What is acupuncture?
Chinese acupuncture is a sacred healing
technique used for thousands of years by traditional Chinese medicine
practitioners. A safe and effective natural therapy, acupuncture is used to
heal, prevent disease and improve well-being.
Acupuncture stimulates and harmonizes the energy flow through the body,
to promote a healthy body and mind.
According to Traditional acupuncture, twelve channels of energy run vertically along the length of the body, each one linked to a specific organ, in regular patterns. These energy channels are called meridians, flowing through the body like rivers that irrigate and nourish each tissue and cell.
When an obstruction or blockage occurs in the meridians; this can be likened to a blocked river or dam which causes a build up of pressure on the embankments, and erodes the good natured soil. The obstructed energy flow in the meridians can cause pain, along with many other discomforts.
How does it work?
Thin high quality disposable steel acupuncture needles are inserted into the body’s vital energy points. These needles are gently stimulated to trigger the body’s natural healing response. Needling the acupuncture points stimulates the meridians by regulating the Qi (energy) within the channels. By inserting acupuncture needles into acupuncture points of the body, they unblock the meridian channels and reestablish their regular flow.
Free flowing energy through the meridians can therefore assist the body’s internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption and energy producing and circulation processes.
What can Acupuncture do for you?
Acupuncture
is proven to be effective in relieving pain and regulating the body’s
physiological processes to treat internal dysfunction and disorders. Acupuncture
focuses on invigorating the body’s immune system making it especially effective
for many chronic problems. Acupuncture is proven to promote well-being, prevent
illness and treat various medical conditions.
Digestive disorders:
What
are the side effects?
Acupuncture redirects and stimulates internal chemicals and hormones in the body for healing to take place. No invasive drugs or procedures are used. Side effects are minimal, if any. Original symptoms may worsen for a few days or changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination may be noticed for a few days once treatment commences. These are no cause for concern as they simply indicate that the acupuncture is stimulating circulation of energy channels and starting to work. A short period of deep sense of relaxation and or mild disorientation can occur immediately following the treatment. These symptoms require simple rest.
Is acupuncture safe?
Performed
by a qualified, conscientious practitioner, acupuncturists know the human
anatomy and are taught how and where to insert the needles.
All needles are either pre-sterilized or
disposable after one use, or disinfected and sterilized in an autoclave as
surgical instruments are after each use.
Is treatment painful?
Most
patients feel minimal pain when the needles are inserted, with some patients
feeling no pain at all. No pain is felt whilst needles are in place. The needle
is smooth and flat surfaced (unlike the hollow hypodermic needle with cutting
edges) making insertion through the skin less painful than injections or blood
sampling. When the acupuncturist inserts the needles into the acupuncture
points, a slight tingling sensation or numbness may be felt at the pressure
point of entry.
Bleeding
is rare unless purposely induced in certain situations. The amount is minimal
and in no way dangerous.
How effective is acupuncture?
In
the past 2000 years more patients have been successfully treated using
acupuncture than all other health modalities combined! The nature of
acupuncture is so versatile and safe that it allows for use as a stand alone
treatment and works as an enhancement treatment when combined with alternative
medication methods.
Acupuncture forms part of Traditional Chinese
Medicine practice. The principle of Traditional Chinese medicine is based on
the Chinese philosophic belief to treat the body in a holistic manner. The
entire body is therefore treated, rather than just the symptoms. The focus is
on invigorating the body’s immune system which is effective for promoting
well-being, treating symptoms and recalibrating internal organs as well as
maintaining a holistic well-being, mind, body and soul.
Research within Western academics into acupuncture has shown that acupuncture influences both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Evidence suggests that acupuncture stimulates the release of brain chemicals such as endorphins which serve to relieve pain.
In Japan and China, with a combined population accounting for almost a fifth of the world’s population, acupuncture has been established as the primary form of health care for thousands of years. These acupuncturists have the role of physicians in Western medicine.
In 1995 the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reclassified acupuncture from a Class III (investigation device) category to a Class II (safe and effective but requiring restrictions) category.
