Overview of Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve body functions.
Acupuncture is a very old medicinal art, with many practical applications in promoting overall health and wellness, prevention of illness, and treatment of a variety of medical conditions.
The process of acupuncture is effective by inserting needles at precise acupuncture points (acupoints) on the body. The insertion of needles stimulates the nervous and endocrine systems to alter nerve impulse transmission and chemical release in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. The release of chemicals either changes the experience of pain, or triggers the release of other chemicals and hormones, which influence the body's internal regulating system, increase circulation and decrease pain.
The improved chemical releases, circulation, energy and bio-chemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting overall physical and emotional well-being.
When Acupuncture needles are inserted, most people do not even feel the needles. Some may feel a slight pinch or
prick which will quickly pass. A heavy, dull, or tingling feeling may also be felt, but is not painful.
Acupuncture treatments can help the body's internal organs correct imbalances in organ operations, including digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their blood flow and overall health.
Acupuncture has the ability to treat many conditions:
The World Health Organization recognizes the ability of
acupuncture to treat over 43 medical conditions including:
- Gastrointestinal disorders - digestive tract disorders, peptic ulcers, chronic diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, IBS, gastritis, nausea, vomiting
- Urogenital disorders - stress incontinence, urinary tract infections, sexual dysfunction
- Gynecological disorders - irregular, heavy, or painful menstruation, PMS, infertility, menopause symptoms
- Respiratory disorders - asthma, bronchitis
- Nervous, Circulatory, Muscular disorders - high blood pressure, headaches, dizziness, Meniere's disease, Raynaud's syndrome, migraines, facial paralysis, partial weakness post stroke
- Orthopedic disorders - tennis elbow, low back pain, neck pain, frozen shoulder, TMJ, sciatica, carpal tunnel, arthritis
- Ear, Nose, and Throat disorders - toothache, earache, tinnitus, sinus inflammation, allergies
- Emotional and Psychological disorders - depression, anxiety, insomnia, eating disorders, addiction
- Supportive therapy - cancer, lupus, multiple sclerosis
