Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years, it is defined by tradition and a clearly established set of principles. Acupuncture uses very fine, sterile, stainless steel needles no thicker than a human hair, these needles are inserted at precise points in the body.
The ancient, Eastern explanation of the purpose of Acupuncture is to remove blockages in the "Qi" or energy flow of the body to treat pain and disease. In modern terms, we explain that Acupuncture balances the nervous system and relieves pain by triggering the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters that help the body to heal itself.
Several leading health organizations, including the National Institutes of Health, the Mayo Clinic, and the National Cancer Institute, have approved its use as effective therapy for treating many health conditions by improving circulation of blood and lymph, reducing inflammation, and releasing any muscles that may be in spasm and causing pain.
Common misconceptions about Acupuncture
It Hurts: Acupuncture is virtually painless! Many people don't feel it at all when the needle is inserted. Sensations can range from a momentary stinging sensation to a deep distending feeling. Most patients report feeling very comfortable and relaxed during treatment. If any part of your treatment is painful, you should inform your practitioner immediately. Acupuncture does not need to hurt to be effective.
It Interferes With Other Medical Treatments: Not true. Acupuncture complements conventional medicine quite well! There’s no conflict between your medication, physical therapy, or other treatments and acupuncture. An integrative approach helps speed healing!
Placebo Effect: During an Acupuncture treatment the brain releases endorphins, a natural painkiller. The treatment also creates an anti-inflammatory effect that boosts the immune system. So, acupuncture’s effects are far from just psychological! We like to point out that veterinary acupuncture is very successful on dogs, cats, horses….even turtles! Animals certainly don’t have any belief systems with regard to their acupuncture treatments, and they get great results!
Acupuncture only treats pain: Many people learn about how acupuncture can help treat pain through google search or from others who may have used it, but acupuncture can treat more than just pain.
Here are some common ways Acupuncture can help:
Improves Fertility Treatments: Traditional Chinese Medicine has been proven to increase the chance of conception in couples that are currently receiving fertility treatments. In fact, the success rates of conception increase from 39.4 percent to 65.5 percent when acupuncture is added to the mix. Acupuncture boosts fertility by reducing stress, increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs and balancing hormones. Acupuncture treatments can provide increased blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, which creates a stronger chance for an egg to be nourished and carried to full term. In the male, acupuncture treatments can improve sperm quality and motility.
Reduces Stress: Stress and anxiety are two of the most important challenges for today's society, and acupuncture can help! Acupuncture is an effective treatment for stress and anxiety for patients wanting to avoid or reduce pharmacological intervention. Most patients feel a sense of calm and relaxation during and after acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture can help to calm the mind, balance emotions, and train the body to better adapt to stress-induced situations.
Reduces Migraines: Acupuncture actually reduces the frequency of headaches in people who have migraine. The effect is quite similar to the medication provided to prevent it as the frequency of headaches dropped by 50-59% in individuals who received acupuncture. This effect can last more than 6 months.
Pain Relief: Acupuncture needles act as “flagpoles”, alerting your nervous system to support the body to do it's instinctive healing work, heal itself. The body responds by increasing pain thresholds, stimulating the immune system, promoting wound healing and circulation to the area. The needles usually stay in place around 20-30 minutes, depending on the patient’s health condition.
Acupuncture is Personalized Healthcare
One very unique feature of acupuncture is that it is individualized medicine. There could be 5 patients with the exact same Western medical diagnosis in my clinic, but they may all be treated differently. This is because not everybody’s root cause of the ailment is the same. Therefore, this makes acupuncture treatments very personalized and long-term effective.
Acupuncture was the only thing that worked when I had terrible ciatic pain. After trying everything I could, to avoid pain killers, in one session Fabiola made me a believer. The intense pain with one session was gone! She also gave me follow up instructions (stretches, warm-cold compress, etc.) that completed the treatment and solved my problem for good! From that day on, acupuncture has been my go to resource for wellness.