Traditional Chinese Medicine and the ancient practice of acupuncture have been around for over 3500 years. Why? Because it works! And thanks to modern technology, Acupuncture treatments are relaxing, effective, and painless!
From a scientific perspective, acupuncture works by activating the Central Nervous System. As needles are placed in the body, a message is sent to the brain to release the body’s natural opiates to reduce pain, increase circulation and improve range of motion. Acupuncture also stimulates the secretion of antibodies and anti-inflammatory hormones in order for the body to heal itself. After a treatment, a patient will often report feelings of euphoria and happiness, as well as, a decrease in the amount of pain felt.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, disease is caused by disruptions to the flow of energy, or <em>Qi</em>, in the body. The <em>qi</em> is said to flow through meridians, or pathways, made accessible through 350 acupuncture points on the body that correspond to different organs. During an acupuncture session, an Acupuncturist will insert very thin, sterilized needles into these points with appropriate combinations with the aim of balancing their Qi.
According to The World Health Organization (WHO), acupuncture has been proven effective for all types of pain; back pain, knee pain, neck pain, and arthritis pain to name a few. Additional disorders that may benefit from acupuncture are painful periods, infertility, TMJ, migraines, Fibromyalgia, and allergies. There are over 100 conditions that acupuncture has shown to be successful in treating!
Today acupuncture is one of the most popular practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the West. The long-term benefits and low risk of side effects makes it a viable treatment for all your wellness concerns.
In this blog, our Acupuncturist, Dr. Christie describes how her methods are complimentary to the modes of therapy we already use at Affinity Acupuncture & Rolfing. To learn more, please be sure to call the office at (310) 390-7500 to set up your first acupuncture session!