Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient style of medicine that involves the insertion of hair-thin needles into the body that helps the body heal itself of disease. It is a safe and effective form of holistic medicine that has gained recognition by the World Health Organization and the National Institute of Health.

What are the benefits of Acupuncture?
Acupuncture results in freedom from pain, disease and discomfort without the harsh side effects that are often associated with most prescription medications. It also adds a sense of relaxation from everyday stressors and induces increased vitality and energy in its patients. Other benefits of Acupuncture included a stronger immune system, proper digestion and an all over sense of balance throughout the body and mind. Acupuncture can also help break addictions such as smoking and alcohol.

How does Acupuncture work?
Hair-thin acupuncture needles are inserted into the body along specific acupoints. These points lie on particular channels, known as meridians that are connected to various organs. The ancient Chinese believed that a vital substance known as Qi (energy) flows through these meridians. Whenever there is a blockage or deficiency of Qi in these meridians, pain or chronic disease result. These blockages or deficiencies can be caused by many factors in our day-to-day activities such the environment, emotions, improper diet or improper lifestyle choices. When the needle is set into place, the body is manipulated to produce more Qi or to send Qi to a particular area of the body; it’s like turning on a water faucet to irrigate dry crops or to unplug a dam.

The Western view of how acupuncture works is that it influences the body’s natural painkillers known as endorphins. Additionally, acupuncture “tricks” the immune system into thinking that the body is being invaded by foreign vectors and thus, the immune system releases white blood cells to fight off disease.

Is Acupuncture painful?
The answer is yes and no. As with any practice, certain points on the body can be sensitive during treatment. This is wholly dependent on the treatment area’s condition. While most patients experience minimal to no discomfort, every person’s ability to tolerate pain is unique.

How many treatments will I need?
It depends on the nature and the severity of the patient’s condition. Some people feel better in one session and some people--those with chronic problems--need a little more time. The speed at which one heals is determined by the changes a patient makes in his or her lifestyle in conjunction with further treatments.

Do you have to “believe” in Acupuncture for it to work?
This is a question that has been asked many times and the answer is “no.” Acupuncture is not based on belief or post-hypnotic suggestions to elicit an effect.

Are there any side effects from Acupuncture?
Although acupuncture is a holistic and non-invasive treatment system and with very little side effects, rare cases of the following can occur:

       Post-treatment dizziness and/or fainting
       Bruising
       Needle-stick
       Pneumothorax
       Burns from moxibustion

What will my first treatment be like?
Your initial consult will start off with an interview with the Practioner. The interview consists of questions regarding the condition needing treatment. The patient is also encouraged to discuss lifestyle choices such as diet, sleep, emotions, breathing, energy level throughout the day, and so on; factors known to disrupt the flow of Qi.

After the interview, the Practioner will do a physical examination of the pulse and tongue and conduct abdominal palpations, all indicators of disease or physical distress.

Once the interview and physical exam are complete, the Practioner will make a diagnosis based on Eastern principles of medicine, and a treatment plan is prescribed.

The patient will then undergo an initial treatment with acupuncture needles placed into particular points along the body for a period of 15-30 minutes, depending on the severity of the condition.

After the initial treatment, the Practioner will reevaluate the patient and then formulate a treatment plan to heal the patient’s condition.

Are there different styles of Acupuncture?
Yes, there are. Ancient evidence has shown that acupuncture originated in China. Since then the art has spread to different areas of Asia and each area has thus, developed unique techniques in line with its region.

Zenohs Acupuncture practices TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), a modern style of Chinese Acupuncture based on 17th century herbal theory.

Are needles the only thing going to be using to make me feel better?
No. In addition to standard acupuncture treatment, combinations of compatible adjunctive techniques are also incorporated to achieve the maximum amount of relief.

       Moxibustion
       Cupping
       Gua Sha
       Massage (Amma)
       Bloodletting
       Electro-stimulation
       Auricular acupuncture
       Scalp acupuncture (Shun Fa Jiao style)