MIT. Harvard. The U.S. Army. What do these great American institutions have in common? They've all fallen in love with acupuncture. In the Journal of Brain Research, a peer-reviewed joint study by Harvard Medical School and MIT was published in late 2008. It showed that acupuncture has an effect greater than placebo. The U.S. Army is allowing military doctors to treat soldiers who suffer from chronic or severe pain with a specialized form of acupuncture: ear acupuncture. And those soldiers find relief. It seems that the initial doubts many Americans had about this Chinese medicine are fading.
Acupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is useful for treating pain in the musculoskeletal system such as sprains and repetitive stress injuries. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. Gastric bleeding, ulcers, nausea, drowsiness, arthritis, headaches - the long list of conditions which are often treated by over the counter medication are often as effectively or more effectively treated by acupuncture. And, even more importantly, with fewer side effects, according to the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture.
This ancient medicine is still working wonders at not just relieving pain but in treating other maladies as well. While physical problems such as high blood pressure, low back pain, and asthma can be treated with acupuncture, emotional pain - depression, anxiety, and generalized stress - can also be greatly improved with the use of acupuncture.
How exactly does acupuncture produce its effects? The fact that Western science is only now beginning to discover the answer to this question has often led lay people and medical professionals alike to demonstrate a healthy skepticism to this traditional medicine. But that doubt is slowly being replaced by belief as more studies continue to document what the Chinese have known for thousands of years: acupuncture works. Numerous studies have shown that acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins by stimulating the meridians or energy pathways of a patient. The endorphins are responsible for the improvement in mood patients often feel as well as their lower pain.
Qi is the energy that flows through the energy pathways that Traditional Chinese Medicine believes exist in every human being. These pathways, called meridians, regulate the proper flow of qi in a healthy individual. If this qi becomes stuck or irregular at any point in the pathway, disease can develop. Through the use of fine needles during an acupuncture treatment, the acupuncturist helps dislodge the stuck energy to begin the process of healing.
While many patients are apprehensive about having needles inserted into their skin, these needles are instrumental in the practice of acupuncture. And you'll be relieved to know that they are actually pretty painless. The worst you'll feel is similar to a mosquito bite, but often, you won't feel a thing when they're inserted. The insertion of these needles at the acupuncture points are what stimulate the dislodgment of "stuck" energy along the meridians. Acupressure also works in the same way but uses pressures, usually delivered manually, instead of needles.
The number and frequency of treatment is dependent on the severity and length of the medical condition as well as the overall health and vitality of the patient. Adverse side effects of acupuncture are extremely low and are often lower than conventional western medical treatment options. Those who suffer from complex or long-standing medical problems may need to seek treatment as often as once or twice per week for several months.
Acupuncture is a medical science that has existed for over 2,000 years. While its practice originates in the Asian countries of China and Japan, it has experience a surge in popularity in Western countries. It is a safe and drug-free treatment option for addressing many, if not all, health conditions, and is recognized by the National Institutes of Health. It's an age-old practice whose popularity continues to grow and amaze. - 15343
Acupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is useful for treating pain in the musculoskeletal system such as sprains and repetitive stress injuries. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. Gastric bleeding, ulcers, nausea, drowsiness, arthritis, headaches - the long list of conditions which are often treated by over the counter medication are often as effectively or more effectively treated by acupuncture. And, even more importantly, with fewer side effects, according to the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture.
This ancient medicine is still working wonders at not just relieving pain but in treating other maladies as well. While physical problems such as high blood pressure, low back pain, and asthma can be treated with acupuncture, emotional pain - depression, anxiety, and generalized stress - can also be greatly improved with the use of acupuncture.
How exactly does acupuncture produce its effects? The fact that Western science is only now beginning to discover the answer to this question has often led lay people and medical professionals alike to demonstrate a healthy skepticism to this traditional medicine. But that doubt is slowly being replaced by belief as more studies continue to document what the Chinese have known for thousands of years: acupuncture works. Numerous studies have shown that acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins by stimulating the meridians or energy pathways of a patient. The endorphins are responsible for the improvement in mood patients often feel as well as their lower pain.
Qi is the energy that flows through the energy pathways that Traditional Chinese Medicine believes exist in every human being. These pathways, called meridians, regulate the proper flow of qi in a healthy individual. If this qi becomes stuck or irregular at any point in the pathway, disease can develop. Through the use of fine needles during an acupuncture treatment, the acupuncturist helps dislodge the stuck energy to begin the process of healing.
While many patients are apprehensive about having needles inserted into their skin, these needles are instrumental in the practice of acupuncture. And you'll be relieved to know that they are actually pretty painless. The worst you'll feel is similar to a mosquito bite, but often, you won't feel a thing when they're inserted. The insertion of these needles at the acupuncture points are what stimulate the dislodgment of "stuck" energy along the meridians. Acupressure also works in the same way but uses pressures, usually delivered manually, instead of needles.
The number and frequency of treatment is dependent on the severity and length of the medical condition as well as the overall health and vitality of the patient. Adverse side effects of acupuncture are extremely low and are often lower than conventional western medical treatment options. Those who suffer from complex or long-standing medical problems may need to seek treatment as often as once or twice per week for several months.
Acupuncture is a medical science that has existed for over 2,000 years. While its practice originates in the Asian countries of China and Japan, it has experience a surge in popularity in Western countries. It is a safe and drug-free treatment option for addressing many, if not all, health conditions, and is recognized by the National Institutes of Health. It's an age-old practice whose popularity continues to grow and amaze. - 15343
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Evolve Wellness has been helping Los Angeles patients regain their health and wellness for over a decade. From addictions and infertility to back pain and smoking - our Los Angeles Acupuncture Center can help you improve your physical well-being. Call or visit one of our talented team of Los Angeles Acupuncturists today.
