ACUPUNCTURE: WHAT IS IT?
Acupuncture
is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to
improve functioning. This is done by inserting fine, sterile and
disposable needles into very precise acupuncture points.
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
The
classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular
patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels,
called meridians, are likened to rivers flowing through the body to
provide energy and nourishment. An obstruction in the movement of these
meridians is like a dam that backs up the flow in one part of the body
and restricts it in others.
The
meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the
acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions in the meridian, and
reestablish the regular flow of this energy called Qi (“chee”).
Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body’s internal organs to
correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy
production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through
the meridians.
The
modern scientific explanation is that needling 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 stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities, and in promoting
physical and emotional well-being.
According
to the 2002 National Health Interview Survey, an estimated 8.2 million
American adults have used acupuncture, up more than 6 million from the
year before. Acupuncture is a safe, effective, non-surgical, and
non-pharmaceutical therapy for the management of pain; and its
anti-nociceptive mechanisms are well-established. In addition to
pain relief, acupuncture can be a great adjunctive therapy for many
other common health problems. According to study published in the
Archives of Internal Medicine, most physicians recognize the efficacy
and value of acupuncture, and they refer patients to acupuncturists
more than to any other complementary health care provider.
To see if acupuncture can help you, give me a call.
Melissa Yang, R.Ac.
614-530-0588
