Acupuncture

Introduction

Acupuncture is among the oldest healing practices in the world. As part of Traditional Chinese
Medicine (TCM), acupuncture aims to restore and maintain health through balancing the body's
energy system. The stimulation of specific points (acupoints) on the body can influence
physiological processes maintaining homeostasis (balance).

Why should I see an Acupuncturist?

Acupuncture is a safe and effective holistic medicine backed by more than two thousand years of
practice and research. It is practiced worldwide both as a primary and adjunctive treatment for a
wide range of conditions. While there are somewhat standard treatment protocols for many
conditions, the clinical success of acupuncture is related - at least in part - to the wide range of
diagnostic signs and symptoms which are taken into effect when looking at an imbalance. For a
condition such as arthritis effecting the knees, we may perform an EMI graph (See below), look at
your tongue, check your pulse, ask about your diet and lifestyle, palpate your spine, etc. This
range of diagnostic information allows acupuncture practitioners to develop a treatment strategy
that is unique to you and your experience of a particular condition.

Modernization of Acupuncture

Modern advances utilizes a computer aided diagnostic graph that determines which meridians are
out of balance. Specific acupoints are used to balance meridians that have too much qi, too little
qi, or imbalances from left to right sides of the body.

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 classical Eastern explanation for how acupuncture works is that channels of energy or “Qi”
run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These channels, called meridians,
are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the
movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up, creating imbalance and pain.

Stimulating the acupuncture points can influence the meridians; the acupuncture needles unblock
the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians.

A more scientific explanation of acupuncture is that the stimulation of certain trigger points on the
body by acupuncture needles prompts the body to release certain hormones and chemicals that
can reduce pain, regulate the endocrine system, and calm the nervous system.

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.

Is Acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture needles are surgical stainless steel, sterile and disposable.
In the hands of a trained licensed physician or acupuncturist, your safety is assured.
What to expect on your first visit....

On your first visit a thorough consultation, past medical history, and a physical exam will be
performed. Electro Meridian Imaging will also be conducted. Typically, needles are inserted form
¼ to 1 inch in depth. Depth of insertion will depend on nature of the condition being treated, the
patients' size, age, and constitution.

While the needles are in they feel comfortable. They are very thin (only about three times the
thickness of a human hair and much finer than the hypodermic needles used to give injections)
and are designed to enter the skin with little resistance. Once the needles are inserted (generally
from 10 to 30 are used depending on the condition), the needles can be manipulated or
electrically stimulated to increase the energy flow. The needles may be left in for 15 to 40
minutes, depending on the ailment. Different people experience different sensations from
Acupuncture. Some describe a tingling, pins-and-needles, or a heaviness feeling, others may feel
numbness or nothing at all. Most find the sessions relaxing, and many fall asleep during or
immediately after treatment. In general, visits occur once or twice a week for one to two months
until therapeutic results are achieved.