| What is acupuncture? | | | | acupuncture points, and is flowing out, healing the |
| Acupuncture is one of the oldest treatment | | | | body. |
| procedures in the world, dating back over 2,000 | | | | These symptoms indicate that acupuncture is starting |
| years. Acupuncture refers to a particular treatment | | | | to work. Most patients report an intense feeling of |
| method of inserting and manipulating very fine filiform | | | | relaxation, and even occasionally a mild disorientation |
| needles at specific points on the body that are | | | | following acupuncture treatments. These effects are |
| believed to be "acupuncture points" that can relieve | | | | expected to wear off over the next 24-48 hours. |
| pain when allowed to release vital energy. | | | | What are some common uses for acupuncture? |
| Acupuncture has long been recognized in traditional | | | | A better question to ask is, "What are the conditions |
| Chinese medicine as a technique that focuses on a | | | | that acupuncture cannot treat?" Acupuncture is |
| person's qi, or vital energy, that flows along meridians | | | | recognized as a very safe method of encouraging |
| throughout the body. During the past few decades, | | | | the body to promote its own natural healing and |
| acupuncture has gained tremendous popularity in | | | | improve overall function. This functioning and healing is |
| Western cultures, and has become accepted as a | | | | related to symptoms of many different conditions, |
| common alternative or complementary therapy | | | | including addictions (smoking, alcohol), weight loss, |
| method. There are many different kinds of | | | | asthma, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, |
| acupuncture, with differing philosophical backgrounds | | | | headaches, back pain, menstrual cramps, |
| and techniques. | | | | post-operative pain, stroke rehabilitation, acne, |
| What does acupuncture feel like? | | | | allergies, anxiety, high blood pressure, arthritis, |
| The needles that are used for acupuncture are | | | | morning sickness, impotence, and more. |
| hair-thin, and most people that receive this treatment | | | | What are the benefits to acupuncture? |
| report no pain or very minimal pain from the needles. | | | | Being a holistic approach, acupuncture treats the |
| The acupuncture needles that are used are sterile, | | | | whole body during treatment of a specific condition. |
| and disposable, and not ever re-used for another | | | | Acupuncturists believe that illness results from |
| patient. | | | | disruptions or interruptions in the natural flow of |
| What is a typical acupuncture experience like? | | | | energy, and by restoring this energy properly, the |
| Typically, a person receiving acupuncture for the first | | | | body can heal itself. Clinical trials have shown |
| time will be asked to provide a fairly extensive health | | | | acupuncture to be beneficial, particularly in the |
| history, including the condition you are seeking | | | | treatment of pain, but the field of research is |
| treatment for, and any lifestyle or behavioral | | | | growing to include positive results for respiratory |
| patterns. Once you are ready, you will be lying down | | | | disorders, addiction, and weight loss as well. Using |
| in a relaxed position. The fine needles will be inserted | | | | acupuncture to quit smoking or acupuncture for |
| into the various acupuncture points, and often will | | | | weight loss may help strengthen the immune system, |
| remain there for varying time periods. | | | | reduce anxiety, and provide more strength to |
| What are the possible side effects of acupuncture? | | | | continue the process necessary to make those big |
| There are usually no side effects to acupuncture | | | | life changes. |
| when it is performed properly. Some people report | | | | Because of the very minimal side effects of |
| feeling a very brief stinging sensation, others report a | | | | acupuncture, and the positive reports from so many |
| dull ache around the needle site. Most people report | | | | patients, it should be considered as an alternative or |
| feeling nothing during the sessions. | | | | complementary treatment for many disorders. |
| Following acupuncture for treatment of some | | | | Attempts at healing the body and improving function |
| conditions, patients may report a slight worsening of | | | | should not target small, precise areas, instead, the |
| symptoms briefly before they begin to feel better. | | | | healing needs to address the entire body for best |
| Also, brief changes in sleeping or eating patterns | | | | results. Acupuncture can meet that need successfully |
| have been seen. It is felt that these symptoms occur | | | | and aid in the healing of the body. |
| because the blocked qi has been released at the | | | | |