On Point Acupuncture - Offering licensed acupuncture services at the office

Acupuncture is one of five branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which also includes Herbalism, Nutrition, Massage, and Meditation. It is originally from China and has a history of use for over 3,000 years. Acupuncture received a large amount of press in the United States in 1972 when James Reston, reporter from the New York Times traveled to China and received acupuncture for post-operative pain after an appendectomy. Acupuncture needles are fine, stainless steel needles about the diameter of a few strands of hair. A guided insertion is commonly used to assist the quickest insertion and distract pain receptors around the insertion site. Patients often comment they do not feel the insertion. A sensation is often felt once the needle reaches the level of the body’s energy, or Qi. This unique sensation has been described as an “ache”, “tingle”, “tickle”, “heat”, or “heavy” sensation. However it is described, the sensation should dissipate within a few seconds. The amount of needles used varies depending upon the condition and the person. I use anywhere from 1-16 needles in one treatment. The placement of the needles is also unique to the person and condition, and might be placed in the knee even though it is back pain that is the complaint. Needles are generally retained for a period of 15-45 minutes, again dependent on the person and condition. A sense of relaxation can be expected after an acupuncture treatment.

Eastern Sciences Explains:

on point acupuncture Acupuncture effectiveness is based on the Traditional Chinese Medical theory of meridians. Meridians are lines of energy, unseen by conventional X-Rays or MRIs, they carry Qi (pronounced “chi”) or energy and lie a few millimeters below our skin. Acupuncture works to balance meridians, which may be off balance due to an injury, stress, improper diet, or other lifestyle factors. The fundamental principle of acupuncture is depicted in the yin yang symbol, to bring balance into our lives.

Western Sciences Theorizes:

Western science has conducted many studies and trials to explain the acupuncture. Usually the tests are based on blood draws before and after an acupuncture treatment. The levels of certain chemicals, neurotransmitters, and hormones may change after the treatment and western scientists develop theories based on the changes.

One theory of acupuncture’s effectiveness is due to an increase in circulation of blood. This can be demonstrated while treating edema or discoloration of an area and changes may be produced immediately after the treatment.

what is aupuncture Endorphins are released with acupuncture, and may be the cause for the immediate decrease in pain, including back pain, neck pain, knee pain, headaches, and menstrual cramps.

White blood cells are produced when the body receives acupuncture. This may be how acupuncture helps with immune compromised patients, and treating cold and flus.

Certain neurotransmitters are released after acupuncture, including serotonin, which may explain the deep relaxation felt with acupuncture and its effectiveness for treating depression.

According to the National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO), acupuncture may be effective in treating the following ailments:

Stress	Pain	Emotional Distress
Depression	Anxiety	Insomnia
Smoking Cessation	Addiction	Dizziness
Fatigue	Weight Management	Motion Sickness
Nausea	Vomiting	Joint Pain
Bone Pain	Nerve Pain	Dental Pain
Cancer Pain	Sciatica	Arthritis
Tennis Elbow	Headaches	TMJ
Chronic Fatigue	Fibromyalgia	Infertility
PMS	Menstrual Disorders	Menopause
UTI’s	Incontinence

For appointments please call On Point Acupuncture 802-244-8531