Acupuncture is a proven safe and effective natural therapy that is used to heal illness, prevent disease and improve well-being. Thin, tiny needles are inserted into specific points on the body to trigger the body’s natural healing response and to harmonize the balance of energy flow.
Over 2000 years ago Chinese healers began mapping out the body’s energy pathways or channels which are called meridians. According to traditional acupuncture theory there are 12 meridians running vertically along the length of the human body with each one connecting to specific organs and glands. The vital energy running through meridians is called “Qi” (Chee) and it activates organs and tissue functions.
Illness can be caused by obstructed Qi or energy flow at certain points along the meridians. When this happens, acupuncture therapy can be used to stimulate the Qi flow along the meridian and harmonize the body’s energy to influence the health of both body and mind.
People experience acupuncture needling differently. Most patients feel only minimal pain 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 not as painful as injections or blood sampling. The risk of bruising and skin irritation is less than when using a hollow needle.
The number will differ from person to person and will depend on your treatment goals. Acute problems need fewer sessions, whereas complex or chronic conditions may require one or two treatments per week for several months. Acupuncture effects build and strengthen with repeated visits. After a condition has been treated successfully, some people consider periodic health maintenance “tune-ups” to keep their energy flowing and in good balance.
Usually not. Change in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination pattern may be triggered but is actually a signal that the acupuncture is starting to work. It is quite common after the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or invigoration. Other than that, one of the needled points may develop a small bruise but that is generally rare.