About Acupuncture

Basics for the Layperson

This article was born out of a desire to help educate my patients and the public about this form of medicine.

Acupuncture is a form of medicine that has evolved into an effective, complete, holistic health care system. Practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine have used this treatment method to help millions of people become well and stay well. It does this without prescription drugs and without surgical interventions.

It has taken the Chinese between 4,000 and 5,000 years to develop this medical system. Yes, it’s been in use for at least 2,500 years before the advent of Christ. Chinese medicine is the oldest continually practiced, literate, professional medicine in the world. It has developed separate from Western medicine and cannot be described using Western medical or scientific terms.

Most of the terminology used sounds foreign to the average person. I will explain terms to you as they relate to your particular problem.

Acupuncture promotes natural healing. It can enhance recuperative power and immunity, support physical and emotional health, and improve overall function and well-being.

It is a safe, usually painless and effective way to treat a wide variety of medical problems.

Acupuncture is a not a quick fix, it is a slow and effective process to bring your body back into balance or harmony.

Remember, acupuncture works best if you can receive it as frequently and often enough for your particular problem.

The following are some of the various procedures
and modalities used in Oriental medicine:

Acupuncture: is the insertion of tiny, hair fine needles into the body at acu-points to stimulate specific areas which in turn affects the physiological functioning of the body’s processes.

You gain the benefits of acupuncture by retaining the needles for a certain period of time, usually around 45 minutes. This allows the vital energy flow or qi to travel throughout the body to find and release blockages.

Moxibustion or Moxa: treats and prevents disease by applying heat to points or certain locations of the body by burning the herb mugwort. It is often used in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy and to warm the uterus.

Cupping: is a therapy in which a jar is attached to the skin surface by way of a vacuum. In ancient times cupping was called “horn method” as an animal horn was used. Today, it is commonly used to dispel muscle spasms and the common cold.

Auricular Acupuncture: or Ear Acupuncture is based on the theory that the ear is a microcosm of the body. Use of the pellets or tiny needles left in the ear for a few days is a way to extend the healing benefits of a treatment.

I tend to  use auricular acupuncture mainly for addictions and post traumatic stress disorders.

Check out what the National Institute of Health has to say about acupuncture – NIH Link

Here’s a statement on acupuncture the NIH published in 1997 – Check it out here.