WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?

Acupuncture, simply stated, is a health science which is used to successfully treat both pain and dysfunction in the body.

Acupuncture has its roots deeply planted in China. In fact, authorities agree the science is between 5000 and 7000 years old. Its use spread athroughout ancient Egypt, the Middle East, the Roman Empire and later into Western Europe as merchants and missionaries to China told of the amazing discoveries the people of the Orient had developed. Acupuncture did not become publicly known in North America until 1971, when diplomatic relations between China and America were relaxed. At first glimpse, acupuncture appears strange, as its primary notoriety is the utilization of needles placed in the skin at various locations to relieve pain or affect a body part. Early Chinese physicians discovered there is an energy network traversing just below the surface of the skin which communicates from the exterior to the internal organs and structures at over 1000 "acupoints" on the body.

HOW DOES IT WORK? Far too often in the medical professions, a patient is told after extensive examination, "There is nothing wrong", "It's all in your head", or "Sorry, you'll have to learn to live with it". The examining doctor unable to find the cause of the problem has little else to tell the patient. Fortunately, many physicians are now referring their patients for an acupuncture evaluation.

• allows the body to release natural painkillers known as endorphins
• allows the body to release natural anti-inflammatories to decrease swelling
• decrease spasm and trigger points on muscle

However, as more discoveries are made, more research is indicated.

IS TREATMENT PAINFUL?

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 hypoderminc 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 sensation as "as less than a mosquito bite". A phenomena referred to as "THE CHI" occurs when the energy 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 laser stimulation to the acupoint with equal effectiveness as the needle. In addition, there is the use of electronic stimulation on needles to intensify acupuncture's effects. These procedures are painless. Top of page

HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE USUAL?

Obviously, the number of treatments vary 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 eighth visit. It's been shown that a certain percentage of patients receive maximum benefit up to three months following the start 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 ten and twenty-five. The usual frequency is two and four times per week.
Patients are urged not to enter an acupuncture program with the though of Ataking a few@ to see what will happen. Even though it is possible to achieve success, a program of ten visits would have a better chance for success. Patients are encouraged to be patient with the healing process. If ten 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.

ARE RESULTS PSYCHOLOGICAL?

Many critics of acupuncture have suggested the science is hypnosis or "mind over 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 anaesthetic further disclaims the skeptics. Even total disbelievers report favourable response to acupuncture.

WHAT CONDITIONS ARE ACCEPTED?

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 Centre 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, neck pain, upper and mid-back pain, low back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis, sprains and strains, froqen shoulder, tennis elbow, post-operative pain relief, gastric problems, asthma, allergies, skin conditions, hemorrhoids, abnormal blood pressure, fatigue, anxiety, neurologic syndromes, various eye problems, etc., etc.

This is only a partial list of the numerous conditions acupuncture has been credited with helping. Top of page

ARE RESULTS PERMANENT?

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 maintenance treatment.

ADDICTION CONTROL

Acupuncture has gained a great deal of acclaim in recent years concerning its considerable success with addiction control. It has been shown that acupuncture has a very positive effect in the area of both drug and alcohol addiction. This procedure, in conjunction with professional counselling, has been proven extremely effective.
One of the most noteworthy addictions acupuncture helps is smoking. Treatments generally allow the patient to stop without experiencing the negative side effects of quitting. Acupuncture also has a favourable effect in weight control. Currently, there are several clinics in the U.S. devoted solely to drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

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