All allied techniques of Oriental medicine
Far more than a technique of inserting tiny threadlike needles along meridian lines of the body, acupuncture’s complex system of diagnostic methods take into consideration the person as a whole, not just isolated symptoms. Acupuncture is practiced based on discerning the bodies’ “pattern of disharmony” and treating accordingly.
Acupuncture treats and strengthens the physical condition and controls pain. The aim, as practiced in oriental medicine, is not necessarily to eliminate or alleviate symptoms. The objective, rather, is to increase both the ability to function and the quality of life.
The treatment modality that is acupuncture can be narrowly defined as stimulation of a certain point or points on or near the surface of the body by the insertion of needles to prevent or modify the perception of pain or to normalize physiological functions, including pain control, for the treatment of certain diseases or dysfunctions of the body, and broadly described as a comprehensive approach to health and healing.
An acupuncturist’s license authorizes the holder to engage in the practice of acupuncture and also “to perform or prescribe the use of oriental massage, acupressure, breathing techniques, exercise, heat, cold, magnets, nutrition, diet, herbs, plant, animal, and mineral products, and dietary supplements [but not including synthetic compounds, controlled substances or dangerous drugs] to promote, maintain, and restore health.”
’Oriental medicine’ means the distinct system of primary health care that uses all allied techniques of Oriental medicine, both traditional and modern, to diagnose, treat and prescribe for the prevention, cure or correction of any disease, illness, injury, pain or other physical or mental condition by controlling and regulating the flow and balance of energy and function to restore and maintain health.
Oriental medicine is a traditional, dynamically evolving healthcare system involving diagnosis and treatment based on the principles of yin, yang and qi. Its purpose is the restoration, maintenance and optimization of physical, mental, spiritual and societal health by promoting and regulating a harmonious balance of yin, yang and qi.
Promising results have emerged showing efficacy of acupuncture in post-operative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting and in post-operative dental pain. There are other situations such as addiction, stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma where acupuncture may be useful as an adjunct treatment or an acceptable alternative or be included in a comprehensive management program.
Several years ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) published an official report listing 31 symptoms, conditions and diseases that have been shown in controlled trials to be treated effectively by Acupuncture.
controlled trials to be treated
Following is the list of conditions shown through controlled trials to be treated effectively by Acupuncture.
• Low back pain
• Neck pain
• Sciatica
• Tennis elbow
• Knee pain
• Peri-arthritis of the shoulder
• Sprains
• Facial pain
• TMJ
• Headache
• Dental pain
• Acute and chronic gastritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Induction of labor
• Breech birth presentation
• Morning sickness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Postoperative pain
• Stroke
• Essential hypertension
• Primary hypotension
• Renal colic
• Leucopenia
• Radiation/chemo reactions
• Allergic rhinitis,
• Hay fever
• Biliary colic
• Depression
• Acute bacillary dysentery
• Primary dysmenorrhea
• Acute epigastralgia
• Peptic ulcer
What should I expect after the Acupuncture?
A subtle feeling of euphoria. In the language of Chinese medicine, stagnation and weakness cause imbalances which are felt as discomfort or dysfunction; acupuncture unblocks these stagnations or propels the weakness to return your systems to balance. In the language of Chinese medicine, acupuncture stimulates the release of innate chemicals such as endorphins and anti-inflammatories which puts you in a state of ease, switching your gears predominantly into the parasympathetic nervous system, which in the common tongue has the function of rest and repair.
I'm scared of needles — does that mean I can't have acupuncture?
No — most people tolerate acupuncture needles very well. They are extremely fine and are hardly felt at all.
What is the numbing/tingling sensation when needles on my skin?
Loose fitted clothing that can easily roll up past your elbows and knees without choking the blood flow.
Are there any contraindications for acupuncture?
For every action there is a reaction. When you get a cut, your body naturally repairs it. When you break a bone, your body naturally repairs it. When you catch a cold, your body naturally repairs it. Acupuncture strikes you with the minimum stimulus to charge your body to react with repair modules, yet not causing structural damage like a cut, fracture, infection, etc.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Acupuncture is safe! Traditionally it was performed with sharpened bones and stones. Nowadays we have sophisticated and sterile needles made of metal. Seek a qualified Balance Method acupuncturist for the most effective and safest style of acupuncture https://theacademyofacupuncture.com/acupuncturist-finder/
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Pain is a subjective experience. Most of the time it does not hurt, and sometimes it does. However, the pain is very instantaneous and disappears. If you were to press a needle against your skin at home, the pain would be much more intense than what you experience with acupuncture. Getting your blood drawn or an injection hurts more than acupuncture.
How Long will my Visits Take?
20-60 min. If you need to be quickly in and out, we can still have an effective therapy session. If you stay for longer, you will benefit more.
How Often will I need to Return?
This depends on your condition. Severe conditions require more frequent treatments because the disease current is so stubborn, your body needs more frequent corrections to implement. This is similar to going to the gym or learning a new language… if you practice frequently, you will become stronger or more fluent, and if you only practice once every other week, you will not see results. If you are already at optimal health, coming in every other week for maintenance is sufficient.
How long will an appointment last?
An average session lasts around 40 minutes.
How many treatments will I need?
This depends on what condition is being treated and will be discussed at your first appointment. Treatments can vary from one week to several months but as the condition improves, treatments will become less frequent.
CAN I HAVE ACUPUNCTURE IF I HAVE A COLD/FLU?
Yes, in fact it may well be beneficial. Acupuncture stimulates the immune system and may increase your resistance to viral or bacterial infection.
CAN I HAVE ACUPUNCTURE IF I AM PREGNANT?
Yes, but do let your practitioner know. Acupuncture may even be beneficial as it can treat many disorders of pregnancy. It can for instance be used to turn a breech presentation or to induce labour.
WHAT IS CUPPING?
Cupping is a traditional treatment to cure acute pain. It involves placing a spherical glass cup onto the area to be treated after a vacuum has been created inside it. This process can give deep down relief to hard to reach muscular pain.
What is herbal medicine?
Pharmaceutical medicine also comes from nature, does it not? Everything around us is a part of the universe. Pharmaceuticals are potent extracts and combinations of synthesized chemicals, which at some point in time were harvested from nature. Herbal medicine uses the source material. Majority of herbal medicines come from different parts of plants: leaf, twig, bark, root, sap, etc. Some herbal medicines come from minerals and shells. Fewer herbal medicines come from animals. It is unlikely for most people to afford the time and money to come in for acupuncture twice a day, so there is the convenience of taking herbal medicine (either as a tea or capsules) twice a day to continue the therapy at home, like homework, until your next acupuncture visit.
