Why use acupuncture?
The Benefits of Acupuncture, there are many reasons why using acupuncture is a good idea of whether treating pain, a specific illness, or just as a way to maintain good health and wellness in general. But first, let’s take a brief look at what acupuncture is.
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Acupuncture dates back as far as 4,000 years ago in ancient China, though it was only introduced in the US in the early 70s. Acupuncture falls under the category of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM,) though not all acupuncturists practice all of TCM, and some TCM doctors do not practice acupuncture.
The basic idea behind how acupuncture works is that the human body has a flow of electrical energy the Chinese call “Qi” (pronounced “chee,”) and that by stimulating certain points of energy, a person’s Qi can be improved. By improving the Qi or energy flow, health can be improved on both a general and specific level.
Acupuncturists use very finely pointed needles which they insert at various points along the body’s channels of energy known as “meridians” which connect to all of the body’s organ systems. By stimulating specific points, energy flow can be balanced and organ function improved as a result. And so the health affected by those organs can also be improved. For instance, a person suffering from symptoms such as jaundice and toxicity may see great improvement if their liver can be stimulated into functioning at a proper level.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Does it hurt is a very reasonable question asked by a lot of people who may be considering the use of acupuncture. Considering that acupuncture is lots of needles being inserted into points along with the nervous system, it would seem that it could be very painful. But patients report that there is no pain involved and that for the most part they rarely even feel the needles. Most patients report that they feel some sort of “tingling” around the area where the needles are inserted, and some say that they can actually feel the sensation of energy beginning to flow. During most treatment sessions, the needles will be inserted at targeted points depending on what the doctor is trying to treat. Then they will leave the patient to relax for around an hour and then return to remove the needles. Many patients fall soundly asleep during treatment.
Does it leave marks?
No, the needles are so tiny that they basically never leave any marks or irritation. There may very rarely be slight bruising around the area of insertion that will quickly clear up.
Since needles are used, is it safe?
Yes, in the US all needles used for acupuncture are required to be sterile and disposable and disposed of as hazardous waste once used. In China, many clinics still use reusable needles which are sanitized in between uses.
What can acupuncture effectively treat?
Acupuncture is used to treat any and all specific illnesses, and or health in general. It can be used simply as preventive healthcare, stress/pain relief, and or treatment of illness(s.)
The Benefits of Acupuncture
Though it is still considered “alternative healthcare” in the US, acupuncture has gained a lot of recognition in the mainstream in recent years. Even the US military uses it as an effective means of treating pain. Some private insurance companies cover acupuncture, though others do not. Many studies clearly show the effectiveness of acupuncture and its health benefits.
Can acupuncture be used in combination with other alternative medicines/therapies and or “traditional western” medicine/healthcare?
Yes, acupuncture can be used by itself as a primary means of healthcare, or it can be used in combination with any other form of healthcare. Many acupuncturists also practice other forms of alternative medicine.
Dr. Tony Willcox of Delray Beach Florida runs Acupuncture Zen. He studied in China and practices acupuncture as well as Chinese herbal medicine – TCM. The Florida Panthers use Dr. Willcox to treat many of their players for such ailments as back pain management and natural stress relief. If you are interested in Florida Acupuncture, contact Dr. Tony at Acupuncture Zen for a consultation at 561.274.4447 or contact us online.
Summary:
Using acupuncture by itself or in combination with TCM can be a very effective form of healthcare, and also has the benefit of not having all the toxicity and potential side effects of modern medicine. There is a vast amount of research available online regarding acupuncture and TCM, and there are many good acupuncturists and TCM doctors ready to help you begin your journey of wellness.