If the U.S. Army, Harvard Medical School and MIT are in your corner, you know you're in good company. Acupuncturists and their patients must feel pretty popular lately, because those are exactly the organizations vetting them. A recent paper published in a peer-reviewed journal conducted by Harvard Med School and MIT should silence many of acupuncture's doubters: acupuncture was demonstrated to have an effect greater than placebo. So the positive medical benefits experienced by patients can't be dismissed as "in their heads" any more or the products of chance. Even the U.S. Army believes. They've recently allowed "battlefield" acupuncture to be performed for soldiers suffering from chronic and acute pain.
According to the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture, acute and chronic pain can often be treated with acupuncture as the primary therapeutic modality. So those common aches and pains, spasms, sprains, or repetitive stress injuries you get? Try acupuncture instead of your normal pill. In fact, many common conditions can be just as treated at least as effectively with acupuncture than with the over counter medicine. Migraines, motion sickness, ulcers, liver problems, kidney problems, and arthritis, to name a few, are all conditions acupuncture can help to alleviate, often times with fewer unwanted side effects, than OTC medications.
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.
Western science is slowly beginning to understand the science behind the seeming magic that often results from acupuncture. Major pieces of the puzzle, however, have been identified. When traditional acupuncture points are stimulated with fine needles during the course of an acupuncture treatment, studies have shown that the brain's natural "feel good" chemicals - opioids or endorphins - are released. These same chemicals are responsible for not only elevating mood but for relieving pain. The points that are stimulated during treatment lie along paths which are called meridians in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
According to TCM, living organisms are a series of pathways of energy conduits or meridian channels. Diagnostic acupuncture uses these channels or meridians to detect blockages in flow, indicating blockages of energy. Vital energy, known as Qi in Chinese medicine, flows through 12 paired meridian channels, cycling throughout the body.
As long as the body's qi is able to move freely through the meridians we are able to maintain optimal health. Why does acupuncture use needles? The qi comes close to the surface of the skin at certain points, and these points are prone to stimulation with either the fine needles that an acupuncturist uses, moxibustion, or acupressure.
Many potential patients wonder how often and how long they'll need to receive treatment. Like any other medical treatment, the answer lies with the patient himself. How long has the problem been experienced? What is it's severity? What is your overall level of health? If you suffer from a complex medical condition, you may need to see an acupuncturist as often as a few times a week, perhaps for months. Less severe conditions may require just a few visits, or monthly treatments to maintain balance.
Acupuncture has been recognized by the National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization as a safe, natural, drug-free, and, perhaps most importantly, effective method of addressing the symptoms and root causes of many health challenges. Its use in China, Japan, and other parts of Asia for thousands of years speaks to its efficacy as well. It's a natural and powerful medicine that has been practiced for over 2,000 years. And it works. - 16492
According to the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture, acute and chronic pain can often be treated with acupuncture as the primary therapeutic modality. So those common aches and pains, spasms, sprains, or repetitive stress injuries you get? Try acupuncture instead of your normal pill. In fact, many common conditions can be just as treated at least as effectively with acupuncture than with the over counter medicine. Migraines, motion sickness, ulcers, liver problems, kidney problems, and arthritis, to name a few, are all conditions acupuncture can help to alleviate, often times with fewer unwanted side effects, than OTC medications.
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.
Western science is slowly beginning to understand the science behind the seeming magic that often results from acupuncture. Major pieces of the puzzle, however, have been identified. When traditional acupuncture points are stimulated with fine needles during the course of an acupuncture treatment, studies have shown that the brain's natural "feel good" chemicals - opioids or endorphins - are released. These same chemicals are responsible for not only elevating mood but for relieving pain. The points that are stimulated during treatment lie along paths which are called meridians in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
According to TCM, living organisms are a series of pathways of energy conduits or meridian channels. Diagnostic acupuncture uses these channels or meridians to detect blockages in flow, indicating blockages of energy. Vital energy, known as Qi in Chinese medicine, flows through 12 paired meridian channels, cycling throughout the body.
As long as the body's qi is able to move freely through the meridians we are able to maintain optimal health. Why does acupuncture use needles? The qi comes close to the surface of the skin at certain points, and these points are prone to stimulation with either the fine needles that an acupuncturist uses, moxibustion, or acupressure.
Many potential patients wonder how often and how long they'll need to receive treatment. Like any other medical treatment, the answer lies with the patient himself. How long has the problem been experienced? What is it's severity? What is your overall level of health? If you suffer from a complex medical condition, you may need to see an acupuncturist as often as a few times a week, perhaps for months. Less severe conditions may require just a few visits, or monthly treatments to maintain balance.
Acupuncture has been recognized by the National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization as a safe, natural, drug-free, and, perhaps most importantly, effective method of addressing the symptoms and root causes of many health challenges. Its use in China, Japan, and other parts of Asia for thousands of years speaks to its efficacy as well. It's a natural and powerful medicine that has been practiced for over 2,000 years. And it works. - 16492
About the Author:
Since 1998, Evolve Wellness has been helping patients treat migraines, HIV, infertility, depression, and addiction. Our Los Angeles Acupuncture Center has helped hundreds in the Los Angeles Area regain their health and well-being. Our talented and caring team of Los Angeles Acupuncturists is ready to help you overcome your health issues. Call or visit us today.
