ACUPUNCTURE:
ACUPUNCTURE: WHAT IS IT?
Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. This is done by inserting needles at very precise acupuncture points.
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
The classical Chinese explanation is that energy (Qi) run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface through Meridians or Channels, much like rivers holding water . When Qi flows freely, it nourishes the tissues and organs to promote optimal physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental health. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up, preventing the body's energy form circulating and nourishing.
Needling the acupuncture points can unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow of Qi through the Meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body to correct imbalances by improving the circulation of Qi through the Meridians.
The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals may alter the experience of pain, or trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system. The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by Acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.
WHAT DOES ACUPUNCTURE TREAT?
The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems, including:
Acupuncture is also useful in resolving physical problems related to tension and stress and emotional conditions. Traditional Chinese Medicine is a COMPLETE system of medicine, treating ailments throughout all the body systems. If you have questions about a specific illness or disorder not listed above, just call and ask! We happy to answers questions you may have.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
The number of treatments needed differs from person to person. For complex or long-standing conditions, one or two treatments a week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS TO THE TREATMENT?
Usually not. Occasionally the original symptoms worsen for a few days, or other changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns, or emotional state may be triggered. These should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work. It is quite common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment.
WHAT ARE THE NEEDLES LIKE? DO THEY HURT?
People experience acupuncture needling differently. Most patients feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted; some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt. Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid and are made from stainless steel. The insertion of an Acupuncture needle through the skin is not as painful as injections or blood sampling, which use hollow needles. Only sterile, single-use, disposable needles are ever used in Acupuncture treatment at Crosswinds Therapy.
DOES ACUPUNCTURE REALLY WORK?
Yes. In the past 2,000 years, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined! Today acupuncture is practiced widely in Asia, the Soviet Union, and in Europe. It is now being used more and more in America by patients and physicians.
DO I HAVE TO BELIEVE IN ACUPUNCTURE FOR IT TO WORK?
No. Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, horses and other animals. These animal patients do not understand or believe in the process that helps them get better. But of course, a positive attitude toward wellness may reinforce the effects of the treatment received, just as a negative attitude may hinder the effects of acupuncture, or any other treatment.