What is Acupuncture, and what kinds of diseases can it help?

Acupuncture is a healing act of inserting a needle into an acupuncture point in a meridian to correct an imbalance of the energetic pathways relating to the organs, muscles and nerves of the human body's surface.

The meridians connect the interior of the body with the exterior. Most acupuncture points relate to the meridians, Each acupuncture point has a defined therapeutic action. Those points are chosen according to Traditional Oriental Medicine which will promote natural healing of the body and improve its functioning. The needle may be applied with an electronic or heat source to further stimulate the points. Acupuncture is a ancient system, in fact it is over 2500 years old, and may have been practiced in China in a rudimentary from 5,000 to 7,000 years ago. The oldest medical textbook that relates to acupuncture is the “huang Di Nei Jing” which translates to “Yellow Emperor’s Internal Classic” and it is still relevant today. Acupuncture, although ancient, has evolved and changed over the course of its history, as many new techniques have been introduced.

What are the benefits of Acupuncture compare to western medicine?

West medicine generally focuses on and treats localized symptoms and problems, where as eastern medicine looks at the same problems in relation to the whole body and how those problems affect and interact with each other. Acupuncture promotes the natural healing capacity of body. Our body is designed to heal itself naturally, and many times western medicine will use artificial substances that are harmful itself. Acupuncture has been proven by clinical use for thousands of years and it is a preferred treatment for many types of illness.

Are Acupuncture results due to a placebo effect?

Physiological changes after acupuncture are not result of the placebo effect, and many results will occur without conscious knowledge of the patient. Many of the result are also measured by the scientific investigation such as MRI or other measurable physical change that can occur in body.

Is Acupuncture Treatment Painful?

Acupuncture needles are very fine and thin. Unlike injection needles which are many times thicker, most people will not find it painful by any means. The sensation of inserting the needle may resemble a mosquito bite.

Is Acupuncture Treatment Safe?

The needles are disposable and sterile, and acupuncture is a very safe treatment.

How long will one treatment take?

Time will take from 45 to 90 minutes depends on your condition.

What Conditions are Treatable by Acupuncture

Acupuncture is suitable for many types of health related issues, including chronic and degenerative diseases as well as acute conditions and pain. It also helps with the immune system by enhancing a weak response, or moderation of an overactive one.

The list of conditions includes:

• Upper Respiratory Tract disorders such as Acute sinusitis, Acute rhinitis, Common Cold, Acute tonsillitis
• Respiratory System such as Acute bronchitis, and Bronchial asthma (most effective in children and in patients without complicating diseases)
• Disorders of the Eye such as Acute conjunctivitis, Central retinitis, Myopia (in children), Cataract (without complications)
• Disorders of the Mouth such as Toothache, post-extraction pain, Gingivitis, Acute and chronic pharyngitis
• Gastro-intestinal Disorders such as Spasms of esophagus and cardia, Hiccough, Gastroptosis, Acute and chronic gastritis, Gastric hyperacidity, Chronic duodenal ulcer (pain relief), Acute duodenal ulcer (without complications), Acute and chronic colitis, Acute bacillary dysentery, Constipation, Diarrhea, Paralytic ileus
• Neurological and Musculo-skeletal Disorders such as Headache and migraine, Trigeminal neuralgia, Facial palsy (early stage, i.e., within three to six months), Pareses following a stroke, Peripheral neuropathies, Sequelae of poliomyelitis (early stage, i.e., within six months), Meniere's disease, Neurogenic bladder dysfunction, Nocturnal enuresis, Intercostal neuralgia, Cervicobrachial syndrome, "Frozen shoulder," "tennis elbow," Sciatica, Low back pain, Osteoarthritis, pre and postoperative pain, Knee, Joint, Leg pain, Cramps, Tingling and Numbness, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Emotional and Psychological Disorders such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia
• Infectious Diseases such as hepatitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, influenza, epidemic parotitis, poliomyelitis
• Skin Disorders such as urticaria, eczema, acne, alopecia areata, seborrheic dermatitis, neurodermatitis, vitiligo, chloasma, cutaneous pruritus
• Addictions such as alcohol, nicotine, drugs, sugar

In 1979 The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a recommended provisional list of 43 kinds of diseases amenable to acupuncture treatment.

The list includes:

• Gastrointestinal Disorders: food allergies, peptic ulcer, chronic diarrhea, dysentery, constipation, indigestion, gastrointestinal weakness, anorexia, chronic (acute) gastritis, enteritis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, gastroptosis, etc.
• Urogenital Disorders: stress incontinence, urinary tract infections, nephroptosia, nephritis, and sexual dysfunction, etc.
• Gynecological Disorders: irregular, heavy, or painful menstruation, amenorrhea, menopausal syndrome, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), infertility in women and men, and all kinds of gynecological inflammation
• Respiratory Disorders: emphysema, asthma, allergies, bronchitis, and pneumonitis
• Disorders of the Bones, Muscles, Joints and Nervous System: rheumatic (rheumatoid) arthritis, gout, sprain, tennis' elbow, periarthritis of shoulder, lumbar muscle strain, prolapse of lumbar vertebral disc, cervical spondylopathy, stiff neck, migraine headaches, neurosis, neuralgia, sciatica, prosopalgia, facial spasm, facial paralysis, thecal cyst, insomnia and dizziness, etc.
• Circulatory Disorders: hyper (hypo) tension, angina pectoris, arteriosclerosis, anemia, coronary heart disease, thrombocytopenic purpura, paralysis, sequela of apoplexy, etc.
• Emotional and Psychological Disorders: depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, epilepsy, etc. Infectious Diseases: hepatitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, influenza, epidemic parotitis, poliomyelitis, etc.
• Dermatosis: urticaria, eczema, acne, alopecia areata, seborrheic dermatitis, neurodermatitis, vitiligo, chloasma, cutaneous pruritus
• Five Sense Organs' Diseases: tinnitus, otitis media, dysaudia, sinusitis, tonsillitis, pharyngolaryngitis, toothache, conjunctivitis, myopia, heterotropy, glaucoma, cataract, etc.
• Addictions: alcohol, nicotine, drugs, obesity, baldness, parasitosis
• Supportive therapy for other chronic and painful debilitating disorders