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Acupuncture is a part of medical system from Asia called Oriental Medicine (OM) or Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Its history dates back more than two thousand years, it is a technique of inserting hair-thin needles into the influential points throughout the body called acupuncture points.
Unlike the Western biomedical understanding, the Eastern model of health and wellness was based on an energetic system. The ancient Chinese physicians recognized the vital energy in all living things called Qi (pronounced Chee). Just as water flows through rivers and streams, they have found that the Qi flows through the body in twelve main channels. There are over 2,000 points on the surface of the body that can affect the way the Qi flows.
When the Qi is flowing in harmony, the body functions optimally. For a variety of reasons, whether internal or external, the flow of Qi can become obstructed or un-balanced and cause disruption in the body. Acupuncture needles inserted into the specific points on the meridians will bring the Qi back into balance; restoring the individual to a solid foundation. When the foundation is stable, all that is built upon it will be in better alignment and function properly.
Acupuncture is performed with very thin needles which are quite different from the hypodermic needles used in the hospitals and doctors’ offices. Most patients do not consider acupuncture a painful procedure. Often times, patients do not even feel the needle insertion. Some patients feel a dull ache or warm and tingling sensation and for some, just a pinch when the needles are inserted. Once the needles are in place, there should be no discomfort.
The needles are left in for 20 to 30 minutes. During this time, many patients experience state of deep relaxation or even fall asleep.
When administered by a qualified practitioner, acupuncture is a safe and highly effective procedure. The needles are pre-sterilized, single use, disposable. Once used, the needles are disposed of in a biohazard container and are sent to medical waste management for proper disposal.
Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is a complete medical system that has been used to address a wide variety of conditions for people all over Asia for thousands of years. The World Health Organization’s most recent opinion on the subject lists the following conditions for which acupuncture has been shown to be effective in treating.
The first treatment is preceded by a thorough intake evaluation. During this time, the practitioner will ask many questions and make several observations. After determining the “imbalance”, a practitioner will insert very thin, pre-sterilized needles; typically between 5–20, into acupuncture points.Once the needles are placed, the patient lies comfortably in a dark room with aromatherapy and soft music or guided meditation.During this time, most patients experience a state of deep relaxation.
At times, when necessary, different treatment modalities such as moxibustion, cupping, gua-sha or electro-acupuncture may be incorporated during the session (please read about these techniques under About Oriental Medicine section).
The first appointment will take about 1 hour to 1 ½ hours. Follow-up treatments are usually 45 minutes.
The number of treatments and the frequency of the treatment will differ from patient to patient and from condition to condition. The forte of Oriental Medicine is individualized treatment, no two conditions or people respond exactly the same. Some patients’ symptoms are relieved after the first treatment, while others may require several follow-up treatments.
For most conditions, once or twice weekly acupuncture treatments may be recommended to start. Some conditions may require more. Acupuncture has a cumulative effect and each treatment tends to be more effective than the last. The frequency of treatment will be reduced as the condition improves.
Absolutely! The main purpose of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is “Wellness” and “Prevention”. Prevention of illnesses was considered the most important duty of physicians in ancient China; unfortunately, it is one of the most overlooked aspects in modern healthcare.
Some people come in for treatments to relieve stress or to just promote their balance. For wellness and prevention, a treatment once a month, or once at the change of every season can help you to stay healthy all year round.
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