ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE
WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE? HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and improve function by inserting needles and applying heat and electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points.
This Chinese medical intervention has a 2000 year history. Its premise is based upon the body’s energy system. The energy, or chi, runs along pathways called meridian blocks and disruptions in these pathways, can precipitate illnesses.
The modern scientific explains that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release hormones and neurotransmitters in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either alter the release of other chemicals and hormones which influences the body’s own internal regulation system.
The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in better physical and emotional well-being.
WHAT CLINICAL PROBLEMS CAN BE TREATED BY ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture can be used independently or along with herbal medicine, and will improve health by:
- Promoting good health and well-being
- Preventing illnesses
- Treating various symptoms and illnesses
Uses of acupuncture include (but are not limited to):
- Relieving symptoms, stress, anxiety, and depression
- Overcoming addictions from: alcohol, smoking, and other substances
- Reducing pain from: headache & migraine, neck & shoulder, back, arthritis,
sciatica, sprains or sport injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, tennis elbow, osteoarthritis
- Insomnia and sleep disorders
- Allergies, sinusitis, rhinitis, asthma
- PMS, menstrual cramps, menopause syndrome, infertility
- Weight control
- Side effects from tumor chemotherapy or radiotherapy
- Symptoms from other disorders such as flu & cold, herpes zoster, hypertension, morning sickness, sexual dysfunction, chronic fatigue, parkinson’s disease, stroke.
- Facial rejuvenation
WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
During the first visit, a full health history will be taken for helping the evaluation of
your conditions. Your acupuncturist will check your pulses, look at your tongue, and
conduct the appropriate physical exam. This information is then organized according to
the theories and philosophies of Chinese medicine in order to diagnose your specific
concerns and any underlying factors that may affect your health. After the interview
process, you may receive an acupuncture treatment. This visit ranges from 30 to 90 minutes.
During treatment, you may feel energized or a deep sense of relaxation and well-being.
Where the acupuncture needle has been inserted, you may feel vague numbness, heaviness,
tingling, or dull ache. Sometimes people will experience the sensation of energy spreading
from needle. This is called the “Qi” sensation. All these reactions are a good sign that
the treatment is working!
HOW SAFE IS ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is a “drug-free” therapy, yield no side effects except feelings of relaxation and changes of energy level. Only sterile and disposable needles are used in the clinic, which eliminates the possibility of cross infection.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
The number of treatments varies from person to person. Some people experience immediate relief after the first treatment, others may take months, even years, to see results. Chronic conditions usually take longer to resolve than acute problems. But, plan on a minimum of a month to see significant changes. When you visit Dr. Sun’s clinic first time, she will give you the suggestion of treatment plan according to your condition.
