How Does Acupuncture Work
Acupuncture has been used in China for over 5,000 years. It is based on long term clinical experiences. It views the human body as a biological energy field rather than a collection of tissues. The free flow of energy indicates health, while an imbalanced, blocked flow indicates illness.
By inserting needles into selected points on these pathways, the normal flow of energy may be restored and balanced: “There is no pain if there is free flow; pain indicates no free flow “. Modern research has shown that acupuncture may trigger the higher nerve centers of the body to release the body’s own natural pain killers, called endorphins, to the injured area for relief from pain.
What Can I Expect After Treatment?
Some patients experience immediate pain relief, and some experience gradual relief. In some cases immediate relief may last, while in others the pain may return; but with continued acupuncture treatment the pain will gradually decrease, and long term relief will occur. In a few cases the pain may seem worse after an acupuncture treatment. This is called the rebound effect, and the pain can be expected to stop gradually.
Do the Needles Hurt?
An acupuncture needle is so fine and thin that it can fit inside a needle used for hypodermic injections. You may feel a slight pricking, tingling,dullness, pressure or electric sensation either around the needle or traveling up or down your body along the affected meridian and energy pathway.
Are the Needles Clean?
Yes! In our clinic, we use disposable needles only! They are surgically sterilized by the manufacturer and are packed individually. This eliminates the possibility of transmitting communicable disease by contaminated needles.