Acupuncture is one of the modalities of Oriental medicine. Although what is called acupuncture in the West comprises several different therapies such as moxibustion and cupping, it mostly involves the insertion, often painlessly, of thin, disposable, sterile steel needles into strategic body sites.
These acupuncture points have been mapped by the Chinese over a period of two thousand years, and have shown to be effective in the treatment of specific health problems. In the past three decades, electromagnetic research has confirmed the existence and location of these points; however, modern Western medicine cannot yet explain exactly how acupuncture works.
Traditional Oriental medicine is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of energy through distinct pathways that cover the body somewhat like the nerves and blood vessels. The body’s energy moves in a very fine balance, and acupuncture helps restore and maintain the harmonious balance of the body and its parts.
The insertion of fine needles into specific points gives the body instructions for relieving pain, circulating blood, and correcting improper patterns that lead to illness and poor health. By changing patterns that cause disease or discomfort, acupuncture can promote and reestablish a more natural flow of energy in the body.
Acupuncture is a versatile method for treating illness. It is a gentle approach that works for adults, children, as well as animals. An acupuncture session can treat general ailments as well as specific problems. When a patient presents with a common cold, this acute general ailment is easily resolved. With specific problems like sciatic pain, the goal of the treatment is to provide lasting relief. For chronic illnesses like asthma, migraines, or digestive disorders, more time is taken to correct the underlying foundational issues. A variety of techniques are used to produce the most effective results.