ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. 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.
Acupuncture doesn’t just treat pain, but has a whole slew of other things that it can do to you and your heart, mind, body and soul. If you’re still unsure of whether or not acupuncture is right for you, The Chiropractic Clinic can explain to you in depth all the benefits of acupuncture.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
By inserting thin needles into various acupuncture points, it is believed that the central nervous system releases various natural occurring biological chemicals (hormones, neurotransmitters) into the muscles, spinal cord and brain. These chemicals naturally self-regulate the body’s systems. When acupuncture is applied, it increases the levels, which in turn increases the body’s natural healing abilities, relieves pain and reduces inflammation.
DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT?
Acupuncture needles are solid, usually stainless steel (they may also be gold or silver), and measure from 13-70 mm, although longer reusable ones up to about 150 mm in length can be purchased. The needles are very fine, flexible and rounded but sharp at the tip. They are ‘atraumatic’, meaning that they do not have a cutting edge like a hypodermic needle, which slices through tissue. Their design allows acupuncture needles to slide smoothly through tissues and makes them unlikely to cause bleeding or damage to underlying structures.
Most people do not feel the needles being inserted or if they do, say it is comparable to plucking a hair out. When used with current the patient will feel mild tingling sensation or even a slight numbness.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS TO THE TREATMENT?
Usually not. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to take place. It is quite common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These pass within a short time, and never require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome.
WHAT TO EXPECT
On your first visit, your acupuncturist will take a thorough history, do a physical examination, come to a diagnosis, discuss treatment options, and suggest a treatment plan that is best suited for your condition. Part of you examination will include pulse and tongue examination. Pulse and tongue examination is an essential part of traditional chinese medicine.