About Acupuncture
In traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is linked to the belief that disease is caused by disruptions to the flow of energy - Qi, in the body.
How, exactly, does sticking needles into the body help promote healing?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recognizes 20 meridians, 12 of which are linked to internal organs, and scholars have mapped out over 400 points on the body where these pathways can be manipulated.
Acupuncture therapy can release blocked Qi in the body and stimulate function, evoking the body's natural healing response through various physiological systems. By stimulating the body's various systems, acupuncture can help to resolve pain, and improve sleep, digestive function, and sense of well-being. Common ailments that respond well to acupuncture include: chronic pain, arthritis, anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, headache and migraine, trigeminal neuralgia (TMJ), “frozen shoulder”, “tennis elbow”, sciatica, low-back pain, osteoarthritis, gynecological problems.
What is the most common response to acupuncture?
Often the patient won't feel the needles being inserted, because they are thin and gently inserted. Once a needle reaches its intended depth, he is likely to feel a mild, dull ache or a slight tingling sensation. This may be a sign that the treatment is working and the acupuncture point is being activated.
In terms of results, it’s nearly impossible to say what one should expect, as everyone responds to and experiences acupuncture differently.
“There is no universal response to acupuncture. Some people feel relaxed and may be a little tired, others feel energized and ready for anything,” as explains P. Kempisty, licensed acupuncturist with a MS in traditional Oriental medicine. “Some people experience an improvement right away and for others it can take several treatments before noticing a positive change.”
“People feel happy and content,” Kempisty says. “It’s hard to put into words but there’s a distinct balanced and harmonious feeling that acupuncture gives most people and it just feels good!” You may also feel tired after a treatment and see changes in your eating, sleeping, or bowel habits, or experience no changes at all.