What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture uses very thin needles to reestablish the flow of "Qi" in the body, or what could be described as the electro-magnetic grid of the body. Just like with electricity, the pathway to certain areas is hidden and you might turn on a switch distant from where the light bulb is.
By the same token, you might use a needle on the foot or hand to treat a headache, treat the right side of the body for a pain or problem on the left. Doctors and acupuncturists of old have studied those grids and pathways for a long time, and that is the knowledge passed on to today's practitioners.
What conditions can acupuncture address?
Chinese and Oriental Medicine are over 2000 years old and existed well before the advent of today's technology. The doctors of ancient times did not choose the diseases their patients ought to have and therefore addressed all kinds of acute and chronic conditions, resorting to acupuncture, herbal remedies, compresses, or whatever was needed.
Although acupuncture is well-known for the treatment of body pain such as lower back pain or sciatica, the World Health Organization has identified over 30 diseases that lend themselves to treatment with acupuncture, including allergies, chronic fatigue, chemical dependence, headaches, indigestion etc.
Acupuncture can treat or help in the treatment of acute as well as chronic conditions. Acupuncture is a wonderful and very effective tool for prevention as part of a health maintenance program. It is also very helpful as an adjunct treatment for cancer, very effectively relieving side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.
A partial list includes:
- Acne, eczema and skin disorders
- Asthma and allergies
- Back pain, body pain, arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- Colds and flu, sinus problems
- Constipation, diarrhea, intestinal and stomach disorders such as hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome etc.
- Diabetes, hypoglycemia and blood sugar disorders
- Dizziness, vertigo
- Emotional problems, depression and fatigue
- Hypertension
- Insomnia and sleep disorders
- Menstrual irregularities, menopausal disorders and gynecological problems
- Libido, sexual problems, impotence, prostate problems
