What is acupuncture?
How does acupuncture work?
What are the acupuncture needles like?
The history of acupuncture
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture encourages the body to promote natural healing and improve functioning. This is done by inserting very thin needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at precise acupuncture points. Your health and well-being can be greatly improved through the proper administration of medical acupuncture, for it is a safe and effective method of treatment for many common ailments.
Acupuncture is safe, because no drugs or hazardous equipment, such as x-rays, are used. There are no irreversible procedures, such as surgical operations, performed. There is not even a hypodermic needle involved. Acupuncture promotes health and well-being, prevents certain illnesses, and treats a wide spectrum of health problems. The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture states the following:
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
The Medical Chinese Classics' explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up the flow in one part of the body and restricts it in others.
The meridians are influenced by needling the acupuncture points. The acupuncture needles unblock the obstruction at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities. Acupuncture can also help in the circulation of energy through the meridians.
The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, 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 stimulation of the body's own natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.
WHAT ARE THE ACUPUNCTURE NEEDLES LIKE?
Acupuncture has an amazing history that has made it the world's oldest contemporary People experience acupuncture needles differently. Some patients feel no pain at all when the needles are inserted, and some patients experience minimal pressure. Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt. Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid, and are made from stainless steel. The point of the needle is smooth (Acupuncture needles are smooth, not hollow like hypodermic needles. Hollow needles increases the risk of skin bruising and skin irritation.), and insertion through the skin is not as painful as injections or blood sampling.
At Premier Wellness Center, we use disposable needles only! Guaranteed.
THE HISTORY OF ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture has an amazing history that has made it the world's oldest contemporary medical system. "More people have been treated by acupuncture than by all other systems of medicine combined." (According to Dr. David Brestler, director of UCLA's Pain Center.)
The science and art of acupuncture is a 5000 year old healing method. It has a long history and development, and it was practiced in China 3000 years before Christ. The term itself was derived by the 15th century Jesuit Missionaries in China from the Latin words "acus" meaning needle and "puncture" meaning puncture. Acupuncture was developed by clinical research in acupuncture physiology, biochemistry, and pharmacology. In other words, it is a coming together of modern international medical science with classical acupuncture medicine.
In March of 1996, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States of America approved acupuncture as a medical treatment method. Because of this great demand and scientific research, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) incorporated acupuncture into mainstream medicine in April, 1997. In July of 1997, Senate Bill 212 was signed into law, which indefinitely include acupuncturists in the definition of "physician" for the treatment of injured employees entitled to worker's compensation medical benefits. SB 212 will ensure that patients have the freedom to choose treatment from a healthcare provider that is most appropriate to their needs. In November, 1997, the American Health Counsel publicly claimed acupuncture to be good for the treatment of pains, nausea, asthma, and arthritis. Acupuncture has proven to be an effective treatment and a valuable medicine.