Acupuncture is an ancient art that has been practiced for over 3,000 years. It focuses on the body as a whole and concentrates not only on the symptoms, but on the root cause of the disease.
The body has pathways where energy flows called meridians. The body constantly strives to maintain a proper balance of this vital energy or Qi. When Qi is abundant and freely circulating throughout the body, there is health and pain-free living. Disease occurs when there is an obstruction or imbalance of Qi in the meridians.
Acupuncture helps correct these imbalances by inserting tiny, hair-thin needles into specific locations on the body called acupuncture points. Stimulating the acupuncture points can influence the energy in the meridians, thereby correcting the disease or imbalance and helping to reduce pain and heal areas of ill health.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has determined that there are dozens of conditions that can benefit from acupuncture treatment, for example:
allergies * asthma * anxiety/depression * arthritis * back pain * bowel and digestive disorders * colds/flu/cough/bronchitis * fatigue * fibromyalgia * headache * heart problems * high blood pressure * infertility * insomnia * PMS * menopausal symptoms * migraines * nausea, fatigue and other side effects of chemotherapy and radiation * urinary and vaginal infections * stress
These conditions – and many others – respond well to treatment. But the real work of acupuncture is to treat the whole person and not the symptom. Although occasionally there are instant results, more often it takes a number of sessions to move the body and mind out of the energetic pattern that is generating the symptoms.
Acupuncture Treatment
The acupuncture session begins by taking a detailed history from the patient including: health history, current symptoms, lifestyle, diet and emotions. Diagnosis and treatment strategies are determined by reading the pulses on both wrists and looking at the tongue. These readings will determine where the energy imbalances are in the body and which style of treatment is right for you.
The acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of very fine, sterilized, single-use needles throughout the body at specific locations called acupoints. Stimulating these acupoints with the needles, balances the body’s energy, promoting healing in the body.
Other modalities may be integrated into the treatment session:
- Chinese herbs may be recommended to normalize the body’s physiological functions.
- Heat treatments using Artemesia Vulgaris (moxibustion, moxa) or a heat lamp.
- Gua sha a massage treatment using a small spoon to stimulate circulation.
- Cupping to stimulate circulation by creating a vacuum between the skin and the cup.
- Electrical stimulation of the needles which produce a vibration sensation.
- Bloodletting with a lancet to produce 1-3 drops of blood.
- A massage technique called Tui Na.
