Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an essential part of Traditional Oriental Medicine, a comprehensive system of health care with a continuous clinical history of over 3000 years.
An Acupuncturist will place fine, sterile needles at specific point on the body (Modern science has been able to measure the electrical charge at these points). Needling these points stimulates the flow of life energy (Qi), removes blockages and restores balance throughout the body. Qi helps to animate the body and protect it from illness, pain and disease. Qi circulates through specific pathways called meridians. Each meridian is associated with particular physiological system and internal organ. Disease is considered to arise due to a deficiency or imbalance of Qi in the meridians and their associated physiological systems. Acupuncture treatment can activate the body’s Qi and promotes natural healing by enhancing recuperative power, immunity, physical and emotional health. It also can improve overall function and well-being.
What Should I Expect?
Where the acupuncture needle has been inserted, you may experience a vague numbness, heaviness, tingling or dull ache. This is called “Qi sensation.” All these reactions are normal and a sign that the treatment is working. After treatment, you may feel energized or may experience a deep sense of relaxation and well-being.
How Safe is Acupuncture?
The answer relies in the skill of the practitioner. When practiced by a licensed, well trained acupuncturist, acupuncture is extremely safe for all ages from infants to elderly, and children usually respond more quickly to acupuncture treatment then adult. Acupuncture needles are sterile, disposable, used once, and then discarded. The importance of seeking an appropriately and comprehensively trained acupuncturist cannot be overstated.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The number of treatments will vary from person to person. Some people experience immediate relief, others may take months or even years to achieve results. As in any form of healing, the patient’s attitude, diet, determination and lifestyle will affect the outcome of a course of treatment. Patients are encouraged to actively participate in their healing progress. In most cases, it usually takes 4 to 6 weeks of treatment to see significant changes.