~ Acupuncture ~
We all know good health means eating right, exercising regularly, and minimizing stress. But in today's fast paced world, we don't always have time and energy to take care of ourselves the way we should. And even when we do what's right, it isn't always enough and we get sick or feel depressed. When we don't feel well it is difficult to accomplish our goals.
~Acupuncture is a time-honored way to restore and maintain health~
Evidence of the first use of acupuncture goes back to what is now Asia over 2500 years ago. Acupuncture is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine and is based on harmonizing the flow of life force called Qi (pronounced "chee") in the human body. The life force or qi, follows certain well established pathways called meridians. The meridians connect directly to the body organs to form a vast network. Disease occurs when the movement and distribution of qi is unbalanced. By inserting needles or pressure along certain points on the meridians, qi is balanced and the human system is restored to health.
Does it hurt?
The needles used in an acupuncture treatment are very thin, about the size of a human hair (no relation to the hollow hypodermic needles). Some people may experience slight discomfort upon insertion, but most people find the treatments pleasant and relaxing. Nowadays, in this country, only sterilized, disposable needles are used. Acupressure, non-insertion acupuncture, and moxibustion (the burning of a therapeutic herb on the acupoint) are options for those who would like the benefits of Oriental Medicine, but who do not want needle insertion.How do acupuncturists know where to insert the needles?
Oriental Medicine has a system of diagnosis and treatment based upon patient clinical history, patient interview, and observation that includes tongue and pulse diagnosis.
Each state in the U.S. has different rules governing who can practice acupuncture.
In order to be certified as an acupuncturist by the Virginia Board of Medicine, a practitioner must have graduated from an accredited school (at least three years of full time, Masters level, academic training in Chinese Medicine, including basic knowledge of western medical diagnosis, anatomy and physiology, and supervised treatment of patients). In addition, the candidate must have passed the national licensing exam given by the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
(physicians and chiropractors may treat patients with acupuncture with less training, but in Virginia they are not allowed to call themselves acupuncturists because they have not had the intensive training that is required to fully understand the Traditional Chinese Medical model of diagnosis and treatment.)
Who can benefit from acupuncture?
Acupuncture boosts the immune system, relieves pain, and quickens cell, tissue, and organ repair. Recent scientific research has found that acupuncture stimulates release of the body's natural pain relieving endorphins. Acupuncture can be used on its own, or in conjunction with conventional or complementary healthcare. It is an overall tonic for those who are in good health.The National Institutes of Health recognizes acupuncture as effective for:
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The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture as effective for many conditions such as:
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How
long does it take for treatments to work?
Everyone responds differently to treatments. Some notice improvement right away, for others and some chronic conditions, several treatments may be necessary to experience results. But in any case, because this is a drug-free treatment, there are minimal side effects (occasional soreness at the insertion site that goes away in a few days) and the benefits greatly outweigh any temporary discomfort. Often, not only does the condition being treated improved, but an overall sense of well-being is experienced.
