ACUPUNCTURE

 

Acupuncture is a collection of procedures involving penetration of the skin with needles to stimulate certain points on the body.

 

Acupuncture is a 6,000-year-old practice that stimulates the body to heal itself by promoting health and alleviating pain and suffering. Acupuncturists operate with prevention in mind, attempting to correct small energetic imbalances before they become big health problems. Chinese medicine is based on the principles of body energy called “chi”, which is believed to be the energy of life. The body energy flows freely in 200 energy pathways in the human body. Any congestion or imbalances of this flow can cause illness. Needles placed in strategic energy points work by re-establishing the balance, releasing obstruction of energy flow; thus opening the energy channels. Acupuncture treats a variety of disorders including: Headaches, Back Pain, Sciatica, Neck pain, Migraines and Shoulder pain.

 

Acupuncture:

If you are looking for an organic natural way to heal and relax your body, acupuncture could be for you. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese art designed to do just that. This process begins with small needles being inserted in the body. After insertion, mild electrical stimulation or heat is applied to these key points of the body. Initially, this was thought to clear the way for your body’s natural energy channels, however, modern technology also points to the fact that these trigger points stimulate the nervous system. This leads to the release of chemicals which will improve your body’s organs and overall health. Acupuncturist’s treatments are used to cure many ailments as well as improve your overall well-being.

At Health 1 Medical we offer this type of treatment for pain relief, and to stop muscle spasms.

 

How does acupuncture work?

Eastern Explanation: The Eastern Explanation for how acupuncture works is that the life energy flowing through the body which is termed Qi (pronounced chee) can be influenced and balanced by stimulating specific points on the body. These points are located along channels of energy known as meridians that connect all of our major organs. According to Chinese medical theory, illness arises when the cyclical flow of Qi in the meridians becomes unbalanced or is blocked.

 

Western Explanation: Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points located near or on the surface of the skin which have the ability to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions in order to achieve the desired effect. 

 

Acupuncture points are areas of designated electrical sensitivity. Inserting needles at these points stimulates various sensory receptors that, in turn, stimulates nerves that transmit impulses to the hypothalamic-pituitary system at the base of the brain. The hypothalamus-pituitary glands are responsible for releasing neurotransmitters and endorphins, the body's natural pain-killing hormones. It is estimated that endorphins are 200 times more potent than morphine. Endorphins also play a big role in the functioning of the hormonal system. This is why acupuncture works well for back pain and arthritis and also for P.M.S. and infertility. The substances released as a result of acupuncture not only relax the whole body, they regulate serotonin in the brain which plays a role in human and animal disposition. This is why depression is often treated with acupuncture.

 

Some of the physiological effects observed throughout the body through acupuncture include increased circulation, decreased inflammation, relief from pain, relief of muscle spasms and increased T-cell count which stimulates the immune system.

 

Common conditions treated through acupuncture for people with pain include:

 

Chronic Low Back Pain – Back pain is the most commonly reported pain for which people seek acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture is believed to be as effective as conventional therapies in treating low back pain.

 

Joint Pain and Arthritis – Including carpal tunnel syndrome, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) and tennis elbow.

 

Neck pain & Headaches – Appears to be as effective, and possibly more effective, than conventional medicine in preventing migraines and tension headaches.

 

Menstrual cramps & other female conditions.