Acupuncture
Medicine for the Next Millennium

Acupuncture and moxibustion therapies are believed to have originated in China around 3,000 years ago. As a traditional medical practice, they encompass several treatment methods. The main method is the use of needles to puncture the skin, and secondly, to use moxibustion to warm points on the skin. There are also supplementary methods which include scratching needle techniques, fire needle techniques, and bloodletting, just to name a few. 

Acupuncture and moxibustion treatments are not only useful for pain management but also are part of a comprehensive system of preventive health care and health maintenance.

This patient is being treated for chronic low back pain using acupuncture, warm needle technique and ion pumping cords. This treatment supplements the kidneys, invigorates energy, removes stasis and warms the local musculature of the affected region.

The enormous clinical value of acupuncture and moxibustion therapies is evidenced by their continued and extensive use in modern China - their spread centuries ago to other Asian countries, such as Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, and their more recent arrival in the West, first in Europe and then much later on in the U.S.

What Is Acupuncture?
It is the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points which has been empirically proven effective in the treatment of specific disorders. These points have been mapped by the Chinese over a period of 3,000 years. Recently, their location has been confirmed by electromagnetic research.

How Does It Work?
Traditionally, acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of Qi (chee) or Energy and Xui (shway) or Blood through the discrete channels or meridians which transverse the body,- similar but not identical to the nervous and blood circulatory system. According to this theory acupuncture regulates the flow of Qi shunting it to those areas where it is deficient and draining it from where there is excess. The purpose is to restore the harmonious energetic balance of the body When the balance of this energy is disturbed, pain or illness results. Acupuncture treatment corrects the energetic imbalance by encouraging the body's natural ability to heal itself, without the use of drugs or surgery. Acupuncture essentially promotes the free balanced flow of Qi land Blood. In Chinese there is a saying, "There is no pain if there is free flow,- if there is pain, there is no free flow."

How Deep Do The Needles Go?
That depends upon the nature of the problem, the underlying anatomy of the points selected, the patient's size, age and constitution, and upon the acupuncturist physician's style or school. In general, needles are inserted from 1/4" - 1 " in depth.
 

Warm needle technique used to invigorate circulation, reduce spasms and tightness.  This technique is very powerful for increasing range of motion and restoring flexibility.

Does It Hurt?
Chinese acupuncture tries to illicit a strong stimulation from the needle. However, most people remark that they do not feel anything with the insertion of the needle, or they feel just a slight sensation which soon goes away. Quite a few people actually fall asleep during their treatment.

Are The Needles Clean?
The needles used are disposable and come in pre-sterilized, individual packages. This assures that there is no transmission of communicable disease from patient to patient.

Is Acupuncture The Only Method of Treatment?
Most practitioners are also trained to use a number of adjunctive therapies. These typically include: moxibustion (heat), Gua Sha (scraping), Auricular Therapy (ear acupuncture), Cupping (suction), magnets, electrical or laser stimulation, various types of massage, acupressure, herbal therapy and/or Chinese remedial massage.
 

What Can I Expect After Treatment?
Patients often experience the most dramatic results in the first treatment. Some patients experience an immediate total or partial relief of their pain or other symptoms. This relief may last or some pain may return. In a few cases, there may be no immediate relief only to notice the pain diminish over the next couple of days. Generally, you should expect to feel better.