More Complementary & Integrative Healthcare Articles
What Exactly Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a wonderful system of medicine that comes from China and is over three thousand years old. Our body is made of Qi (vital life force) and the Qi flows through specific pathways or meridians in the body. There are acupuncture points along the pathways that if stimulated may promote better flow of Qi. When our Qi is flowing smoothly, we tend to be healthy and when our Qi is blocked, certain symptoms manifest from that. To restore harmony, acupuncture needles are inserted at specific points along the pathways to rebalance the Qi. The person's general wellness is improved by strengthening the body's ability to remain in harmony and withstand disease/hardship.
What Is Qi?
Qi (pronounced “chee”) is a Chinese term that can be thought of as vital life force/vital substance. Many people equate it to energy, however it is so much more. It creates life, controls bodily functions and animates the body. Any type of pain or illness represents an obstruction or imbalance in the normal flow of Qi.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Acupuncture is a very safe form of treatment and injuries are rare among patients treated by trained professionals. The FDA requires the use of sterile, nontoxic needles that are for single-use only by qualified practitioners.
What Conditions Can Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture is used to address a number of health conditions and is recognized by the World Health Organization through proven clinical trials to be an effective treatment for numerous conditions.
Pain headache/migraine, low back pain, shoulder pain, tennis elbow, wrist pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis, tooth pain, carpal tunnel syndrome
Digestive Disorders nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, colitis
Women's Health PMS, menstrual irregularities, menopausal symptoms, morning sickness, fertility issues, UTIs, reproductive problems
Immune System common cold, sore throat, pneumonia, bronchitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis
Emotional Health stress, anxiety, depression
Other Disorders chronic fatigue, dizziness, eye problems, incontinence, sleep disorders, addictions
For so many other conditions, acupuncture is known to have a therapeutic effect too.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Many times, people do not feel the insertion of the needles. Yet, some areas are more sensitive, causing the person to feel a slight prick and then the discomfort usually goes away.
How Many Treatments Will Be Needed?
The number and frequency of treatments vary based on each individual person and whether the condition is chronic or acute. Each person is considered a unique whole and no two headaches are alike or come from the root cause.
Acupuncture is a safe, effective form of therapy with minimual side effects and it is drug free. Acupuncture can assist in the natural healing of a wide variety of common medical conditions and ailments. As you seek alternative healing modalities to address your concerns, definitely consider acupuncture.
