Acupuncture is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine, using special needles and moxa therapy.
How does acupuncture work?
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that diseases occur in the body when there is an imbalance in the complementary life forces, yin and yang. This energy is believed to flow along 14 interconnected main channels, or meridians, which form a network covering the whole body surface and service one or more specific areas or organs.
What medical programs can acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture is used to treat: migraine and tension headaches; cervical sprain; allergic sinusitis; TMJ; Bell’s palsy; toothache; shingles; osteoarthritis; rheumatic and rheumatoid arthritis; whiplash injury; fibromyalgia; frozen shoulders; tennis elbow; carpal tunnel syndrome; sports injuries; tendinitis; sciatica; chronic back pain; stroke rehabilitation; children’s bedwetting; peri-menopausal syndrome; stress relief; depression; anxiety; panic disorder; chronic fatigue syndrome; sleep disorders; gastritis; ulcerative colitis; Chrohn’s disease; irritable bowel syndrome; gastric reflux disease; bladder dysfunction; weight loss; substance abuse and smoking cessation; diabetic neuropathy.
Is acupuncture painful?
No. The diameter of acupuncture needles is as thin as your hair, and special skill is used so that most patients do not even realize the needles already have been inserted. A few patients may feel a tingling or sensation like a mosquito bite. Also, there are absolutely no drugs on acupuncture needles.
How many treatments do I need?
It depends on the medical problem. For some acute diseases, one or two treatments are enough. For chronic diseases, however, 10 or more treatments may be needed.