What is acupuncture

The use of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine is based on thousands of years of clinical use and empirical evidence. The earliest medical texts are over 2,000 years old.

The objective of TCM is to keep the individual’s body in balance or to maintain the body’s optimal functioning. Qi (pronounced “chee”) is responsible for all the body’s physical functioning as well as spiritual, emotional, and mental health. Qi flows through the body in a network of pathways or “meridians.” When the flow of Qi in the meridians is out of balance, disease or discomfort results.

What can you expect during an acupuncture treatment

During the initial visit the acupuncturist will conduct a comprehensive interview. S/he will ask a variety of questions that may seem unrelated to the client’s purpose of the visit. These questions help the acupuncturist to put the symptoms into the context of the client’s entire body, which in turn may explain why the symptoms have developed in the first place.

Acupuncture needles as thin as a human hair are inserted into specific points on the body to regulate the flow of Qi through the body. This re-establishes the natural balance, or physiological functioning, of the body and alleviates the symptoms of the disease/discomfort. The needles are usually left in for 20 to 40 minutes. Acupuncture is performed with sterilized needles that are used once and then disposed.

Certain conditions are benefited by electro-stimulation. This is usually used in certain painful conditions. The electro-stimulation is attached to needles and feels like a gentle massage or tapping.

Moxabustion may also be utilized. This technique employes an herb that is lit and held above the patient’s body at a comfortable hight allowing a therapeutic and penetrating heat to benefit certain painful conditions.

The frequency and number of treatments will vary according to the individual condition and response to treatments.

How Does Chinese Medicine Treat Health Problems

Traditional Chinese Medicine works in two ways: holistically and symptomatically. Holistically, TCM strengthens the body and its immune system, addressing the root causes of a disease or discomfort. While its strength lies in treating the person as an integrated whole, Traditional Chinese Medicine also targets specific symptoms associated with disease or discomfort.

Herbal Therapy

Chinese herbs may be given in conjunction with acupuncture. Chinese herbs are used for their medicinal properties to treat any number of diseases/discomfort. The herbs are prescribed according to their therapeutic functions and effects on appropriate organ. Western pharmaceuticals were originally derived from herbs and plants just like Chinese herbs. Many Western drugs still are derived from plants or their synthetic derivatives.