The
intent of acupuncture
therapy is to promote
health and alleviate
pain and suffering. The
method by which this is
accomplished, though it
may seem strange and
mysterious to many, has
been time tested over
thousands of years and
continues to be
validated today.
The perspective from which an acupuncturist views health and sickness hinges on concepts of "vital energy," "energetic balance" and "energetic imbalance." Just as the Western medical doctor monitors the blood flowing through blood vessels and the messages travelling via the nervous system, the acupuncturist assesses the flow and distribution of this "vital energy" within its pathways, known as "meridians and channels".
The acupuncturist is able to influence health and sickness by stimulating certain areas along these "meridians". Traditionally these areas or "acupoints" were stimulated by fine, slender needles. Today, many additional forms of stimulation are incorporated, including herbs, electricity, magnets and lasers. Still, the aim remains the same - adjust the "vital energy" so the proper amount reaches the proper place at the proper time. This helps your body heal itself.
Treatment length varies but the typical length is about 20 to 30 minutes. Sarah may use the following techniques during the treatment:
The perspective from which an acupuncturist views health and sickness hinges on concepts of "vital energy," "energetic balance" and "energetic imbalance." Just as the Western medical doctor monitors the blood flowing through blood vessels and the messages travelling via the nervous system, the acupuncturist assesses the flow and distribution of this "vital energy" within its pathways, known as "meridians and channels".
The acupuncturist is able to influence health and sickness by stimulating certain areas along these "meridians". Traditionally these areas or "acupoints" were stimulated by fine, slender needles. Today, many additional forms of stimulation are incorporated, including herbs, electricity, magnets and lasers. Still, the aim remains the same - adjust the "vital energy" so the proper amount reaches the proper place at the proper time. This helps your body heal itself.
Treatment length varies but the typical length is about 20 to 30 minutes. Sarah may use the following techniques during the treatment:
-
moxibustion
- heating of
acupuncture needles
with dried herb
sticks to activate
and warm the
acupuncture point.
Also known as
"moxa".
- cupping
- the application of
glass cups to create
a suction on the
skin. This is to
relieve stagnation
of qi and blood,
e.g. in sports
injury.
- herbal
medicine -
Chinese herbs may be
given in the form of
teas, pills, and
capsules to
supplement
acupuncture
treatment.
How Acupuncture Works
There are numerous theories about how acupuncture works.
Some of them are:
- acupuncture
stimulates the
release of
pain-relieving
endorphins
- acupuncture
influences the
release of
neurotransmitters,
substances that
transmit nerve
impulses to the
brain
- acupuncture
influences the
autonomic nervous
system
- acupuncture
stimulates
circulation
- acupuncture influences the electrical currents of the body
Conditions Treated By
Acupuncture
migraines and tension
headaches
sinusitis
common cold
addictions, quit
smoking
trigeminal neuralgia
Meniere's disease
tennis elbow
sciatica
arthritis
menstrual cramps
fibromyalgia
low back pain
asthma
weight loss
infertility