WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE AND ORIENTAL MEDICINE?

Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and improve function. This is done by inserting sterilized, stainless-steel needles (that are as fine as a human hair) into specific points located near or on the surface of the skin which have the ability to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions in order to treat a wide variety of illnesses.

Your practitioner will make a Chinese medical diagnosis based upon a thorough examination and consultation. The examination includes the assessment of the pulse and tongue. Once a diagnosis is made, your acupuncturist will choose the most appropriate acupuncture points for treatment.

Acupuncture points are areas of designated electrical sensitivity that have been shown to be effective in the treatment of specific health problems. They have been mapped out by the Chinese over a period of over 2000 years.

The basic foundation for Oriental medicine is that there is a life energy flowing through the body which is termed Qi (pronounced chee). This energy flows through the body on channels known as meridians that connect all of our major organs. According to Chinese medical theory, illness arises when the cyclical flow of Qi in the meridians becomes unbalanced or is blocked.

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?

Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points located near or on the surface of the skin which have the ability to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions in order to achieve the desired effect.

The basic foundation for Oriental medicine is that there is a life energy flowing through the body which is termed Qi (pronounced chee). This energy flows through the body on channels known as meridians that connect all of our major organs. According to Chinese medical theory, illness arises when the cyclical flow of Qi in the meridians becomes unbalanced or is blocked.

Acupuncture points are areas of designated electrical sensitivity. Inserting needles at these points stimulates various sensory receptors that, in turn, stimulate nerves that transmit impulses to the hypothalamic-pituitary system at the base of the brain.

The hypothalamus-pituitary glands are responsible for releasing neurotransmitters and endorphins, the body's natural pain-killing hormones. It is estimated that endorphins are 200 times more potent than morphine. Endorphins also play a big role in the functioning of the hormonal system. This is why acupuncture works well for back pain and arthritis and also for P.M.S. and infertility.

The substances released as a result of acupuncture not only relax the whole body, they regulate serotonin in the brain which plays a role in human and animal disposition. This is why depression is often treated with acupuncture.

Some of the physiological effects observed throughout the body include increased circulation, decreased inflammation, relief from pain, relief of muscle spasms and increased T-cell count which stimulates the immune system. What are the most commonly treated ailments? The most common ailments presented to an acupuncturist tend to be pain related conditions. However, as the public becomes more educated about the efficacies of acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, they are seeking treatments for many complex conditions with good results; including the following:

Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat Disorders

• Sinusitis
• Sore throat
• Hay fever
• Earache
• Nerve deafness
• Ringing in the ears
• Dizziness
• Poor eyesight

Circulatory Disorders

• High blood pressure
• Angina pectoris
• Arteriosclerosis
• Anemia

Gastrointestinal Disorders

• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Spastic colon
• Colitis
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Food allergies
• Ulcers
• Gastritis
• Abdominal bloating
• Hemorrhoids

Gynecological Genitourinary Disorders

• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Irregular, heavy or painful menstruation
• Endometriosis
• Menopause
• Fibroids
• Chronic bladder infection
• Complications in pregnancy
• Morning sickness
• Kidney stones
• Impotence
• Infertility in men and women
• Sexual dysfunction

Immune Disorders

• Candida
• Chronic fatigue
• HIV and AIDS
• Epstein Barr virus
• Allergies
• Lupus
• MS
• Hepatitis

Musculoskeletal and Neurological Disorders

• Arthritis
• Neuralgia
• Sciatica
• Back pain
• Bursitis
• Tendonitis
• Stiff neck
• Bell palsy
• Trigeminal neuralgia
• Headaches and Migraines
• Stroke
• Cerebral palsy
• Polio
• Sprains
• Muscle spasms
• Shingles

Respiratory Disorders

• Asthma
• Emphysema
• Bronchitis
• Colds and flu's

Miscellaneous

• Chemotherapy/radiation side effects
• Diabetes
• Dermatological disorders
• Weight control

DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT?

Acupuncture needles are 25-50 times thinner than a hypodermic needle. They are so thin that several acupuncture needles can go into the middle of a hypodermic needle. There is little sensitivity to the insertion of acupuncture needles.

While some people feel nothing at all; others experience a brief moment of discomfort as the needle penetrates the skin that can be followed by a mild sensation of cramping, tingling, numbness, traveling warmth, or heaviness. The needles are left in place for twenty to forty minutes. Most people find the experience extremely relaxing and uplifting and even fall asleep for the duration of the treatment.