRI scan, researchers have shown that when a needle is inserted at specific acupuncture points on the body, corresponding changes occur in the brain.
