WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture, simply stated, is a health science which is used to
successfully treat both pain and dysfunction in the body.
Acupuncture has its roots deeply planted in China. In fact, authorities
agree the science is between 5,000 and 7,000 years old. Its use
spread throughout ancient Egypt, the Middle East, the Roman Empire,
and later into Western Europe as merchants and missionaries to China
told of the amazing discoveries the people of the Orient had developed.
Acupuncture did not become known on a national level in the U.S.
Until 1971 when diplomatic relations between China and America were
relaxed.
At first glimpse, Acupuncture appears strange; as its primary notoriety
is the utilization of needles placed in the skin at various locations
to relieve pain or affect a body part.
Early Chinese physicians discovered there is an energy network
traversing just below the surface of the skin which communicates
from the exterior to the internal organs and structures at over
1,000 “Acupoints” on the body. This energy works in
harmony with the body's circulatory, nervous, muscular, digestive,
genitourinary and all other systems of the body. When this vital
energy becomes blocked or weakened, an effect in a body system or
anatomic location becomes evident. Stimulation of one or a combination
of key “Acupoints” on the body may restore harmony to
the affected area.
Historians have stated, “More people have benefited from
Acupuncture over the course of fifty centuries than the combined
total of all other healing sciences, both ancient and modern.”
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Far too often in the medical professions, a patient is told after
extensive examination, “There is nothing wrong,” “It
is all in your head,” or “Sorry, you'll have to learn
to live with it.” The examining doctor unable to find the
cause of the problem has little else to tell the patient. Fortunately,
many physicians are now referring their patients for an Acupuncture
evaluation as a last resort.
The human body's energy flow courses over twelve meridians or channels
that are normally well balanced. If a disruption of energy flow
exists, it can alter the entire system, producing pain or symptoms
in the body.
If we were to compare a 175 pound man on one end of a seesaw and
a 45 pound child on the other end, it becomes obvious the seesaw
would be “broken” due to the fact the heavier person
would be sitting on the ground and the lighter would be dangling
in the air. Even though the seesaw is producing a symptom of being
broken-extensive examination would not reveal anything wrong with
the seesaw. The obvious answer is in the balance. Correction of
the balance corrects the problem.
This is Acupuncture's goal-to restore normalcy to the body's energy
balance by utilizing a combination of Acupoints located on the twelve
meridians. This is accomplished by a variety of means, the needle
is just one.
Medical research continues in this country and others to attempt
to explain in western scientific terms what the ancient Chinese
seventy centuries earlier described. Today, many theories have been
postulated as to why Acupuncture is so effective in pain control.
However, as more discoveries are made, more research is indicated.
IS TREATMENT PAINFUL?
One would assume inserting a needle into the skin would be painful
since most of us can relate to being stuck with a pin or having
a hypodermic injection. However, four Acupuncture needles can easily
be inserted into the hollow tube of a hypodermic needle. Because
of the extreme slenderness of the needle, most people compare the
sensations “less than a mosquito bite.” A phenomena
referred to as “TEHCHI” occurs when the energy is contacted.
This sensation is felt as a mild to moderate heaviness or tingling.
Needles obviously still have their place in clinical practice.
However, many physicians certified in Acupuncture and licensed Acupuncturists
are employing electronic and laser stimulation to the Acupoint with
equal effectiveness as the needle. Both of these procedures are
painless and are quickly becoming standard worldwide.
The tapping needle “teishein” is not really a needle
as it does not pierce the skin. It produces a mild to moderate sensation.
Compare it to tapping a ball point pen on the skin. This form of
stimulation has been used successfully for centuries. Thumb pressure
is equally impressive and not considered painful.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE USUAL?
Obviously the number of treatments will vary with different conditions
and individuals. Chronic problems generally require more treatment
than acute ones. Some patients notice an immediate improvement after
the first treatment, whereas others may not notice any effect until
the seventh or eighth visit. Its been shown that a certain percentage
of patients receive maximum benefit up to three months following
a course of therapy.
A small number of patients will experience a worsening of symptoms,
as the body's energies are returning to normal. This is usual and
no need for alarm. It is followed by improvement. Researchers internationally
agree the usual number of treatments is between eight and sixteen.
The usual frequency is between two and four times a week.
Patients are urged not to enter an Acupuncture program with the
thought of “taking a few” to see what will happen. Even
though it is possible to achieve success; a program often visits
would have a better chance for success. Patients are encouraged
to be patient with the healing process. If the treatments are recommended
are results occur in just five visits, the doctor may elect to discontinue
treatments or continue their use to stabilize the condition.
WHAT CONDITIONS ARE ACCEPTED?
Acupuncture textbooks list well over one hundred different conditions
that respond well to Acupuncture. The World Health Organization,
working in close harmony with the International Acupuncture training
center of the Shanghai College of Traditional Chinese Medicine,
has indicated Acupuncture is effective in the following conditions.
Acute and chronic pain relief, migraine, tension cluster and sinus
headaches, trigeminal neuralgia, bladder dysfunction, bed wetting,
cervical (neck) pain, and mid-back pain, low shoulder, tennis elbow,
post-operative pain relief, gastric problems, asthma, allergies,
skin conditions, hemorrhoids, abnormal blood pressure, fatigue,
anxiety, neurologic syndrome, various eye problems, etc., etc.
This is only a partial list of the numerous conditions Acupuncture
has been credited with helping.
IS ACUPUNCTURE EXPENSIVE?
The cost of Acupuncture treatment varies in different parts of
the country. However, the average appears to be between $50.00 and
$85.00 per treatment.
ARE RESULTS PERMANENT?
For acute problems where there has been little or no organ system
or tissue damage, results are often permanent. For chronic conditions,
symptoms may recur from time to time. Generally a few additional
treatments are sufficient to obtain relief. It's suggested that
patients with severe or chronic conditions return for a booster
treatment two to three times a year.
ACUPUNTURE EXAMINATION TO SEE IF IT MAY HELP
When one first comes to our office for an acupuncture evaluation
he/she receives a consultation with the doctor to see if his/her
problem can be helped by acupuncture. A thorough and comprehensive
examination is performed to further evaluate the patient’s
chief complaint or condition.
All of this information is compiled to establish an accurate diagnosis.
Finally, the patient is given a report to explain the cause of his/her
problem, and if the problem is likely to be helped with acupuncture,
treatment procedures are then initiated.
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