Question: Does acupuncture work?
Answer: Acupuncture treatments are based on an traditional Chinese medicine, Initially the doctor will make a diagnosis including analyses of pulse and blood pressure, the shape and color of the tongue, your medical history and a thorough whole body evaluation. Once diagnosed, the acupuncture points and pathways are chosen on the body ‘s acupuncture meridians. The tiny micro-needles stimulated these points, which increase the body’s healing energy (qi). The human body has about one thousand separate acupuncture points.
This it is believed causes the “Qi” to circulate through the body along the meridians, which in turn relate to various internal organs. The Qi then surfaces on the skin at specific points. According to traditional Chinese medicine good health depends on the proper and uninterrupted flow of Qi. When this natural flow of qi is blocked by trauma a poor diet, many medications, stress, hereditary causes, environmental conditions, even emotional issues, this system becomes disrupted. Sickness is then created. The theory is, acupuncture allows qi to freely flow to those areas where it is lacking and away from other areas that have too much qi. The result many report is acupuncture restores and maintains a much better energy balance in the body. One ancient Chinese statement about this sums it up, “There is no pain if there is free flow; if there is pain, there is no free flow.”
Question: How deep into the skin are the needles inserted and what are the most reported health benefits reported?
Answer: The size of acupuncture needle size and how deep they need to be inserted are based on upon the patients specific situation. Depths range from 0.2 to 3 inches. Other factors are: the patient’s, age, health and body size. Scientific research has found out that acupuncture points actually have unique bioelectric properties. The act of stimulating the of acupuncture points have physiological reactions that directly affect brain activity, including the release of endorphins, reducing pain, affecting the blood pressure, boosting the immune system, and creating a balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems and enhancing the endocrine system. Acupuncture seems to allow the body’s natural ability to heal itself, by creating more homeostasis.
Question: Are the needles painful during treatment?
Answer: When the needle is first inserted, some patients may some minor pain or discomfort. Many others say they feel nothing at all. A feeling near the needles insertion point may include: tingling, electrical sensations, or a sensatioin of swelling at the point of insertion. The needles can then be stimulated manually, or sometimes by attaching electrodes which then transmit a mild current. Some patients report feeling energized by treatment and others a feeling of relaxation.
It is highly recommended that you obtain treatments only from a qualified acupuncture practitioner to ensure the correct placement of the needles. If you do have any discomfort during or following the treatment, it is normally very mild and short term. There are no long-term negative side effects reported for acupuncture. An overall feeling of being more relaxed and feeling well often occurs during and after treatment. Many times patients become so relaxed that they even sleep during treatments.