About Acupucture

Acupuncture is based on the Chinese concepts of qi (pronounced chee) or vital life energy and meridians, the pathways on the body where qi flows. It is believed that illness and pain occur when there is an imbalance in the flow of qi along the meridian pathways. An acupuncturist seeks to correct this imbalance by inserting fine needles into points on the meridians so the proper flow of qi may be restored and healing may occur. Acupuncture has been practiced in China for over 2500 years and has been practiced in the West for more than 40 years.

Researchers have sought to understand the way acupuncture works from a western scientific viewpoint. What they have discovered are numerous ways acupuncture effects the human body, from the release of pain killing endorphins to the regulation of neurotransmitters. Although no one definitive mechanism of action has been identified, the use of functional MRI has shown specific areas of the brain are activated with the stimulation of acupuncture points. These areas of the brain are involved with the regulation of pain, stress, hormonal control and emotions.

When practiced by a licensed professional, acupuncture is a safe treatment modality which can be used in conjunction with other therapies.  In fact acupuncture works well with physical therapy, massage therapy, chiropractic, psychotherapy and therapies related to cancer care.  Practitioners should only use sterilized single use disposable needles to safeguard the patient from any communicable diseases. Occasionally, there may be a drop of blood or a small bruise may develop around the site of the needle insertion. Although these are common reactions, notify your practitioner if pain persists.

Studies have shown acupuncture to be an effective treatment for conditions such as chronic pain, headache, migraines, osteoarthritis of the knee, low back pain, menopausal symptoms, nausea and vomiting, cancer related fatigue and infertility. There are of course many other conditions that have been treated with only anecdotal evidence. Researchers continue to study the benefits of acupuncture to determine other conditions which it treats successfully.

Many patients feel no pain when a needle is inserted. However some people may experience a pinching sensation or a sensation similar to a mosquito bite. If pain is experienced beyond initial insertion, it is important to let the practitioner know so the needle way be adjusted or withdrawn and the patient may rest comfortably.

• Disorders of the mouth: Toothache, Post extraction pain, TMJ pain
• Emotional Disorders:  Anxiety, Depression, Stress-Related Disorders, Insomnia, Grief
• Gastrointestinal Disorders: Nausea and Vomiting, Constipation, Gastritis, IBS
• Gynecological Disorders: Irregular periods, PMS, Menstrual Cramps, Menopausal Symptoms, Infertility
• Musculoskeletal Disorders: Fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis, Sciatica, Low Back Pain, “Tennis” Elbow, Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain
• Neurological Disorders: Headache and Migraine, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Peripheral Neuropathies, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Bell’s Palsy
• Respiratory Disorders: Allergies, Acute sinusitis, Common Cold, Bronchial Asthma, Frequent Colds and Infections