Acupuncture is now more mainstream than ever. With more studies validating its practice, such as the MIT-Harvard Medical School clinical study published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Brain Research in November of 2008, it is now considered an alternative or complementary medicine. Even the U.S. Army has begun using this ancient science. Military doctors are now administering "battlefield" acupuncture to troops who suffer from chronic or severe pain.
Acupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is useful for treating pain in the musculoskeletal system such as sprains and repetitive stress injuries. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. Gastric bleeding, ulcers, nausea, drowsiness, arthritis, headaches - the long list of conditions which are often treated by over the counter medication are often as effectively or more effectively treated by acupuncture. And, even more importantly, with fewer side effects, according to the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture.
The efficacy of acupuncture is by no means limited to pain management. It can also be used to deal with emotional problems such as anxiety, depression, stress as well as other physical ailments like chronic fatigue, asthma, back pain, and infertility. The esteemed World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture as a treatment for common third-world disorders such as constipation and diarrhea.
How does acupuncture work? Like many medical treatments, Western science is still unraveling the processes by which acupuncture produces its effects. Studies have shown that acupuncture releases natural opioid pain relievers in the patients' brains. These opioids are also known as endorphins, the same chemical released during the "runner's high." When acupuncture points are stimulated during treatment, the body releases this natural pain-blocking chemical. These acupuncture points lie along pathways identified by Chinese medicine called meridians.
According to TCM, living organisms are a series of pathways of energy conduits or meridian channels. Diagnostic acupuncture uses these channels or meridians to detect blockages in flow, indicating blockages of energy. Vital energy, known as Qi in Chinese medicine, flows through 12 paired meridian channels, cycling throughout the body.
As long as the body's qi is able to move freely through the meridians we are able to maintain optimal health. Why does acupuncture use needles? The qi comes close to the surface of the skin at certain points, and these points are prone to stimulation with either the fine needles that an acupuncturist uses, moxibustion, or acupressure.
The number and frequency of treatment is dependent on the severity and length of the medical condition as well as the overall health and vitality of the patient. Adverse side effects of acupuncture are extremely low and are often lower than conventional western medical treatment options. Those who suffer from complex or long-standing medical problems may need to seek treatment as often as once or twice per week for several months.
Acupuncture has been recognized by the National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization as a safe, natural, drug-free, and, perhaps most importantly, effective method of addressing the symptoms and root causes of many health challenges. Its use in China, Japan, and other parts of Asia for thousands of years speaks to its efficacy as well. It's a natural and powerful medicine that has been practiced for over 2,000 years. And it works. - 15995
Acupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is useful for treating pain in the musculoskeletal system such as sprains and repetitive stress injuries. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. Gastric bleeding, ulcers, nausea, drowsiness, arthritis, headaches - the long list of conditions which are often treated by over the counter medication are often as effectively or more effectively treated by acupuncture. And, even more importantly, with fewer side effects, according to the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture.
The efficacy of acupuncture is by no means limited to pain management. It can also be used to deal with emotional problems such as anxiety, depression, stress as well as other physical ailments like chronic fatigue, asthma, back pain, and infertility. The esteemed World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture as a treatment for common third-world disorders such as constipation and diarrhea.
How does acupuncture work? Like many medical treatments, Western science is still unraveling the processes by which acupuncture produces its effects. Studies have shown that acupuncture releases natural opioid pain relievers in the patients' brains. These opioids are also known as endorphins, the same chemical released during the "runner's high." When acupuncture points are stimulated during treatment, the body releases this natural pain-blocking chemical. These acupuncture points lie along pathways identified by Chinese medicine called meridians.
According to TCM, living organisms are a series of pathways of energy conduits or meridian channels. Diagnostic acupuncture uses these channels or meridians to detect blockages in flow, indicating blockages of energy. Vital energy, known as Qi in Chinese medicine, flows through 12 paired meridian channels, cycling throughout the body.
As long as the body's qi is able to move freely through the meridians we are able to maintain optimal health. Why does acupuncture use needles? The qi comes close to the surface of the skin at certain points, and these points are prone to stimulation with either the fine needles that an acupuncturist uses, moxibustion, or acupressure.
The number and frequency of treatment is dependent on the severity and length of the medical condition as well as the overall health and vitality of the patient. Adverse side effects of acupuncture are extremely low and are often lower than conventional western medical treatment options. Those who suffer from complex or long-standing medical problems may need to seek treatment as often as once or twice per week for several months.
Acupuncture has been recognized by the National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization as a safe, natural, drug-free, and, perhaps most importantly, effective method of addressing the symptoms and root causes of many health challenges. Its use in China, Japan, and other parts of Asia for thousands of years speaks to its efficacy as well. It's a natural and powerful medicine that has been practiced for over 2,000 years. And it works. - 15995
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Do you need help in relieving pain, quitting smoking, or treating infertility? Evolve Wellness is a Los Angeles Acupuncture Center that has been helping hundreds of patients overcome a variety of medical challenges since 1998. Call or schedule an appointment with one of our Los Angeles Acupuncturists today.
