Acupuncture is a time tested therapy that has been practiced in the Far East for thousands of years
The theory behind acupuncture treatment is that the healthy functioning of the body is governed by the flow of “qi” (often translated as “energy”) through a system of channels under the skin. When this flow of qi is impaired, illness may occur. By inserting fine needles at various points along the channels, the body’s balance can be restored.
The flow of qi can be disrupted in many ways: emotional upset, physical trauma, poor diet, and overwork are all common examples. By examining the underlying cause and how it has affected the body, the most appropriate treatment for each patient can be selected. Treating the patient as an individual is at the core of acupuncture treatment and is vital to help the body to rebalance itself.
Blockages in the flow of qi can manifest as pain, hot or cold sensations, or color changes. These signs, along with pulse and tongue diagnosis can help determine which points and channels are most suitable for treatment.
Scientists have different opinions about how acupuncture works but in short, no one is really sure. However, acupuncture consistently proves its effectiveness.
Acupuncture also includes other techniques such as cupping, moxibustion, or acupressure.
Acupuncture for pain
Acupuncture is best known for treatment of painful conditions such as: back, shoulder, neck, knee, and hip pain along with headaches and migraines. In many cases, the main problem has to do with muscle tension and the presence of trigger points. By releasing tension and following up with movements to stay in better balance, we can reduce tension around joints and restore proper alignment. Acupuncture is by far the best for resolving these pains and tensions. The causes of these pains can stem from a sports injury, trauma from an accident, overtraining, posture alignment, or repetitive strain injury (RSI). By loosening the tension and strengthening the weakness, we can help restore your functional alignment.
How Acupuncture Works
There are many different styles of acupuncture. Practitioners of Acupuncture Physical Medicine (APM) palpate the body (examine the body by touch) to locate reactive areas and myofascial (muscular) constrictions (tightening). Points are selected and stimulated to relieve symptomatic or problem areas, based on the relationships of meridian acupuncture theory.
Practitioners trained in APM also locate and deactivate “trigger points” using an advanced needling technique. Trigger points are extremely common in pain conditions and cause referred pain and other symptoms of dysfunction in nearly everyone’s life at one time or another.