|
Call for a
free consultation or for more information on how
acupuncture and Chinese medicine can benefit you.
For more information on our Acupuncture Happy Hour, please check out www.santacruzhappyhour.com .
Acupuncture has been a healing art for over 2,500
years.
The general theory is based
on channels of energy that flow through the body. The
energy that flows through the channels is called Qi
(pronounced chee). The channels correlate to the organs
and tedino-muscular system. When the energy flow is
disrupted due to poor diet, medications, stress, trauma or
other conditions, pain or illness result. Acupuncture
focuses on correcting these imbalances by inserting
ultra-thin needles under the skin to stimulate specific
points along the channel. Stimulation of these points
along the channel encourages and even flow of Qi,
restoring the body’s balance relieving pain and other
symptoms.
Acupuncture treats and
strengthens the physical condition, normalizes
physiological functions, and controls pain. The aim of
receiving of acupuncture is not just to eliminate or
alleviate symptoms, but rather to treat the underlying
cause, increase the ability to function, and improve the
quality of life.
What to expect from your acupuncture treatment?
The diagnosis is
determined in part by using methods very similar to other
health care practitioners: asking patients for their chief
complaints and health history, performing a physical exam,
such as ordering laboratory tests, x-rays and MRIs if
necessary. Acupuncturists also have unique diagnostic
methods, such as taking the patient’s pulse on both wrists
and observing the tongue, complexion and other signs. The
pulses are felt on both hands. Each hand has three
different pulses that correspond to the major body organs
and functions. The practitioner will then explain the
nature of your problem and the recommended treatment.
Acupuncture needles
are anywhere from 1 to 3 inches long, ultra-fine and made
from stainless steel. They are pre-sterilized, non-toxic,
and disposable. When the needles are tapped into the
skin, there may or may not be any sensation. Sensitivity
depends on the location (hands and feet tend to be more
sensitive) and the condition being treated. Typically,
ten to twenty needles are placed in several different
acupuncture points. They are usually left in for about
20-40 minutes. The goal is to normalize the circulation
of Qi and blood by stimulation the energy point, which
encourages the body’s natural healing process.
Stimulation of the needle is done by rotating the needles
manually or attaching electrodes to send a weak electric
current through the needles.
The number of
treatments that a patient may receive depends upon the
duration, severity, and nature of the complaint. Two or
three treatments may be sufficient for an acute
condition. On the other hand, a chronic condition may
take a series of 5 to 15 treatments to be resolved. Some
degenerative conditions may require ongoing treatments
over a long period of time.
The following
techniques may be included with the treatment: Moxa
(burning herbs to promote the movement of qi), cupping,
ear acupuncture, Tui na massage, and acupressure.
Patients should
evaluate their progress after each session. Some relief
should be apparent in two or three sessions if it is an
acute condition or six to eight for more pervasive
conditions. If there is no relief then the treatment plan
needs to be modified or referred to an appropriate
practitioner.
Commonly treated conditions include: |
