What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient healing modality originating in China. Along with herbs, acupuncture has been used for over 5000 years as the primary source of medicine in many Asian countries, including China, Japan, Korea, and India.
The term acupuncture describes a family of procedures involving stimulation of specific points according to a mapping of “energy pathways.” The balance of subtle energies in the human body affects health and disease.
A Chinese medical treatment may involve variety of techniques such as the painless insertion of very fine sterile disposable needles into acupuncture points, burning of mugwort, or moxa, gua sha (superficial scraping of points), and cupping (suctioning of the skin and muscle with glass or plastic cups.
Historically, acupuncture is one component of an overall program of Chinese medicine that includes theory, practice, diagnosis, physiology, and the use of herbal preparations. Acupuncture helps to relieve symptoms and signs of many health problems, such as chronic or acute pain and treats conditions such as allergies, hormonal imbalance or addiction withdrawal. It can help to prevent future illnesses.
Is Acupuncture painful?
The needles measure the diameter of a human hair. With correct insertion, one feels no pain. One may experience soreness in the muscle, which TCM attributes to the sensation of releasing blocked Qi. After a treatment, some patients report a sense of euphoria.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture is based on the principle of energy flow (Qi or Prana) in the body. Through the observation of nature, empirical evidence, as well as meditation, they mapped out systems of Qi flow called Meridians. One can compare meridians to rivers. When they becomed blocked, the supply of Qi and Blood restricts; they then fail to nourish the cells, tissues and organs. Qi blockage can result from a range of causes, such as chronic emotional stress to acute muscle sprains.
Scientifically, the metal acupuncture needles stimulate change in the body’s electric and chemical currents. It uncovers the underlying root causes of ailments and activates the natural self-healing abilities of the body. Acupuncture enhances the body’s immune system, strengthens the organ functions, and awakens energy.
What can I expect from a TCM treatment?
Traditional Chinese medicine integrates body, mind and spirit. Each patient is evaluated according to his or her individual condition. TCM is a holistic medicine because each person’s constitution, diet, lifestyle, family history, even state of mind, is taken into consideration. Consequently, two patients with the same symptoms may result with different treatments, point selection and herbs.
Chinese medicine employs pulse and tongue diagnosis as landmarks of evaluation. Like the seasons, healing works in stages and cycles. Recovery may be significant after the first few treatments, followed by a plateau of effectiveness. Oftentimes, patients may even fell worse before getting better. This may be due to the suppression of immune systems caused by Western Medication.
It is recommended that patients take responsibility for their vitality, and maintain consistent care by keeping regular appointments. The results of acupuncture and Chinese herbs work better when patients comply with recommended supplements, diet, exercise and lifestyle.