Acupuncture began in China at least 2500 years ago. While many people talk about it as an energy medicine, it is actually a physical medicine that works with the nervous and vascular systems. It is a highly refined medicine developed in China to keep the Emperor and his family living long and vital lives.
Acupuncture promotes blood flow to ensure that blood, which contains vital substances such as oxygen, nutrients, vitamins, hormones, gets to each cell and organ system. Blood flow is the greatest indication of health in Chinese Medicine. If the vessels are flexible and allow for a clear pathway, you are in health. If there is build up, thickening or narrowing of vessels, this limits blood circulation and it’s life threatening, especially for the heart. Western medicine knows this too as heart disease is the leading cause of death in this country. Acupuncture’s ability to increase vascular function promotes health and longevity.
Acupuncture activates the nervous system to send the body’s own natural pain killers to address pain and inflammation. Often with chronic pain, the nervous system loses its ability to address the specific location of the pain. Acupuncture helps to re-create the connection in the nervous system and stimulates the brain to release substances like endorphins. With repeated treatment, the body will begin to hold the connection on its own.
Your treatment – We use distal acupuncture in this clinic so generally we get immediate feedback results while you’re receiving treatment. Distal means we use points that aren’t directly where you’re experiencing pain. The pain that was there when you came in should subside as soon as some needles are put in. Nerves travel very quickly so the treatment generally begins right away. For most treatments you’ll be lying on your back with your clothes pulled up to your elbows and knees. If this position does not work for you for pain, or during pregnancy, we can adjust.
Unless there is a major structural issue, acupuncture generally addresses most pains well. There is no other treatment quite like it in its ability to address pain that other therapies aren’t able to help.