Stratton Chiropractic and Family Health Center

Specializing in the care of Expectant Mothers, Newborns, and Children.

Acupuncture is an ancient technique which has been practiced in China for over 4000 years. Traditional Chinese Medicine views health as a constantly changing flow of energy, or Chi. Chi flows through 14 different channels, or meridians, on both sides of the body. Each contains a definitive number of specific acupuncture points which affect the energy. When the energy is either decreased or increased in a particular meridian, causing an imbalance, disease can result. Due to the diet, work, and overall lifestyle of Americans today, the imbalance is usually noted as a deficiency of energy rather than an excess. The goal then becomes to restore the energy and return balance to the body. Because each meridian is associated with a body organ or organ system, acupuncture can treat the entire human body. Acupuncturists use very thin needles inserted into the acupuncture points along the energy meridians to regulate the imbalances of the energy. This stimulates the body's internal healing mechanisms and allows for the eradication of the disease.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been used in Asia to treat almost any illness, including flu and common colds, high blood pressure, and appendicitis. Is is also a common form of non-drug anesthesia for surgery and childbirth in China. In the US, the most common ailments treated are chronic pain syndromes, such as arthritis, headaches, and back pain. However, western medicine is beginning to accept the role of acupuncture in treating many different ailments including nausea due to chemotherapy and morning sickness, allergies and addictions.

Insertion of the very thin needle elicits no pain, however once the acupuncture point is reached and the chi is stimulated the patient may feel a sensation. This sensation is different for everyone. Some patients describe a tingling, others a slight ache, and still others cannot describe the sensation but state it is slightly uncomfortable. If electrical stimulation is used, the patient will feel a slight pulsatile tingling sensation.

It is important to eat something within 2-3 hours before an acupuncture treatment. Treatment on an empty stomach may cause a patient to become nauseous. Do not drink any alcohol or do strenuous physical activity within 2-3 hours before treatment. Make sure you tell your acupuncturist if you are pregnant or might be pregnant. Also inform your acupuncturist if you have a pacemaker, wires, or any other metal in your body. Lastly, remember to relax and enjoy your treatment.

Inside this article:

- What is acupuncture?

- How to prepare for your first visit

“Acupuncture can also help you feel and look younger…”

A Patient’s Guide to Acupuncture

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