Acupuncture originated
in China over 2,000 years ago and is one of the oldest and most commonly
performed types of medical procedure. The literal meaning of Acupuncture is
“needle piercing.” As the name suggests, the procedure of acupuncture involves
penetrating the skin with solid, metallic needles that are very thin.
Acupuncture has grown in popularity in the United States since the 1970s and is
now widely regarded as a safe and effective treatment for a variety of
conditions.
According to Chinese medicine, the body transmits energy or qi (pronounced chee)
through pathways or meridians in the body. The unimpeded flow of this energy,
along with a balanced Yin and Yang, account for a person's overall health.
Acupuncture targets more than 2,000 acupuncture points along these pathways to
ensure the proper flow of energy through the body.
According to
Western medicine, Acupuncture works by stimulating the Central Nervous System to
release chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord and brain that can alter
biochemicals in a way that may relieve pain, stimulate healing and promote
physical and emotional health.
Both Eastern and Western medicines agree that Acupuncture can help treat a wide
variety of illnesses by relieving pain and symptoms associated with these
illnesses. Acupuncture can help with conditions as diverse as abdominal pain,
diarrhea, indigestion, anxiety, menopause, infertility, chronic pain, arthritis,
headaches, Parkinson's Disease, bronchitis, smoking cessation, addiction and
high blood pressure just to name a few.
When choosing an Acupuncture practitioner, it is advised to consult your
physician to make sure Acupuncture can be beneficial to your condition.
Acupuncture is not for everyone, and prescription or over-the-counter drugs,
breast implants, pregnancy or a pacemaker may actually make Acupuncture
dangerous. This is where you benefit by visiting us for your acupuncture
consultation, since our services are administered by a physician.
It is always a good idea to choose a licensed acupuncture practitioner. Many
states have established certification guidelines for physicians and
non-physicians who practice acupuncture. Getting referrals from family, friends
and physicians is also a good idea. Our office will provide an estimate of the
cost and the length of treatment proposed so you can make sure you understand
what your health insurance plan will or won't cover.
Acupuncture may be the most effective treatment for your condition. With acceptance and popularity continuing to grow in the United States, Acupuncture has become an easy and affordable solution to many common health problems.