what is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a complete medical protocol focused on correcting imbalances of energy in 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.
The theory behind acupuncture is that the healthy functioning of the body is governed by the flow of “qi” (often translated as “energy”) through a system of channels under the skin. When this flow of qi is impaired, illness occurs. By inserting fine needles at various points along the channels, the body’s balance can be restored and the illness resolved.
Acupuncture can’t fully be explained within a western model. But, modern studies have revealed that acupuncture stimulates the peripheral nervous system, which can, under certain circumstances, increase the rate of healing response through promoting blood flow, increasing natural painkillers, stimulating the immune system, relaxing muscles, and balancing the nervous system response, such as “flight or fight.” This may be sufficient to help the body address disease, or may help alleviate symptoms.
how many treatments will I need?
Usually, a series of treatments is needed to resolve an issue. The length of treatment depends on how long the condition has been present and how quickly the patient responds to treatment. Generally, for an acute condition, the patient responds more quickly. For chronic conditions, it is estimated that for every year the patient has suffered from the condition, it takes about that many months for the condition to be resolved.
does acupuncture hurt?
Generally, acupuncture does not hurt. An acupuncture needle, which is the diameter of a strand of hair, provides a sensation much different from the hypodermic needles many of us have experienced at the doctor’s office. Typical sensations reported from acupuncture include a feeling of tingling, warmth, heaviness, but most people experience a state of relaxation.