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FAQ
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Information About Acupuncture
 What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the gentle insertion of very fine needles into specific points
on the body. This process stimulates movement of energy within the body,
allowing natural healing to take place. These points are selected based on years
of training acupuncturists receive based on over 3,000 years of experience in
China.
Acupuncture helps to prevent illness by improving the overall functioning of
the body's immune and organ systems. Acupuncture is helpful for:
- Treating existing illnesses and injuries.
- Preventing both recurrence of illnesses and new illness.
- Improving overall health.
Acupuncture originated in China over 3,000 years ago. It is part of the
holistic system of healing known as Traditional Chinese Medicine ("TCM").
How does Acupuncture work?
Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory
The Classical Chinese explanation is that energy (Qi) flows in channels
(meridians) throughout the body and over its surfaces. These channels are rivers
of energy which are referred to as meridians. The Chinese have identified 71
meridians in the human body, which is a basic energy map for all people. The
meridians are often compared to a series of interconnected highways. Each of the
major organs in the body is associated with its own meridian. Through the
network of meridians the internal organs are connected to certain areas and
parts of the body including the muscles, bones, joints, and also other organs.
The Chinese believe that health is a manifestation of balance, both within
the body itself and between the body and the external environment. When the body
is internally balanced and in harmony with the external environment, Qi flows
smoothly through the meridians to nourish the organs and tissues. If an
obstruction occurs in one of the meridians, the Qi is disrupted and cannot flow
properly. When the Qi cannot flow smoothly or is forced to flow in the opposite
direction, the body's innate balance is disrupted and illness results.
Acupuncture points are the specific points on the meridians where the Qi is
both concentrated and accessible. Acupuncture engages the Qi by inserting
needles at these specific points, the goal being to restore the proper flow of
Qi. As the body regains its natural balance, well-being returns.
Acupuncture and Modern Science
To the human body, acupuncture needles are a physical stimulus. In Western
science, a stimulus is defined as a detectable change in either the external
environment or within the body itself. When the body detects change, it produces
a response. Although acupuncture is not yet fully understood by Western science,
with modern technology scientists can now actually begin to "see" the
body's response to acupuncture. For example, using an MRI (a very sophisticated
x-ray), researchers have shown that when a needle is inserted at specific
acupuncture points on the body, corresponding changes occur in the brain.
In the West, acupuncture is most well-known for its ability to relieve pain
so the majority of research thus far has been done in this area. Acupuncture
points are now believed to stimulate the central nervous system (the brain and
spinal cord) to release pain-relieving chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord
and brain. Acupuncture may also stimulate other chemicals to be released by the
brain, including hormones that influence the self-regulating system of the body.
Acupuncture
been helping alcoholics and addicts at Lincoln Hospital in New York since
1975. This is a simple, drug-free modality, patients feel comfort and focus, and
are better able to participate in the other phases of their treatment.
Acupuncture can be especially useful for cocaine abusers, since there are no
medications to treat this addiction. The exact biological mechanisms are not
well understood, and maybe not so important, but in some way, acupuncture has a
peaceful, calming, and empowering effect.
For Acupuncture Treatment for Chemical Dependency -
An Overview & Success Rates
please
click
here to
see that website.
For
a printable brochure for health creation using acupuncture, please click here.
If you have difficulty with the link above,
you may wish to download the free program,
Adobe
Acrobat Reader.
Summary
Chinese Oriental medicine has been around for thousands of years, and has
provided us with a unique and holistic approach to help prevent and treat
disease. Western science and Traditional Chinese Medicine ultimately rely on the
body's natural healing ability to maintain health and protect against disease.
Both have the same goal of helping a person stay healthy. Western science tends
to use drugs and surgery as needed. Acupuncturists tend to use gentle needling
and herbs. A combination of both systems creates an ideal environment of health
and healing.
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