Acupuncture is the most visible, unique, and conspicuous feature of Chinese Medicine. It is also one of the oldest healing practices in the world. It involves placing very thin needles in precise acupuncture points to help the body return to a state of harmony.
According to the recent research on acupuncture, effects produced by needling are the following:
- analgesic (pain relieving) effect
- sedation
- homeostatic or regulatory effect (adjustment of the internal environment of the body towards a state of normal balance. Generally, homeostasis is maintained by the balanced activity of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system and the endocrine system.)
- immune-enhancing action (body’s resistance to disease is strengthened)
- anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy effect
- psychological effect (calming and tranquilizing action)
- hastens motor recovery after paralysis
Conditions treated:
Many conditions or symptoms that don’t have a clear Western explanation can often be addressed by the Chinese Medical system, thus giving the doctor a broader range of options in helping patients.
Acupuncture is recognized by the World Health Organization to treat many conditions. Here is a partial list of conditions successfully treated with acupuncture:
Neurological Disorders
• Cervicobrachial syndrome
• Disc problems
• Facial palsy
• Headache and migraine
• Intercostal neuralgia
• Meniere’s Disease
• Neurogenic bladder dysfunction
• Nocturnal enuresis
• Paresis following stroke
• Peripheral neuropathies
• Trigeminal neuralgia
Musculo-skeletal Disorders
• Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• “Frozen shoulder”, “tennis elbow”
• Localized traumatic injuries, sprains, strains, tendonitis, contractures
• Low back pain
• Muscle pain, swelling, stiffness and weakness
• Osteoarthritis
• Sciatica
• Work and sports related injuries
Gastrointestinal Disorders
• Acute and chronic colitis
• Acute and chronic gastritis
• Chronic duodenal ulcer
• Constipation
• Gastric hyperacidity
• Indigestion
• Diarrhea
• Irritable bowel syndrome
Gynecological and Urinary Tract Disorders
• Benign amenorrhea
• Benign irregular menstruation
• Dysmenorrhea
• Infertility (Not WHO recognized. Clinical experience proves effective.)
• Menopause syndrome
• PMS
• Ovarian and Uterine Problems
• Urinary tract inflammations and infections
Disorders of the eye, ear, nose and mouth
Skin problems
• Acne
• Eczema
• Hair loss
• Itching
• Psoriasis
Respiratory System Disorders
• Bronchitis
• Rhinitis
• Sinusitis
• Tonsillitis
• Bronchial asthma
• Common cold
• Allergies
Psychological Disorders
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Hypersomnia
• Insomnia
General: obesity, emotional problems, HBP, immune system probems, side effects of chemo-radio therapy, chronic fatique, low energy, post-operative recovery