How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture started in China several thousand years ago. It is a natural therapy that helps the body to heal itself. Just like streams and rivers ebb and flow across of the earth, Qi (body’s vital energy) courses through channels in the body. Every organ network has a corresponding set of channels. The acupuncture points are located in small depressions in the skin called “gates” where the channels come closest to the surface. There are as many as 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body. By the insertion of hair-thin needles into certain points of the body, the gates of the body are opened and closed to regulate circulation in the channels and expel noxious influences from them. As a result, acupuncture mobilizes Qi and blood, and invigorates proper functions of the body.
Based on the elegant ancient Chinese concept of “If there is no blockage, there is no disease”, acupuncture can treat a whole variety of diseases in the body by opening the blockage that causes disease, in addition to pain conditions.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture has a history of thousand years. If it were an unsafe practice, it would have disappeared already. Also, we use only pre-packaged, sterilized and disposable acupuncture needles made of surgical stainless steel. The needles are thin (like human hair, one quarter of the size of the needle used in hospital setting) and solid. They cause no damage to the tissue and skin. In the age of AIDS and hepatitis, there is virtually no possibility of cross infection.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Some people would like to try acupuncture but don’t because they are scared of the needles and assume it will be painful. In fact, the needles we use for acupuncture are 4 times thinner than those used for injections. It is so thin that it will bend upon skin contact and it can not be inserted into skin unless we do it deliberately. It is no pain-free and people are so relaxed that they frequently fall asleep during acupuncture treatment.
In our office, we offer laser acupuncture as the alternative to needle acupuncture for those who are really afraid of needles, with comparable efficacy.
Can acupuncture prevent diseases?
Acupuncture diagnosis goes to the root cause of the problem and does not focus on individual symptoms. So it may diagnose disease before the symptoms occur. It can also help people who have no labeled complaint, but who, nevertheless feel not right. It can boost the body’s immunity and defense, thus prevent infection or even cancer. By unblocking the blockage, it can promote health, improves quality of life, prevent diseases and help people achieve longevity.
What can acupuncture treat?
NIH consensus statement in November of 1997 clearly stated that acupuncture is clearly useful for post-operative nausea and vomiting. It may potential benefit addiction, stroke, headache, various pain syndromes, asthma, and carpel tunnel syndrome.
World Health Organization list the following conditions which benefit from acupuncture:
GI:
Abdominal pain
Constipation
Diarrhea
Indigestion
EMOTIONAL
Anxiety
Depression
Insomnia
Nervousness
Neurosis
EYE-EAR-NOSE-THROAT
Cataracts
Poor vision
Toothache
Gingivitis
Tinnitus
GYNECOLOGICAL
Premenstrual syndrome
Menopausal symptoms
Infertility
MISCELLANEOUS
Addiction control
Athletic performance
Blood pressure regulation
Chronic fatigue
Immune system toning
Stress reduction
RESPIRATORY
Asthma Bronchitis
Common cold Sinusitis
Smoking cessation
Tonsillitis
MUSCULO-SKELETAL
Arthritis
Back pain
Neck pain
Muscle pain
Muscle weakness
Muscle cramping
Sciatica
NEUROLOGICAL
Headaches
Migraines
Neurogenic bladder dysfunction
Parkinson’s disease
Post-operative pain
How many treatments are needed?
For acute conditions, like sprained ankle, acute knee or back pain, it’s likely one to two treatment needed to relieve the pain. For chronic conditions, such as stubborn back pain, osteoarthritis of knee, fibroids, the usual schedule is once to twice a week for five to six weeks, then once every two weeks for two months. That, of course, depends on progress of individual treatment.
What is cupping?
Cupping is an important part of treatment in Acupuncture. The most popular device of cupping is glass cup, which is carried out by placing an oxygen-depleted glass cup on the skin to create a vacuum. The treatment method can stimulates the flow of Qi, invigorate the blood of local area, and help relieving the pain. It can also relax the muscle.
What is moxibusion?
Moxibusion treats and prevents diseases by applying heat to points or certain locations of the human body. For centuries, moxibustion and acupuncture have been combined in clinical practice, thus they are usually termed together in Chinese. The moxa (made of mogurt) can be made into moxa wool, moxa cone or moxa stick, which can burn and produce mild heat that is able to penetrate deeply into the muscles. It can warm the meridians, induce the smooth flow of Qi and blood. It can also prevent diseases and keep general good health.
What is blood-letting?
Blood-letting treats and prevents diseases by prick the skin with a lancet to let out few drops of blood. It is used especially for Blood.