Acupuncture is Healing of a Different Nature.
Acupuncture is a functional medicine that promotes health via the insertion of very thin needles into specific points along the body. Needles are used only once and then disposed of after each treatment. The results of an acupuncture treatment are relaxation, a sense of well-being, reduction in pain and the re-establishment of proper circulation, nutrient flow and other essential substances to and from the vital organs. Acupuncture enhances health and regulates the entire body's level of functioning, meaning that once your body is working harmoniously again, illness can, and often does subside. Acupressure, for me, goes to the emotional sources of physical pain, empowering you to make the necessary changes in order to support the quality of life Chinese Medicine can help you achieve.
The needles do not reach the arteries, veins or nerves. They reach "Meridians". Meridians are not visible to the surgeon's eye. They are channels that carry the "Qi". They run alongside arteries, veins and nerves in a very complex pattern, so that the Qi in them can encourage the body to live and function. Qi is immaterial, it is what enables a person to walk, talk, think, feel and exist. It has been called "energy", but more specifically, it is what creates energy. It is the spirit of life, the life force.
Here are a few simple examples of how Qi can affect our health adversely: If Qi is deficient, you feel tired. If it is blocked, you feel pain. If it is rising up, you have headaches. If it stagnates, you are irritable. If blood is deficient, not yet to the stage where Western Medicine diagnoses anemia, but still, you are suffering from palpitations, sleeplessness, anxiety or forgetfullness, Chinese medicine can help you. If blood is stagnated, you feel pain. Acupuncture can help you here, too.
Needles inserted along specific acupuncture points on specific meridians can unblock, nourish or smooth the course of Qi, blood and body fluids, thereby relieving or eliminating many symptoms of illness.
It's all about balance.
Because acupuncture and herbs are medicine, there are chances that an error can be made. If you are informed of the risks that have been documented, you have all of the information you need to decide whether Chinese medicine is more, or less harmful then the care you've been receiving, or you want to use both western and Chinese.
Here is a statement from the Informed Consent to Treat form that i have everyone sign in the office: "I am aware that acupunture can have side effects.......there may be bruising, numbness and tingling along the site for a few days after treatment...." When you come in, be sure to read the whole paragraph thoroughly. Rare side effects of a more serious nature are described.