What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the practice of inserting ultra fine needles into specific points of energy that are located along 14 Channels that cover the entire body. There are 365 classical Acupuncture points associated with the 14 channels and 40 ‘extra’ points that are not associated with any particular channels. These points and channels, established millennia ago and confirmed by consistent practice, have show that skillful insertion and manipulation of specific points will produce predictable results in the body.
How does acupuncture work?
In a healthy state the human body functions in a state of balance. When we get sick, be that physically or mentally, that indicates an imbalance in one of the systems within our body. The use of acupuncture enables us to correct that imbalance.
Is acupuncture painful?
Acupuncture should not be painful. When your practitioner inserts a needle, she/ he looks for signs that Qi has arrived by a number of signs. You may feel a dull ache, perhaps a feeling of electricity or tingling, a sensation of heat or cold, or it may just feel strange. Sometimes you can feel Qi running up or down the body or a limb. At no time, though, should you have any sensation that is beyond your tolerance level. If you do, let your practitioner know right away. The fact is that the vast majority of clients report that, after a while, they begin to feel a real sense of well-being, almost euphoria.
What does acupuncture treat?
The spectrum of symptoms that acupuncture treats is expansive. The World Health Organization has endorsed a large list of conditions that can be treated with acupuncture and all of these can be viewed on their website. The conditions range from neurological to musculoskeletal to gastrointestinal to respiratory to reproductive.
Will Acupuncture interfere with my medication?
The short answer is no, but you may find your medication working more efficiently since Acupuncture has a tendency to remove blockages and balance the energetic pathways. If your medication is dosage sensitive, make sure you see your Doctor to monitor your dosages. Make sure you know what the signs of overdosing are, if any. It is never a good idea to stop taking medication without your Doctor’s guidance. Western pharmaceuticals are potent. In many cases you need to reduce dosages gradually to avoid unpleasant reactions.
How long will it last?
The effects vary depending on the symptoms and whether or not the condition is chronic or acute.
What does it take to become an acupuncturist?
A lot of dedication. Specifically I was required to complete over 2100 hours of curriculum to receive my diploma. This involved taking a combination of western and eastern courses as well as doing many hours of clinical work. Ultimately it is a life long endeavor.