Acupuncture Acupuncture Therapy
Can Acupuncture Help You?
Acupuncture therapy promotes health and can alleviate pain and suffering both acute and chronic. The method of acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years and continues to be an effective approach of treatment today.
How does Acupuncture Work?
The practice of acupuncture focuses on vital energy and energetic balance. As the Western medical doctor monitors the blood flowing through blood vessels and nervous system messages, the acupuncturist assesses the flow and distribution of this vital energy within its pathways, known as meridians and channels.
Acupuncture stimulates the body to produce its pain relieving chemicals called endorphins. These chemicals mimic morphine by attaching to opiate receptor sites found throughout the nervous system. Endorphins help to block pathways that relay pain messages from the body to the brain, resulting in relief of pain, general relaxation and biochemical restoration of the body's own internal regulation systems.
What health problems can Acupuncture treat?
The World Health Organization has identified the benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of health problems including:
- Neck and back pain, sciatica & disc problems
- Headaches and migraines
- Frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, tendonitis & bursitis
- Addictions: smoking & appetite
- Neurological and muscular disorders
- Fibromyalgia, & chronic fatigue
Are there any adverse effects or risks to the treatment?
One of the most striking aspects of acupuncture is the almost complete absence of adverse effects and complications from its use. Most patients find that the treatments are relaxing and cause minimal discomfort.
The ACO and the AFC recommend that only sterile disposable needles be used, preventing the risk of infection. Woman in early pregnancy and hemophiliacs should be treated with caution.
How many treatments will be required?
The number of treatments will vary for each individual, depending upon their condition. Treatment sessions usually last between 15 to 30 minutes in duration. Relief may be immediate or occur within a few hours or days. In some conditions, several sessions may be required before improvement is noticed.
In treating any condition, a correct diagnosis is important before any decisions are made regarding treatment. Thus, once diagnosis is established, the practioner will advise you if acupuncture will be a beneficial treatment for you.