Getting to the Point
This profoundly relaxing ancient Chinese medicine therapy encourages the body to promote natural healing and is used for a wide variety of conditions from chronic pain, arthritis, migraines, and digestive health to fertility issues. Acupuncture is based on the body’s meridians, or energy pathways, that create balance and encourage good health. When these pathways are blocked, imbalances occur. Acupuncture can help to clear these blockages, returning balance to the body.
Scientists now understand more about how acupuncture works physiologically. Some of the mechanisms that they have found in their studies relate to how acupuncture needles can speed the conduction of electromagnetic signals inside the body. Ongoing research suggests that this act sends the body a signal to release endorphins and immune system cells, which in turn aid in healing. Acupuncture can also help with stress reduction, relaxation and even reduce blood pressure.
In traditional Asian cultures, acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat a wide range of conditions and diagnoses. In more recent history, The World Health Organization (WHO), using data from controlled clinical trials up through 1998, determined that acupuncture is an effective treatment for a long list of diseases, symptoms, and conditions. Below is an abbreviated list of these conditions:
- Allergies
- Adverse Reactions Cancer Treatments
- Cardiovascular Problems
- Dental Pain
- Digestive Disorders
- Headaches
- Mental-Emotional Problems
- Musculoskeletal Pain
- Respiratory Disorders
- Women’s Health and Fertility
- Men’s Health and Fertility
Numerous studies have focused on how acupuncture can help in the treatment of fertility. These studies have found that acupuncture can increase blood flow to the uterus and help regulate reproductive hormones in the body. Studies have also shown that acupuncture is particularly helpful in increasing pregnancy rates when used in conjunction with Western medical interventions such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Click on Fertility Clinic to learn more.
What To Expect At Your Visit
The process itself is relatively simple. Anywhere between 5 and 15 hair-thin, sterile needles are gently inserted into targeted acupuncture points to pleasantly adjust imbalances and blockages of the body, emotions, mind and spirit. The locations of the needles are determined by the practitioner based on the patient’s current symptoms and overall constitution.
The first treatment is approximately 90 minutes. This gives the acupuncturist time to review your health history so that she can get an accurate picture of your past and present overall health. After this initial treatment, subsequent treatments are 60 minutes. To start, most patients should be getting at least 1 acupuncture treatment per week. However, as time goes on and your body becomes more balanced treatments will become less frequent. Results vary based upon the individual and the conditions being treated. Some people experience relief immediately after their first treatment.
Is It Painful?
Most people experience little to no pain as the needles are inserted into the skin. There are relatively few side-effects to acupuncture and most that are reported are related to the use of unsterile needles. After treatment, some people feel energized while others feel relaxed. Some people feel no immediate difference in their condition, as a full treatment plan may take place over a period of several weeks or months.
Testimonial
“I was having severe Allergies and a cough that had weakened my Immune system. After the first acupuncture sampling at the Wellness Event, I was able to sleep without a cough for two nights. I have continued with the process and feel much, much improved. The treatment was delivered at a highly professional standard .. Sleeping through the night . Hurray !!!!” ~Sandra H.
