Acupuncture
Q: What is acupuncture?
A: Acupuncture is one of the modalities of Oriental medicine; mostly it consists of the insertion of fine needles into the body at
specific points shown to be effective in the treatment of specific health problems. These points have been mapped by the Chinese
over a period of two thousand years. In the past three decades, electromagnetic research has confirmed the existence and
location of these points.
Q: What problems can be treated by acupuncture?
A: The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture's effectiveness for over 40 common disorders, such as:
In addition, acupuncture has been used for centuries throughout Asia to treat hundreds of other problems.
Q: How does acupuncture work?
A: Modem Western medicine cannot yet explain how acupuncture
works. Traditional Asian acupuncture is based on ancient
Chinese theories of the flow of qi (a fine, essential substance which
nourishes and constructs the body) through distinct channels
that cover the body somewhat like the nerves and blood vessels.
According to this theory, acupuncture adjusts the flow of qi in
the body, leading it to areas where it is insufficient and draining it
from areas where it is stuck and/or super abundant. In this way,
acupuncture restores the harmonious balance of the body and its parts.
Q: Is acupuncture safe?
A: When performed by a competently trained, licensed professional, acupuncture is extremely safe. All licensed acupuncturists
today use individually package, sterile, disposable needles. So there is virtually no chance of infection or contagion.
Q: Does it hurt?
A: Acupuncture needles are typically not much thicker than a hair, and their insertion is practically painless. It is nothing like
receiving an ordinary injection. In some cases, you will not even know the needles are in place. In others, there may be some
tingling, warmth, heaviness, or a feeling of the qi moving up and down the channels. Most people find acupuncture extremely
relaxing, and many fall asleep during treatment.