Acupuncture, simply stated, is a health science which is used to successfully treat both pain and dysfunction in the body. Acupuncture has its roots deeply planted in China. In fact, authorities agree the science is between 5,000 and 7,000 years old.
At first glimpse, acupuncture appears strange, as its primary notoriety is the utilization of needles placed in the skin at various locations to relieve pain or affect a body part. Early Chinese physicians discovered there is an energy network traversing just below the surface of the skin which communicates from the exterior to the internal organs and structures at over 1,000 "acupoints" on the body. This energy works in harmony with the body's circulatory, nervous, muscular, digestive, and all other systems of the body. When this vital energy becomes blocked or weakened, an effect in a body system or anatomic location becomes evident. Stimulation of one or a combination of key "acupoints" on the body may restore harmony to the affected area.
IS TREATMENT PAINFUL?
One would assume inserting a needle into the skin would be painful since most of us can relate to being stuck with a pin or having a hypodermic injection. However, four acupuncture needles can easily be inserted into the hollow tube of a hypodermic needle. Because of the extreme slenderness of the needle, most people compare the sensations as feeling "less painful than a mosquito bite." A phenomena referred to as "TEH CHI" occurs when the energy is contacted. This sensation is felt as a mild to moderate heaviness or tingling.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE USUAL?
Obviously the number of treatments vary with different conditions and individuals. Chronic problems generally require more treatment than acute ones. Some patients notice an immediate improvement after the first treatment. Most patients feel improvement the next day, whereas others may not notice any effect until the seventh or eighth visit. It has been shown that a certain percentage of patients receive maximum benefit up to three months following a course of therapy.
Patients are urged not to enter an acupuncture program with the thought of "taking a few treatments" to see what will happen. Even though it is possible to achieve success quickly, a program of ten visits would have a better chance for success. Patients are encouraged to be patient with the healing process. If the treatments are recommended and results occur in just five visits, the doctor may elect to discontinue treatments or continue their use to stabilize the condition.
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