What Does Acupuncture Treat?
Historically, Chinese have believed that everything is classified according to whether it is more Yin or more Yang. Things that are neither too Yin nor too Yang are considered more or less balanced.
Qi (pronounced "chee") can be described as a vital energy, anything of a particular nature, breath, any of various dynamic phenomena in the body, activity, warming, defense. Qi is the outer defense of the body, and prevents disease from entering. Production of blood and fluids, the distribution of fluids, and the conversion of fluids into sweat and urine are all the result of qi transformation. Implicit in this notion is the movement, or bearing of qi. Qi bears upward, downward, inward and outward, carrying blood and fluids with it. Qi is simply defined as vital energy or life force.
Disease results from the disruption of the flow of qi and imbalance in the forces of Yin and Yang. Classical Chinese Acupuncture regulates and balances the flow of Qi and the forces of Yin and Yang.
An acute condition might take 1-2 sessions to rebalance, where chronic problems may require as many as 10-12 visits. Since acupuncture treats the individual, the practitioner will assess each individual’s unique health needs and make recommendations.
Classical Chinese Acupuncture can effectively treat:
- The common cold
- Muscle/bone/joint aches and pains
- Respiratory disorders
- Digestive disorders
- Fertility disorders (female and male)
- Endocrine disorders
- Gynecological disorders
- Urogenital disorders
- Sleep disorders
- Emotional & psychiatric disorders
- Body detoxification functions
- and help to cleanse and minimize the side effects of medications
Acupuncture has been linked to alleviating the nausea associated with chemotherapy and the pain incurred from the constant surgeries that cancer patients undergo. The Mesothelioma Center offers the most comprehensive and current information on asbestos exposure and a complete list of symptoms of mesothelioma.
The Risks and Side Effects of Acupuncture
Acupuncture does not have side effects, per se. It is not toxic or painful. The process of "needling" is safe because the filiform needles used are sterile, single use, very thin and when inserted at the right acupuncture body point should not cause tremendous discomfort. If any sensation is experienced during insertion, it is usually experienced as a pinch and disappears very quickly. The acupuncturist may manipulate the needles once inserted and the patient may feel a mild sensation. People have described this sensation as heaviness, warming or tingling. Great care is taken to make sure clients are very comfortable and warm so that they can relax while the needles are in place. Many people even fall asleep during treatment. After treatment, patients will sometimes feel a tremendous sense of relaxation and calm.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
The acupuncture needle inserted into acupuncture body points accesses the energy of this point, which stimulates the production of endorphins, hormones that make us happy, soothe the pain, make us relax and helps us to get back in tune with our body. Emotional release helps to improve the overall well being of the patient and create the situation for the body to start the process of self-healing. The rebalancing process is the key. It is important that the patient get involved with their own healing process under the acupuncturist’s guidance. This may require changes in diet, lifestyle and overall perception of one’s health.