- What is acupuncture?
- How does acupuncture work?
- How can the acupuncture release pain?
- How are the needle like? Do they hurt?
- Does acupuncture really work?
- How many treatments will I need?
- Are there any side effects to the treatment?
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a method that promote natural healing and improve functioning .This is done by inserting needle and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points on the body to relieve pain and treat diseases.
How does acupuncture work?
The Chinese developed acupuncture centuries ago in accordance with the theory that energy flows through channels between the surface of the body and internal organs.These energy channels, called meridian,There are a lot of acupuncture points on the human body connect with 12 main and eight secondary “meridians” or channels.There is a vital life energy , called Qi (pronounced ” chi), circulating within the body. , Meridian are like rivers within your body. whenever a river flows, It brings with it water that provides nourishment and life to the land, plants and people around it.Meridians transport life Qi that provides nourishment to every cell, tissue, muscle, organ and gland in the body. It is important for Qi to flow freely throughout the body.A blockage in the flow of Qi anywhere in the body will inhibit the amount of nourishment that reaches our tissue and muscle.organ and gland. The meridians can be influenced by placing needles in the acupuncture points,The acupuncture needles unblocktions at dams, and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians.Acupuncture treatment can therefore help the body’s internal organs to correct imblances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities.and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians.
The Modern scientific explanation is that needing the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal,and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body’s own internal regulating system.
The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body’s nature healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotion well-being
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How can the acupuncture release pain?
Inserting fine,sterile needles at specific points, an acupuncturist is ables to break up blockages that have hampered the smooth flow of Qi. Once this is done, Qi can travel freely through the body,promoting pain-free health,well-being and viality. Not only can acupuncture treat signs and symptoms of the pain and discomfort, It can also get to the root of the problem. when the initial cause of the pain is corrected,your body can begin to heal on deeper levels.
Western medicine’s view is that the placement of acupuncture needles at specific pain points releases endorphins and opioids, the body’s natural painkillers, and perhaps immune system cells as well as neurotransmitters and neuro-hormones in the brain. Research has shown that glucose and other bloodstream chemicals become elevated after acupuncture.
According to the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, there is also evidence that stimulating acupuncture points enables electromagnetic signals to be relayed at a greater rate than under normal conditions. This may increase the flow of healing or pain-killing natural chemicals to injured areas.
When pain is relieved, patients feel a greater sense of well-being overall, physically and emotionally. As a result, they may heal faster. Most acupuncture points coincide with the “trigger points” described by Janet G. Travell, MD, whose textbook, Myofascial Pain & Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual, is widely used at pain management centers in the Western world.
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How are the needle like? Do they hurt?
Acupuncture needles are metallic and sterile, used once and discarded. Needles are solid (not hollow, as are hypodermic or vaccination needles) and are slightly bigger than the width of human hair.
People experience acupuncture needling differently. Patients can feel the needle pierce the skin, Most patients feel only minimal pain as the needle are insert; some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, there are no pain feeling .Because your doctor carefully sterilizes the needle using the same techniques as for surgical instruments, or uses disposable needle, there is no risk of infection from the treatment.
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Does acupuncture really work?
Yes. In the past 2,000 years, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined. Today acupuncture is practiced widely in Asia, the soviet Union, and Europe. It is now being used more and more in America by patients and physicians. Acupuncture treatments can be given at the same time other techniques are being used, such as conventional Western medicine,Osteopathic or Chiropractic adjustments, and homeopathic or natureopathic prescriptions. It is important that your physician-acupuncturist know everything that you are doing, so he or she can help you get the most benefit from all your treatments.
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How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments needed differs from person to person. For complex or long-standing conditions, one or two treatments a week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required, and for health.
Are there any side effects to the treatment?
Usually not. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to take place. Occasionally the original symptoms worsen for a few days, or other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns, or emotional state may be triggered. These should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work. It is quite common with the first one or two treatments to have sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These pass within a short time, and never require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome. 3,000-year history, acupuncture successfully addresses chronic ailments and manages pain.