Acupuncture

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What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a widely accepted component of our health care system. It originated in China and can be traced back at least 2,500 years. The general theory of acupuncture is based on the premise that there are patterns of energy flow (Qi) through the body that are essential for health. Disruptions of this flow are believed to be responsible for disease. Acupuncture may correct imbalances of flow at identifiable points close to the skin.

Acupuncture is a procedure which involves stimulation of anatomical locations on or in the skin by a variety of techniques. There are a variety of approaches to diagnosis and treatment in North American acupuncture that incorporate medical traditions from China, Japan, Korea, and other countries. The most thoroughly studied mechanism of stimulation of acupuncture points employs penetration of the skin by thin, solid, metallic needles, which are manipulated manually or by electrical stimulation.

For what conditions has this treatment been found helpful?
Acupuncture has been found to be effective in relieving symptoms associated with post-operative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting and in post-operative dental pain. There are other situations such as addiction (such as smoking), stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma where this treatment may be useful as an adjunct treatment or an acceptable alternative or be included in a comprehensive management program.