Acupuncture is a medical procedure which uses sterile stainless steel needles inserted into specific points along the body to treat both pain and other health problems.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
According to Oriental Medical Theory, energy flows through channels within the body called Meridians. Acupuncture works by restoring and balancing this energy.
What Is Meridian Therapy?
While the principle of Acupuncture does not change the technique used can vary, just as there are many different strokes used in swimming.
Meridian Therapy is the stimulation of Acupuncture points without the use of needles. This can be accomplished by using a very mild electrical current (Microcurrent), Ultrasound, Laser or light massage.
Is Treatment Painful?
Often times patients do not feel the needle insertion at all. The needles are inserted very quickly and are extremely thin, about the diameter of a human hair. Many people relate the sensation of Acupuncture needle insertion to a “mosquito bite”. Non-needle Meridian Therapy is generally not painful at all and can feel soothing.
Is Acupuncture Expensive?
The cost of Acupuncture treatment varies in different parts of the country. However the average appears to be between $50.00 and $85.00 per treatment.
How Many Treatments are Needed?
Obviously the number of treatments vary with different conditions and individuals. Chronic problems generally require more treatment than acute ones. Some patients notice an immediate improvement after the first treatment, whereas others may not notice any effect until the seventh or eight visit.
Are Results Psychological?
Many critics of Acupuncture have suggested the results are a consequence of "mind over matter." This criticism is totally unfounded as Acupuncture has startling affects in infants and toddlers as well as veterinary applications. However a positive outlook is obviously beneficial in all phases of life, including healing and wellness.
The National Institutes of Health acknowledges that acupuncture shows "promising results" in relieving pain after medical or dental surgery, and may help with headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, low back pain and other conditions. A recent study found that acupuncture reduced pain by 36 percent in people with advanced cancer.
Addiction Control: Acupuncture has gained a great deal of notoriety in recent years concerning its considerable success with addiction control.
It has been shown that Acupuncture has a very positive effect in the area of drug and alcohol addiction. This procedure in conjunction with professional counseling has been shown effective.