ACUPUNCTURE
What is Acupuncture?
The World Health Organization (WHO), the health branch of the United Nations, lists more than 40 conditions for which acupuncture may be useful.
Acupuncture: Pain Relief and Much More
Traditional Chinese medicine, which developed the practice of acupuncture, is a highly sophisticated medical discipline based on the concept of Qi (pronounced "chee"), the life energy that flows through everyone. When Qi is blocked by stress, fatigue, poor diet, and other disturbances, the result is discomfort or disease. The goal of acupuncture is to restore the flow of Qi, bringing the body into healthy balance.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
If you've never experienced acupuncture, the idea that a needle can relieve pain may be hard to fathom. But the sterilized, disposable needles used in acupuncture are so thin that most people feel nothing more than a slight tingling sensation. After the needles are inserted, the lights are lowered, soft music is played, and you experience complete, healing relaxation. The treatment lasts approximately 30 to 60 minutes, during which time the doctor may slightly twist the needles once or twice to "grab" the Qi. Massage, heat, and electrical stimulation may be used in conjunction with the needles. Some conditions clear up with one or two treatments, however, chronic conditions may require multiple sessions.
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How Can Acupuncture Benefit Such a Wide Variety of Conditions?
Researchers have identified several physiological mechanisms to explain the effects of acupuncture. First, acupuncture stimulates electromagnetic signals in the body to be relayed at a greater rate than normal. Some of these signals start the flow of pain-killing biochemicals such as endorphins, while others mobilize immune system cells to specific sites that are injured or vulnerable to disease. Placing needles at specific acupuncture points also activates opioids in the brain that relieve pain and promote sleep.
Finally, acupuncture promotes the release of neurotransmitters and hormones that affect the body's organ systems in beneficial ways. Some of these chemicals help restore balance to the immune system. Others affect basic metabolic functions such as blood pressure, blood flow, body temperature, and blood sugar levels.
What Conditions Benefit From Acupuncture?
Though it is most frequently used for pain relief, acupuncture's wide-ranging effects make it a useful therapy for conditions affecting the digestive system, musculoskeletal system, respiratory system, nervous system, and more. Here is a partial list of conditions for which acupuncture therapy is appropriate:
What Conditions Benefit From Acupuncture? |
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Abdominal pain |
Addiction control |
Anxiety |
Arthritis |
Asthma |
Back pain |
Bronchitis |
Carpal tunnel syndrome |
Cataracts |
Chronic fatigue |
Constipation |
Depression |
Diarrhea |
Fibromyalgia |
Headaches/Migraines |
Hypertension |
Indigestion |
Infertility |
Insomnia |
Menopausal symptoms |
Nausea |
Neck pain |
Parkinson's disease |
Premenstrual syndrome |
Sciatica |
Smoking cessation |
Stroke rehabilitation |
Tinnitus |
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Our Integrative Approach
A complete evaluation and comprehensive review is completed for each patient. Our doctors and professionals will evaluate your results and will spend one on one time with you to interpret and explain your results. Together we will explore your goals and discuss your treatment plan options. These treatment plans can be implemented using multiple modalities such as medications, hormones, diet, supplements, behavior and lifestyle changes, and alternative therapies. Our doctors will prescribe a preventative and comprehensive treatment plan that is tailored to your needs and fits into your lifestyle. Our team at The Center for Natural & Integrative Medicine will regularly monitor your progress and track the effectiveness of your program making adjustments if necessary. Our goal is to support you and advise you every step of the way. We work in conjunction with your existing doctors to ensure the best possible care.
