

WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE ALL ABOUT?
Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. This is done by inserting needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points. It is a very important part of the Traditional Chinese Medicine system which is focused on correcting imbalances of energy in the body and encouraging the self-recovery ability of the body. From its inception in China more than 2,500 years ago, acupuncture has been used traditionally to prevent, diagnose and treat disease, as well as to improve general health.
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up in others.
The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and re-establish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy 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 will either change the experience of pain, or they will 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.
DOES ACUPUNCTURE 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; and after the treatment, most patients feel no undue discomfort and find sessions relaxing and leave feeling calm and energized.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS TO THE TREATMENT?
The most common side effects are little bleeding or bruising at the site, along with minor pain or soreness; but only happen on limited sites.
Other than that, some patients may experience changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns; as energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to take place. These should not cause concern, since 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. These pass within a short time, and never require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome.
IS ACUPUNCTURE EFFECTIVE ON CHILDREN?
There is no age limit. Compare with adults, children respond much better to the treatment. In many acute cases, such as high fever, sore throat and diarrhea, they can heal by one or two treatments with a very minimal use of needles and only several minutes needling time. Also, young children respond quite well to moxibustion (heat application on acupoints) alone or simply the use of pediatric tuina massage.
WHAT DOES ACUPUNCTURE TREAT?
While acupuncture is often associated with pain control, in the hands of a well-trained practitioner it has much broader applications. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems, including:
-
Digestive disorders: gastritis and hyperacidity, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s syndrome, constipation, diarrhea.
-
Respiratory disorders: common cold, flu, sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, recurrent chest infections.
-
Neurological and muscular disorders: headaches, facial tics, trigeminal neuralgia, neck pain, rib neuritis, fibromyalgia, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, various forms of tendinitis, low back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis, rehabilitation after stroke.
-
Gynecologic disorders: PMS, dysmenorrhea, menopausal syndrome, infertility.
-
Urinary problems: UTI, enuresis.
Acupuncture has also proved beneficial for insomnia, hypertension, reducing fatigue and addictions (alcohol and cigarette), and for promoting overall well-being.