Acupuncture
ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is a drugless healing art thought to have originated in China over 5,000 years ago. It's interesting that many other cultures thought to be "primitive" also had a sophisticated acupuncture system. Very thin needles are inserted into specific points on your body. Acupressure uses finger pressure to stimulate the same points.
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
In traditional Chinese medicine, it is thought that there are channels of energy called meridians that course through the body. Qi energy (also called Chi energy) travels throughout the body in these meridians. Illness or disease results from the imbalance of energy in the meridians. Acupuncture uses specific points along these channels to manipulate the body's Qi energy.
In western medicine, a clear explanation of acupuncture is lacking. We know that acupuncture can increase blood flow, stimulate the immune system to make more white blood cells or red blood cells, stimulate the release of endorphins-your body's natural pain killers and can stimulate uterine contractions to induce labor. The exact mechanism is unknown.
WHAT CONDITIONS DOES ACUPUNCTURE TREAT?
Acupuncture can be used to treat a variety of conditions including migraines and headaches, low back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, hip pain, knee pain, any other joint pain, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, menstrual cramps, labor pain, frequent colds and can be used to stimulate wound healing.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF ACUPUNCTURE?
In the hands of an experienced practioner, the risks of acupuncture are minimal. Some slight bruising or bleeding may occur at the acupuncture point. With a few points, lung puncture can occur if the needle is inserted too deeply. Expereinced practioners use these points only when necessary and observe caution. In people taking Coumadin, who have bleeding disorders, or who have pacemaker, acupuncture should be used with caution. Acupuncture can stimulate labor so, this is a consideration in treating pregnant women.
Our doctors would be glad to answer your questions about acupuncture.
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