Healing with Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a natural, alternative medicine that has been practiced for centuries in Chinese culture. A key component of Chinese medicine, it has become popular as an alternative medicine technique worldwide.
Chinese culture views acupuncture as a way of balancing the body’s flow of energy or chi (qi). Western culture has a more scientific explanation of why it helps heal the body; believing that placing the needles at certain points helps increase the blood flow by stimulating the nerves, tissues, and muscles. This increased blood flow and stimulation causes the body to produce its own natural pain relievers or endorphins.
There are actually 10 different variations of acupuncture, with the most common types being acupressure, needle insertion and electrical stimulation.
Benefits of Acupuncture
Acupuncture can be used as an alternative medicine or as a complimentary treatment to conventional medical care. People say that they have little to no pain with the treatment and minimal to no side effects after treatment. There may be mild swelling and tenderness where the needles have been placed; however, using ice therapy on the area at first and then applying heat will help minimize any discomfort.
Acupuncture can help with:
- Lower Back Pain
- Neck Pain
- Headaches & Migraines
- Arthritic Pain
- Knee Pain
- Nausea (Including nausea from chemotherapy)
- Chronic Pain
- Insomnia
- Carpal Tunnel
- Bell’s Palsy
- Smoking Cessation
- Fibromyalgia
- Sciatica
- And a variety of other issues
The World Health Organization accepts 28 different conditions that acupuncture can help and it is accepted worldwide as an alternative medicine for a variety of health conditions. Approximately 3 million Americans utilize acupuncture today.
Choose a licensed acupuncturist that only uses sterilized needles. There are minimal risks involved with acupuncture, especially if you choose a practitioner who is trained and licensed; however, those who are on blood thinners should consult their physician first. Pregnant women should always consult their physician before any treatment.
Live Your Life Physical Therapy offers acupuncture as one of our many services created to help you Live Your Life PAIN FREE!
Dr. Eva Norman
President & Founder
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Live Your Life Physical Therapy, LLC
Cited Works:
“A visual guide to acupuncture” – MedicineNet.com
