Acupuncture

WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE AND HOW CAN IT BENEFIT ME?

Written by Christina Novalik, NMD, LAc.

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese tradition and practice that has been around for over 3000 years in China. It was brought to the U.S. in the early 1970’s. Traditional Chinese medicine includes use of herbs, hair-thin acupuncture needles, cupping with glass jars, massage, moxabustion (an herb used to warm certain points), Auricular therapy (ear acupoints) and electric stimulation. The goal is to remove any stuck Qi “chi’ energy by inserting the hair-thin acupuncture needles into certain acupuncture points. This allows the free flow of Qi within the various meridians or energetic channels on the body. When the Qi gets blocked in the meridians or channels various symptoms show up. As an acupuncturist, I will look at all of the symptoms and the overall pattern in order to diagnose in terms of Chinese Medicine not in Western/allopathic medical terms. In some cases the western diagnosis can be helpful, but Chinese medicine looks at the whole person and treats the root causes of imbalance in the body.

Acupuncture is energetic medicine and can work at several different levels (spiritual, physical and emotional aspects). Acupuncture stimulates the release of natural endorphins, which are hormones responsible for a sense of well-being as well as having natural pain relief qualities. It’s main purpose is to harmonize and rebalance the free flow of Qi in the channels and meridians that are blocked resulting in symptomatic and core relief of issues.

The Acupuncture Treatment
A typical acupuncture treatment lasts on an initial visit 1- 1 ½ hours and follow up visits 30 minutes to 1 hour in duration. A thorough history and several questions pertaining to your health will be assessed. The pulse and tongue is examined to help in the diagnostic process. These methods allow for a more accurate overall Chinese diagnosis. The acupuncture point prescription/combination will allow for relief of symptoms and promote harmony in the channels. The needle insertion should not be painful but it should stimulate a “Qi” sensation of an electrical impulse, warming, cooling, or a tingling or dull ache sensation. This is the Qi that is needed to move the energy in the channels. Once the needles are inserted the acupuncturist may stimulate the needles as reinforcement of the smooth flow of Qi. The needles are retained for 15-30 minutes depending on the diagnosis and the person.

Acupuncture can treat:

Acute and Chronic Pain (neck, back, joint, bone or muscle pain, migraines, headaches, fibromyalgia, and TMJ)
Hormone Imbalances (PMS, irregular or painful menses, menopause, infertility, thyroid)
Mental / emotional disorders (depression, anxiety, irritability, stress, insomnia, memory loss/cognitive support)
Digestive / Cardiovascular Disorders (constipation, GERD, diarrhea, bloating, nausea, hypertension, palpitations, peripheral neuropathy, stroke recovery)
Immune Enhancement (allergies, cold / flu, cancer and fatigue)
Weight loss, smoking cessation, acupuncture facelifts, and scar treatments
General Health Maintenance

Acupuncture can be used to treat almost any condition. By releasing natural endorphins, it can help you maintain a more balanced feeling making it easier to deal with the daily stresses of life.