ACUPUNCTURE: What is it?   Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve function. It can be used to successfully treat both pain and dysfunction in the body. This is done by inserting needles and/or using electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points.   Acupuncture has its roots deeply planted in China. In fact, authorities agree the science is between 5,000 and 7,000 years old. Its use spread throughout ancient Egypt, the Middle East, the Roman Empire and later into Western Europe as merchants and missionaries to China told of the amazing discoveries the people of the Orient had developed. Acupuncture did not become known in the USA until 1971 when diplomatic relations between China and America were relaxed.   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 like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up into the others.   The meridians can be influenced by needling or stimulating the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body’s internal organs to correct imbalances in proper function.   The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture point 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.   What Can Acupuncture Be Used For?   Acupuncture is a system which can influence three areas of health care.   Promotion of health and well-being. Prevention of illness. Treatment of various conditions.   While acupuncture is often associated with pain control, in the hands of a skilled practitioner it has much broader applications. Acupuncture can be effective as the only treatment used, or as the support or adjunct to other forms of treatment in a wide variety of health related conditions. The World Health Organization recognizes the use acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of problems, including:   ·         Digestive Disorders: Gastritis and hyperacidity, spastic colon, constipation, and diarrhea. ·         Respiratory Disorders: Sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, recurrent chest infections. ·         Neurological and Muscular Disorders: Headaches, facial tics, neck pain, rib neuritis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, various forms of tendonitis, low back pain, sciatica, and osteoarthritis. ·         Urinary, Menstrual, and Reproductive Problems.   Acupuncture is particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to tension, stress and emotional problems. 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 promoting physical and emotional well-being.   How Many Treatments Will I Need?   The number of treatments varies from person to person. For complex or long-standing conditions, one or two treatments a week for several months may be required. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required. For health maintenance, four sessions a year may be all that is necessary.   Are There Any Side Effects?   Usually not. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to take place. Occasionally, the original symptoms worsen for a few days, or other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns, or emotional state may be triggered. These should not cause any concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work.   What Are The Needles Like? Do They Hurt?   People experience acupuncture needling differently. Most patients feel only minimal discomfort (Similar to a mosquito bite) as the needles are inserted, some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt.   Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid and are made from stainless steel. The point is smooth (not hollow with cutting edges like a hypodermic needle) and insertion through the skin is nothing like the pain experienced with injections or blood sampling. The risk of bruising and skin irritation is less than when using a hollow needle.   Because we only use disposable needles, there is no risk of infection transmission from the treatments.   ·         If needles are not your thing, we also use both laser and electrical stimulation which are both very powerful tools in the stimulation of acupuncture points.   Do I Have To Believe In Acupuncture For It To Work?   No! Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, horses and other animals. These animal patients do not understand or believe in the process that helps them get better. A positive attitude toward wellness may reinforce the effects of the treatment received, just as a negative attitude may hinder the effects of acupuncture or any other treatment. A neutral attitude (“I don’t know if I really believe in this.”) will not block the treatment results.