What is Acupuncture?

posted: May 05, 2018
Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an Eastern practice that uses and improves the 12 channels or meridians of energy/life force (otherwise known as Qi - pronounced Chi) that flows throughout our bodies. The premise is that physical, emotional and chemical stresses that occur in our everyday lives cause blockages along these meridians, which eventually lead to the symptoms and diseases we suffer from. By inserting tiny needles at specific points along these pathways, one can remove the blockage, allow for our energy or life force to flow freely again and thus reduce disease processes and symptoms. This is not a Western model and therefore hard for us to wrap our minds around because we are so familiar with western medicine; however, in my experience acupuncture has proven to be as effective a treatment modality as any other western medicine modality for many of the disease processes and symptoms commonly suffered by my patients, in my clinic. Oftentimes, it is the only answer for these patients. In acupuncture, it is not just obvious exposure to stressors that play a role, but also the season of year can affect our qi. The colors you love, the emotions you feel, and the issues you suffer from are all determined by your qi and are affected by where our blockages are along the pathways.

The amazing thing about acupuncture is that there are points that can help almost anything you can imagine.

Here are some frequently asked questions:

Will it help me?

The answer is acupuncture will likely have a positive effect on your body. Most people notice after a treatment that they have more energy, they often feel more relaxed and they are able to breath deeper and sleep better than usual.

Are the effects permanent?

Of course not, like anything else, treatment times depend on how severe or chronic your ailments are and how your body heals in general. Attitude also plays a big role. If you don’t believe acupuncture is helping, it probably won’t. Because its effects are rather subtle, your openness to seeing improvements depends on your preconceptions and expectations.

How fast will I see results?

Frequently people notice a difference after the 1st treatment. I don’t usually treat a specific ailment on the first treatment, rather I put in general points that seem to help most people. Once I know your body can handle it and is ready to move on, I’ll start to zero in on the specific areas that are dysfunctional. I will begin applying the treatment to specific points affected by your condition and usually within 4-5 visits you will know if this therapy is working for you.

Who does acupuncture help?

I have had great success helping people with headaches, stress management, sleep issues and especially females with menstrual cycle issues/infertility. In my practice, I often turn to chiropractic first for treatment, but when chiropractic isn’t getting the expected results, I always turn to acupuncture and am always pleased and amazed with its ability to achieve the results we were previously missing. Acupuncture has given me unexpected results for many patients. From being the only therapy able to dry one patients’ hands who suffered from hyperhidrosis (excessively sweaty palms), to being the best therapy to manage stress, helping the patient to focus and be more productive during stressful cycles at her job, and in another, to being the most consistent therapy in managing headaches despite the myriad of medications she used and chiropractic care she received.

Acupuncture is extremely beneficial in so many cases, if you are someone who has tried everything and can’t find the right help, this is a great avenue to explore. If you are someone, who is suffering and doesn’t know where to start, but don’t want to try anything invasive, this is a great place to start. And if you are someone, who is healthy and wants to stay that way, acupuncture is perfect for you.