What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture has its origins in China. Most authorities agree the science is between 5,000 and 7,000 years old. Acupuncture did not become known on a national level in the US until 1971 when diplomatic relations between China and America were relaxed. To those who haven’t experienced it, acupuncture may seem strange, as it is primarily know for the use of needles placed in the skin at various locations to relieve pain or affect a body part.

Early Chinese physicians discovered there is an energy network traveling just below the surface of the skin which connects and communicates with the exterior structures and internal organs with over 1,000 “points” on the body. This energy works in harmony with the body’s circulatory, nervous, muscular, digestive, & genitourinary systems of the body. When this vital energy becomes blocked or weakened an effect in a body system or anatomic location becomes evident. Stimulating one o more of these “points” on the body may help restore proper energy flow to the affected area.

While it would be natural to think of hyperdermic needles when talking about acupuncture, the needles used in acupuncture treatment are much smaller. In fact most needles used in acupuncture are approximately the same size as two human hairs. The sensations commonly reported are “I didn’t feel anything”, “less than a mosquito bite”, and “a little pinch”. It is possible to feel mild to moderate heaviness or tingling.

Obviously the number of treatments vary with different conditions and individuals. Chronic problems generally require more treatment than acute ones. Some patients notice an immediate improvement after the first treatment, whereas others many not notice any effect until the seventh or eighth visit. It’s been shown that a certain percentage of patients receive maximum benefit up to three months following a course of therapy.

A small number of patient will receive a worsening of symptoms, as the body’s energies are returning to normal. This is usual and no need for alarm. It is followed by improvement. Researchers internationally agree the usual number of treatments is between eight and sixteen. The usual frequency is between two and four times a week.

Patients are urged not to enter an Acupuncture program with the thought of “taking a few” to see what will happen. Even though it is possible to achieve success, a program of ten visits would have a better chance for success. Patients are encouraged to be patient with the healing process. If the treatments are recommended and results occur in just five visits, the doctor may elect to discontinue treatments or continue their use to stabilize the condition.

Acupuncture textbooks list well over one hundred different conditions that respond well to Acupuncture. The World Health Organization, working in close harmony with the International Acupuncture training center of the Shanghai College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, has indicated Acupuncture is effective in the following conditions:

This is only a partial list of the numerous conditions Acupuncture has been credited with helping.