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What is acupuncture?

Chinese medicine is one of the oldest forms of medicine and one of the principal forms of healing practiced throughout the world. Acupuncture is an ancient art form that originated in China thousands of years ago. It was cited in the Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine) which is believed to be the oldest medical textbook in existence. There are 12 primary channels on the human body that connect internally to the organs and secondary channels. The channels serve as pathways for the conduction of energy or qi (pronounced chee) that flows through living beings, similar to the movement of blood through the vessels. Acupuncture points are locations along the channels where the qi is maintained closer to the surface, therefore providing a more likely source of access.

How does Acupuncture work?

The Chinese believe that illness results from the obstruction of qi and blood. This can occur as the result of several factors such as stress, poor nutrition, trauma, emotional disturbances, external influences or a constitutional deficiency. Acupuncture harmonizes and restores the physiological flow of qi, supporting the body in a natural return to well being. Science has proposed that acupuncture blocks pain nerve impulses by overloading “gates” that conduct pain to the central nervous system. Other theories suggest that it promotes the release of pain relieving narcotic like substances such as endorphins and the release of certain neurotransmitters such as seratonin and norepinephrine.

What does it treat?

Acupuncture is a comprehensive system of preventive medicine that has been well documented to benefit many illnesses beyond its most well known western uses as analgesia and pain management. Since acupuncture balances and opens blockages that detour healing, it can assist in the restoration of health from many conditions.

The World Health Organization has recognized acupuncture to be beneficial in the treatment of the following partial list of conditions:

• Neurological and musculoskeletal conditions such as headache, sciatica, low back pain, arthritis, tennis elbow, neck/shoulder pain, paralysis following stroke, peripheral neuropathies, bed wetting, facial paralysis.
• Emotional and psychological disturbances such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, addictions.
• Circulatory disorders such as angina, hypertension, arteriosclerosis.
• Gastrointestinal disorders such as constipation, diarrhea, ulcers, indigestion, gastritis, colitis.
• Respiratory conditions such as the common cold, bronchitis, sinusitis, asthma, emphysema, allergies.
• Ear, eye, nose throat and mouth conditions such as conjunctivitis, uncomplicated cataracts, toothaches, nasal inflammation, earaches, sore throat.

Does it hurt? How big are the needles?

Although for most people there is no discomfort, various sensations such as cramping, pressure, tingling or electric sensations can be experienced. Any discomfort that may occur usually resolves promptly. Acupuncture needles are much thinner than standard hypodermic needles, being about the dimension of a human hair. They are about 1” long and are inserted approximately .25-.75 of an inch deep.

Are the needles sterilized?

Yes. Each needle is individually wrapped in an ethylene oxide gas sterilized package. Needles are used once and then disposed of in a Sharp’s container.