What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the modalities of East Asian Medicine. Although what is called acupuncture in the West comprises several different therapies (such as moxibustion, gua sha, cupping, and acupressure), mostly it consists of the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points shown to be effective in the treatment of specific health problems. These points have been mapped by the Chinese over a period of two thousand years. There are more than a thousand known acupuncture points. In the past three decades, electromagnetic research has confirmed the existence and location of these points.
What is Japanese acupuncture?
Japanese acupuncture is a style based on the teachings of Master Kiiko Matsumoto, a Japanese practitioner who studied with some of Japan’s finest masters and who has been hugely influential in educating Americans in her techniques. Based on the Japanese interpretation of the Chinese classics, this style aims to relieve symptoms by addressing the root cause(s) that are the basis of the imbalance presenting. Additionally, this style is extremely gentle yet highly effective with lasting results. One of the reasons for the success of this style is because of the thoroughness of the treatments, which often require treating both the front and the back of the body for between an hour and an hour and a half.
How does acupuncture work?
Modern Western medicine cannot yet explain how acupuncture works. Traditional East Asian medicine is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of Qi (a fine, essential substance which nourishes and constructs the body) through distinct channels that cover the body somewhat like the nerves and blood vessels. According to this theory, acupuncture adjusts the flow of Qi in the body, leading it to areas where it is insufficient and draining it from areas of excess or stagnation. In this way, acupuncture works to restore the free flow of energy or Qi throughout the body by not only treating the symptomatic presentation of the condition but also helping to address the underlying root cause of the imbalance.
What can be treated by acupuncture?
Although this list is not a complete representation of the scope of acupuncture and East Asian medicine, The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture’s effectiveness for over 40 common disorders such as…
1 – Ear, Nose & Throat Disorders: toothaches, earaches, sinusitis, rhinitis, laryngitis
2 – Respiratory Disorders: colds and flu, bronchitis, asthma, allergies, emphysema
3 – Gastrointestinal Disorders: food allergies, nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, ulcers, colitis
4 – Circulatory Disorders: hypertension, high cholesterol, arteriosclerosis, angina pectoris
5 – Urogenital Disorders – cystitis, stress incontinence, neurogenic bladder, prostatitis, prostatic hypertrophy
6 – Gynecological Disorders: menstrual irregularity, endometriosis, PMS, infertility, menopausal syndrome
7 – Musculoskeletal Disorders: tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, TMJ, sciatica, low back pain, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia
8 – Psychological & Neurological Disorders: depression, anxiety, insomnia, headache, migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, intercostals neuralgia, post-stroke paralysis, dizziness, tinnitus
In addition, acupuncture has been used for centuries throughout Asia to treat hundreds of other conditions. Acupuncture is one of the safest forms of therapy as side effects are very rare and minimal. It is a natural, drug free therapy allowing the patient to maximize his or her own health potential.
Does it hurt?
Acupuncture needles are typically not much thicker than a hair and their insertion is practically painless. It is nothing like receiving an ordinary injection. In some cases you will not even know the needles are in place. In others there may be some tingling, warmth, heaviness, or sensation of the Qi. Most people find acupuncture extremely relaxing and my fall asleep during treatment.
How many treatments will I need?
That depends on the duration, severity and nature of your complaint. You may need only a single treatment for an acute condition. A series of treatments may resolve many chronic problems while some degenerative conditions may require many treatments over time.
What is moxibustion?
Moxibustion is a treatment that uses an herb called mugwort. It may be burned on the handle of the needle, above the skin, or on shinko cream directly on the skin (the shinko cream prevents burns). This is used to “warm” acupuncture points or in areas in order to quicken the healing process.
What is cupping?
Cupping is a therapy designed to stimulate the flow of blood and Qi within the superficial muscle layers. It is used for sore muscles, tension, neck pain, and the common cold. In this therapy, small glass or plastic “cups” are placed over specific areas on the body. A vacuum is created under the cup using heat or suction. They may be moved over an affected area or left in place. You may leave the office looking as though a large octopus gave you a big hug. There is no need for alarm. The slight redness will quickly dissipate.
What is gua sha?
Gua sha is another technique used to release muscle tension, tightness, and constriction. A specialized tool is used to gently scrape or rub the skin over a problem area. Gua sha feels a bit like deep massage. This too may leave some slight redness that will quickly dissipate.