What is Acupuncture?
The theory and practice of acupuncture is based on Oriental medicine (also known as traditional Chinese medicine), a comprehensive natural health care system that has been used in Asian countries for thousands of years to preserve health and diagnose, treat and prevent illness.
Acupuncture treats health conditions by stimulating “acu-points” found at specific locations on the surface of the body. Acupuncturists stimulate very specific acu-points by inserting very thin disposable needles through the skin to produce a physiological effect. Other methods are also used to stimulate acu-points, such as LASER or electro-stimulation.
The general theory of acupuncture is that proper physiological function and health depend on the circulation of nutrients, substances and energy called Qi (pronounced “chee”) through a network of “channels” or “meridians.” This network connects every organ and part of the body, providing balance, regulation and coordination of physiological processes. The meridians usually follow major nerves and arteries.
Pain and ill health result when the flow of Qi through the body is disrupted or blocked by many things, including disease, pathogens, trauma/injuries and medication (side-effects), as well as lifestyle factors such as overwork, poor diet, emotions, lack or rest and stress.
Stimulation of the appropriate acu-points through acupuncture treatments helps to restore sufficient, continuous and even flow of Qi and other nutrients through the body, thereby restoring health and balance to the body, while relieving pain and other symptoms. The acupuncturist uses a sophisticated and complex system of diagnostic methods that take into consideration the person as a whole, discerning the body’s pattern of disharmony rather than isolating symptoms. The aim is not only to eliminate or alleviate symptoms, but more importantly to treat the underlying cause, thereby increasing the ability to function and improve the quality of life.
Acupuncture and Oriental medicine is one of the newest primary health care professions in California. The potential benefits of acupuncture are widely recognized, and it is being increasingly integrated with mainstream health care. Major health care centers such as UCLA, Mayo Clinic, and Johns Hopkins Medical Institution have established integrative medicine clinics that include acupuncture in its services. Since the 1970’s, when acupuncture and Oriental medicine first became available in the United States, more than 15 million Americans have tried it. The risk of side effects is low and the potential benefits are high.
Treatment Procedures:
Modern acupuncture needles are stainless steel, between one-half and three inches long, ultra fine and quite flexible. They are pre-sterilized; nontoxic and disposable (single use). When the needles are tapped into the skin, there may not be a sensation. Much depends on the location (hands and feet tend to be more sensitive), the condition being treated and the acupuncturist’s technique. Needles are typically placed in several acu-points and are usually left in about 20-40 minutes. The goal is to normalize the circulation of Qi and blood by stimulating the energy points, which encourages the body’s natural healing process. Stimulation can be done by rotating the needles manually or attaching electrodes to send a weak electric current through the needles (electro acupuncture).
The number of treatments depends upon the duration, severity and nature of your health condition. Two or three treatments may be sufficient for an acute condition, while a series of 5 to 15 treatments may be needed to resolve chronic conditions.
Techniques used may include: moxibustion (burning herbs to heat acupoints), cupping (suction, facilitates the flow of Qi to remove toxin build up in tissues, and reduce spasms), auricular therapy (ear acupuncture), tui na (manipulation or a special oriental massage therapy to relax muscle, improve blood flow, reduce tissue adhesions and mobilize joints), and acupressure.
Common Conditions:
Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical conditions. Here is a list of a few of the problems acupuncture and Chinese medicine has been effective at treating:
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550 West Vista Way, Suite #105
Vista, CA 92083
Office Phone: (760) 941-2900
Office Fax: (760) 941-1900
Email: drlowery@vistaacupuncture.com