Acupuncture is a primary health care modality that has flourished in China and other parts of Asia for over 2,500 years and is now gaining widespread use in Europe and North America. In this medical science, very fine needles are inserted into the body at very precise points, often along with heat and mild electrical stimulation. This healing art balances the physiology, calms the mind and body, releases the muscular straightjackets (tension, and trigger points) of the body, curbs cravings, and stops or reduces pain. Acupuncture is a main component of the Restful Awareness stress management and pain treatment protocols. It complements other therapies and can be well integrated into more conventional medical treatment plans.
What does Acupuncture Treat?
The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems, including, but not limited to the following:
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•Digestive Disorders: gastritis, and hyperacidity, spastic colon, constipation, diarrhea.
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•Respiratory Disorders: sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, recurrent chest infections.
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•Neurological and Muscular Disorders: headaches, facial tics, neck pain, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, various forms of tendinitis, low back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis.
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•Urinary, menstrual, and reproductive problems
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•Other conditions for which acupuncture provides complementary treatment, include anxiety, depression, irritability, infertility, insomnia, addictions, and immune system dysfunctions.
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•Acupuncture is an excellent therapy for sprains, strains, muscle spasms, muscle soreness, and any other symptom experienced as a result of athletics, or exercise.
How does it work?
Acupuncture works on a number of levels. In brief, when a needle is placed in the right location, it can have a variety of effects, depending on the location of the insertion. For example, needles inserted into tight trigger points release the muscular straightjackets of the body. When some points are needled, the sympathetic nervous system is inhibited, allowing for deep relaxation, while in others it is stimulated, allowing for proper organ function. Finally, acupuncture can stimulate the release of pain fighting endorphins, or mood regulating neurotransmitters depending on the point that is needled.
Does it hurt?
Acupuncture needles are disposable, sterile, extremely fine steel filaments which bear no resemblance to hypodermic or sewing needles. Most patients feel only occasional minimal discomfort as the needles are inserted. Most of the time, no pain is experienced. In fact, the whole experience is pleasant to almost everyone and many patients are so relaxed that they fall asleep and feel rejuvenated when the treatment is over.
How long will the treatment take?
The length of the treatment depends on your state of health, the nature of your problem, and the number of needles needed to treat your concern. In general, patients may rest for 20 to 30 minutes once the needles have been inserted.
What other therapies or services are used in conjunction with acupuncture?
Restful Awareness Acupuncture believes in a holistic approach to healing. Therefore, many therapies may be used to heal the whole person, and to return the patient to normal functioning, and wellness. In addition to acupuncture, the following services of therapies may be used: Electroacupuncture, moxa, cupping, herbal medicinal prescriptions, exercise and/or stretching recommendations, nutritional and lifestyle recommendations, meditation instruction, and heat lamp.
