Acupuncture is a treatment method that relies on our body's own natural healing abilities which the Acupuncturist stimulates through the use of very thin needles. Dating back to the Stone Age, Acupuncture has been developed and refined for hundreds of years. This discipline has identified over 360 points on the body which, when stimulated, produce certain reactions within the body. These points are stimulated to rid the body of disease, help fight infection, and support the healing of injuries.

Theory of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is based on the view of Chinese Medicine that each body part is connected to another through the flow of Qi (Life Energy) and its pathway or Meridian. Along these Meridians, points have been located which, when stimulated, can produce a desired reaction within the body. The Acupuncturist will stimulate these points with very fine metal needles. These needles remain in the body during the treatment and may be manipulated in order to treat your particular condition.

Misconceptions

Many people are asked to consider acupuncture as a treatment method for their condition. This is a perfectly safe and hygienic method of treatment, but because it is not a traditional Western Medical approach, there are many misconceptions about it.

A number of misconceptions relate to acupuncture needles. The term "acupuncture needles" often calls to mind people's past experience of "getting a needle" from a doctor or nurse. "Getting a shot" tends to be painful because of the shape of the needles but also because the needle is being inserted into a blood vessel, and blood vessels are covered in pain receptors.

Acupuncture needles can be a very thin "wires" because acupuncturists are not attempting to inject or withdraw substances but merely attempting to stimulate or sedate the body's Qi flow. Rarely do people feel pain upon the insertion of acupuncture needles because we are not inserting these wire-thin needles into the blood vessels but into muscle and connective tissue and are often only inserting the needle superficially. The patient might feel a strange sensation similar to electricity or a heavy sensation in the limb being needled but in no way should you feel as though you were being "given a needle".

Benefits and Side Effects

Acupuncture is an effective means to relieve pain, improve efficiency of the organ systems, and to help maintain health while preventing future illness. It is an effective form of treatment for many acute and chronic diseases and conditions.

Even though needles are inserted into the body, the person will experience little to no pain, bleeding or markings on the skin. They may feel a slight heavy or "full" feeling in the local area or may feel an electrical sensation. This is a very positive reaction to the needles, indicating the arrival of Qi to the area which will help achieved the desired reaction.

Recommended Reading

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