Originating in China thousands of years ago Traditional Acupuncture is a unique therapeutic process involving the insertion of extremely thin, sterilized acupuncture needles into the skin. The needles are introduced at very specific points along the body’s meridian lines (energy pathways) to treat and prevent a variety of ailments. Acupuncture is a safe and effective therapy for many diseases and illness.
History
Traditional Chinese medicine theorizes that there are more than 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body, and that these connect with 12 main and 8 secondary pathways called meridians. Chinese medical practitioners believe these meridians conduct energy or Qi (“chee”), throughout the body. All traditional Chinese Medical practices are intended to improve the flow of Qi. Qi is believed to regulate spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical balance and to be influenced by the opposing forces of yin and yang. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, when yin and yang are balanced, they work together with the natural flow of Qi to help the body achieve and maintain health. Acupuncture is believed to balance yin and yang, keep the normal flow of energy unblocked, and maintain or restore health to the body and mind.
Western medical research has shown that acupuncture stimulates the body to produce its own pain relieving chemicals called “endorphins”. These chemicals mimic morphine by attaching to opiate receptor sites found throughout the nervous system. Endorphins help to block pathways that relay pain messages from the body to the brain, resulting in relief of pain, general relaxation and biochemical restoration of the body’s own internal regulation systems.
Treatment
Acupuncture is effective for a wide variety of complaints, and is compatible with other therapies, including Western medicine. It has been cited by the World Health Organization to treat over forty-three conditions including; allergies, addictions, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, back pain, bells palsy, Bursitis, degenerative disc, diarrhea, carpal tunnel, colds and flu, constipation, depression, fibromyalgia, food/environmental sensitivities, hay fever, gynecological disorders, headache, heart problems, heel spurs, infertility, immune deficiency, insomnia, menopause, obesity, PMS , menopause, sciatica, sports injuries, sinusitis, skin conditions, tendonitis, stress and many more (http://tcm.health-info.org/WHO-treatment-list.htm#_treat).
The number of treatments necessary to relieve an illness depends on the individual’s condition. The longer the problem has been going on, typically the longer it takes to get lasting results. Additionally, a person with a complicated medical history may take longer to see results than a person with a simple complaint. Most people will begin to see results within 3-10 sessions, with gradual and continuous improvement with regular treatments. Treatments can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.
Acupuncture treatment can be done at any time. However, patients are advised not to eat unusually large meals before or after treatments and to avoid alcohol or sedatives for four hours prior to treatment. Medications prescribed by your doctor should be taken as directed. If possible, a short rest after treatment is ideal. Similarly, strong exercise is not recommended immediately after treatment.
People experience acupuncture differently, but most feel no or minimal pain as the needles are inserted, and feel some heaviness and warmth while the needles are in place. Some feel relaxed while others feel energized after the treatment.
One of the most striking aspects of acupuncture is the almost complete absence of adverse effects and complications from its use. Clients with pacemakers should avoid electrical-acupuncture unless approved by their cardiologist. Women in early pregnancy and hemophiliacs should be treated with caution.
It is very important to seek treatment from a qualified acupuncture practitioner.
For more information on Acupuncture or if you would like to make an appointment please contact the Natural Healing Centre here.