Acupuncture

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 “less than a mosquito bite.” A phenomena referred to as “TEHCHI” occurs when the energy is contacted. This sensation is felt as a mild to moderate heaviness or tingling.Needles obviously still have their place in clinical practice. However, many physicians certified in Acupuncture and licensed Acupuncturists are employing electronic and laser stimulation to the Acupoint with equal effectiveness as the needle. Both of these procedures are painless and are quickly becoming a standard worldwide.The tapping needle “teishein” is not really a needle as it does not pierce the skin. It produces a mild to moderate sensation. Compare it to tapping a ball point pen on the skin. This form of stimulation has been used successfully for centuries. Thumb pressure is equally impressive and not considered painful.

Obviously the number of treatments varies with different conditions and individuals. Chronic problems generally require more treatment than acute ones. Some patients notice an immediate improvement after the first treatment, whereas others may not notice any effect until the seventh or eight visits. It has been shown that a certain percentage of patients receive maximum benefit up to three months following a course of therapy.A small number of patients will experience a worsening of symptoms, as the body”s energies are returning to normal. This is usual and no need for alarm. It is followed by improvement. Researchers internationally agree the usual number of treatments is between eight and sixteen. The usual frequency between visits is between two to four times a week.Patients are urged not to enter an Acupuncture program with the thought of “taking a few” to see what will happen. Even though it is possible to achieve success; coming to all your visits would have a better chance of 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.

Many critics of Acupuncture have suggested that the science is hypnosis or “mind or matter”. This criticism is totally unfounded as Acupuncture has startling effects in infants and toddlers as well as veterinary applications. The effect it has in surgery as an anesthetic further disclaims the skeptics. Even total disbelievers report favorable response to Acupuncture.However, a positive outlook is obviously beneficial in all phases of life including the healing process.

Acupuncture textbooks list well over one hundred different conditions that respond well to Acupuncture. The World Health Organization, working in close harmony with the International Acupuncture training center of the Shanghai College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, has indicated Acupuncture is effective in the following conditions: Acute and Chronic pain relief, migraine, tension cluster and sinus headaches, trigeminal neuralgia, bladder dysfunction, bed wetting, cervical (neck) pain, mid-back pain, low shoulder, tennis elbow, post-operative pain relief, gastric problems, asthma, allergies, skin conditions, abnormal blood pressure, fatigue, anxiety, neurologic syndrome, various eye problems, knee pain, etc., etc..This is only a partial list of the numerous conditions Acupuncture has been credited with helping.

The cost of Acupuncture treatments varies in different parts of the country. However, the average appears to be between $50.00 and $85.00 per treatment.

For acute problems where there has been little or no organ system or tissue damage, results are often permanent. For chronic conditions, symptoms may recur from time to time. Generally a few additional treatments are sufficient to obtain relief. It”s suggested that patients with severe or chronic conditions return for a booster treatment two to three times a year.

Perhaps the cornerstone of an Acupuncture examination is pulse diagnosis whereby the trained practitioner, by feeling the pulse, is able to determine the balance of the twelve (12) meridians. This ancient method of diagnosis is giving way to modern electronic evaluation referred to as “Ryodoraku” or “electro meridian imaging” (EMI). The doctor places a small painless electronic pen on the skin over specific Acupoints. By way of a sensitive metering device, the electro potential of the point is measured. This exam is extremely reliable and is quickly becoming the standard method of diagnosis internationally.Many physicians utilize applied kinesiology, which is an examination involving testing certain muscles and correlating then to the associated meridian. Case history and consultation play a vital role in determining what is abnormal as does simple palpation over specific body parts.

On the ear there are more than one hundred Acupoints which relate to various organ systems and parts of the body. During fetal development, the first structure to form is the brain and spinal cord. At about the same time, what later becomes the external ear also develops. Accordingly, there is a very strong relationship between the external ear and the central nervous system.The Ancient Chinese viewed the ear as resembling an upside down fetus with all the body parts proportionately arranged in and on the ear. Therefore, the lobe of the ear would relate to the head, brain, stem, face, etc. whereas the top of the ear relates to the knee, foot, ankle, etc. The success rate in Ear Acupuncture is remarkable. Thousands of American physicians have begun using Ear Acupuncture as an adjunct to their practice.

Throughout the body there are a number of Acupoints which have a particular effect. This is of particular significance on the hand and scalp. Cerebral Acupuncture consists of a number of zones which are primarily use for serious neurologic conditions, whereas hand Acupoints are used for a variety of common conditions. By stimulating specific hand points, headache, sore throat, neck and shoulder pain, even toothache may be successfully treated.