Acupuncture is an ancient healing art that has been practiced for more than 5,000 years. More people have been treated with acupuncture than any other form of treatment in history. It has its roots deeply planted in China and Taoism, and practitioners of acupuncture have used this non-invasive medical system to diagnose and help millions of people get well and stay healthy.
Acupuncture is especially beneficial for back and neck pain, knee pain, and headaches.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of one-time-use sterile needles into strategic points of the body which are also called acupuncture points. These points have been found to be the key areas of the body that, when stimulated by pressure or needles, can have a profound therapeutic result.
It is said that centuries ago warriors would come back from battle with a wound, say on their leg from a spear or arrow, and a pain in their shoulder they had their entire life was suddenly gone.
This is what prompted the study of acupuncture points. Each acupuncture point is connected to other points along what is called a meridian or energetic pathway. The energy that passes through these meridians and acupuncture points is called qi (pronounced “chee”).
Qi
Qi is the energy that animates all life. Although, science has not yet been able to identify and measure qi, we are able to observe its effects.
One thing we know is that our health and healing is directly proportional to the free flow of proper circulation in the body. The traditional Chinese classic medical texts state the “qi follows the blood”. The more blood flow you have the more qi flow you have, but not all blood and qi is the same.
Some people have excess qi or deficient qi in their bodies. One way to think about qi and healing is with an injury to the body. Imagine injury as a traffic jam due to an accident – acupuncture needles act like a traffic controller to the site. It allows new healing blood and qi to get in and repair, and directs broken, inflamed tissues to get out. In this example, it results in free-flowing traffic. For acupuncture patients, it means better health.
Effectiveness of Acupuncture
Acupuncture has gained worldwide acceptance and recognition as an effective medical treatment.
The use of acupuncture is so powerful and its results so widely accepted that it’s now an essential healthcare benefit in the state of California. This is a major benefit since it’s now covered by medical insurance throughout the United States.
Acupuncture is but one modality in the system of Eastern medicine. In Eastern medicine, we use:
- Acupuncture
- Herbs
- Cupping
- Manual therapy called Tui Na which has traditionally included bone-setting. Some say it is the predecessor to chiropractic
- Gua sha or “scraping” or “coining” which is now commonly used in sports medicine; again the predecessor to a chiropractic technique call Graston technique
- Qigong which is an ancient set of therapeutic exercises that cultivate and move Qi
- Diagnostic procedures that involve observing the five senses, tongue, and reading the pulse
Acupuncture promotes natural healing by enhancing recuperative power, immunity, and physical, and emotional health. It can also improve overall function and well-being.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Acupuncture is a safe, painless, and effective way to alleviate a wide variety of medical problems. During a session, Dr. Hoover – a licensed and experienced acupuncturist – will use very small, hair-thin needles.
Acupuncture is extremely safe and an effective form of health care that has evolved into a complete and holistic medical system. It’s an all natural, drug-free therapy, yielding no negative side effects, leaving you with feelings of relaxation and well-being.
What to Expect
Acupuncture is available at SOHMA Long Beach Monday through Saturday. Treatments last 20 minutes on average.
