Acupuncture in
Louisville, KY
Description of Acupuncture
Phone:
502-267-7743
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What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture, simply stated, is a health science which is used to
successfully treat both pain and dysfunction in the body.
Acupuncture has its roots deeply planted in China. In fact, authorities
agree the science is between 5,000 and 7,000 years old. Its use spread
throughout ancient Egypt, the Middle East, the Roman Empire and later
into Western Europe as merchants and missionaries to China told of the
amazing discoveries the people of the Orient had developed. Acupuncture
did not become known on a national level in the US until 1971 when
diplomatic relations between China and America were relaxed.
At first glimpse, Acupuncture appears strange, as its primary notoriety
is the utilization of needles placed in the skin at various locations
to relieve pain or affect a body part.
Early Chinese physicians discovered there is an energy network
traversing just below the surface of the skin which communicates from
the exterior to the internal organs and structures over 1,000
"Acupoints" on the body. This energy works in harmony with the body's
circulatory, nervous, muscular, digestive, genitourinary and all other
systems of the body. When this vital energy becomes blocked or
weakened, an effect in a body system or anatomic location becomes
evident. Stimulation of one or a combination of key "Acupoints" on the
body may restore harmony to the affected area.
Historians have stated, "More people have benefited from Acupuncture
over the course of fifty centuries than the combined total of all other
healing sciences, both ancient and modern."
What Is Meridian Therapy?
Meridian therapy is the accepted name employed by those who practice
the principle of Acupuncture without the use of a penetrating needle.
Acupuncture is a principle, not a technique. Therefore, there are many
ways to stimulate an Acupoint other than a needle, just as there are
many different strokes used in swimming.
Many practitioners use electronic stimulation, laser beam or pressure
massage to treat an Acupoint. The principle of Acupuncture does not
change, only the technique.
How Does It Work?
Far too often in the medical professions, a patient is told after
extensive examination, "There is nothing wrong," "It is all in your
head," or "Sorry, you'll have to learn to live with it. The examining
doctor unable to find the cause of the problem has little else to tell
the patient. Fortunately, many physicians are now referring their
patients for an Acupuncture evaluation as a last resort.
The human body's energy flow courses over twelve meridians or channels
that are normally well balanced. If a disruption of energy flow exists,
it can alter the entire system, producing pain or symptoms in the body.
If we were to compare a 175 pound man on one end of a seesaw and a 47
pound child on the other end, it becomes obvious the seesaw would be
"broken" due to the fact the heavier person would be sitting on the
ground and lighter would be dangling in the air. Even though the seesaw
is producing a symptom of being broken-extensive examination would not
reveal anything wrong with the seesaw. The obvious answer is in the
balance. Correction of the balance corrects the problem.
This is Acupuncture's goal-to restore normalcy to the body's energy
balance by utilizing a combination of Acupoints located on the twelve
meridians. This is accomplished by a variety of means, the needle is
just one.
Medical research continues in this country and others to attempt to
explain in western scientific terms what the ancient Chinese seventy
centuries earlier described. Today, many theories have been postulated
as to why Acupuncture is so effective in pain control. However, as more
discoveries are made, more research is indicated.
Is Treatment Painful?
One would assume inserting a needle into the skin would be painful
since most of us can relate to being stuck with a pin or having a
hypodermic injection. However, four Acupuncture needles can easily be
inserted into the hollow tube of a hypodermic needle. Because of the
extreme slenderness of the needle, most people compare the sensations
to "less than a mosquito bite." A phenomena referred to as "TEHCHI"
occurs when the energy is contacted. This sensation is felt as a mild
to moderate heaviness or tingling.
Needles obviously have their place in clinical practice. However, many
physicians certified in Acupuncture and licensed Acupuncturists are
employing electronic and laser stimulation to the Acupoint with equal
effectiveness as the needle. Both of these procedures are painless and
are quickly becoming standard worldwide.
The tapping needle "teishein" is not really a needle as it does not
pierce the skin. It produces a mild to moderate sensation. Compare it
to taping a ball point pen on the skin. This form of stimulation has
been used successfully for centuries. Thumb pressure is equally
impressive and not considered painful.
How many treatments are
usual?
Obviously the number of treatments vary with different conditions and
individuals. Chronic problems generally require more treatment than
acute ones. Some patients notice an immediate improvement after the
first treatment, whereas others many not notice any effect until the
seventh or eighth visit. It's been shown that a certain percentage of
patients receive maximum benefit up to three months following a course
of therapy.
A small number of patient will receive a worsening of symptoms, as the
body's energies are returning to normal. This is usual and no need for
alarm. It is followed by improvement. Researchers internationally agree
the usual number of treatments is between eight and sixteen. The usual
frequency is between two and four times a week.
Patients are urged not to enter an Acupuncture program with the thought
of "taking a few" to see what will happen. Even though it is possible
to achieve success, a program of ten visits would have a better chance
for success. Patients are encouraged to be patient with the healing
process. If the treatments are recommended and results occur in just
five visits, the doctor may elect to discontinue treatments or continue
their use to stabilize the condition.
Are Results Psychological?
Many critics of Acupuncture have suggested the science is hypnosis or
"mind over matter." This criticism is totally unfounded as Acupuncture
has startling effects in infants and toddlers as well as veterinary
applications. The effect it has in surgery as an anesthetic further
disclaims the skeptics. Even total disbelieves report favorable
response to Acupuncture.
However, a positive outlook is obviously beneficial in all phases of
life to include healing.
What Conditions Are
Accepted?
Acupuncture textbooks list well over one hundred different conditions
that respond well to Acupuncture. The World Health Organization,
working in close harmony with the International Acupuncture training
center of the Shanghai College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, has
indicated Acupuncture is effective in the following conditions.
Acute and chronic pain relief, migraine, tension cluster and sinus
headaches, trigeminal neuralgia, bladder dysfunction, bed wetting,
cervical (neck) pain, and mid-back pain, low shoulder, tennis elbow,
post-operative pain relief, gastric problems, asthma, allergies, skin
conditions, hemorrhoids, abnormal blood pressure, fatigue, anxiety,
neurologic syndrome, various eye problems, etc., etc.
This is only a partial list of the numerous conditions Acupuncture has
been credited with helping.
Is Acupuncture Expensive?
The cost of Acupuncture treatment varies in different parts of the
country. However, the average appears to be between $45.00 and $75.00
per treatment.
Are Results Permanent?
For acute problems where there has been little or no organ system or
tissue damage, results are often permanent. For chronic conditions,
symptoms may recur from time to time. Generally a few additional
treatments are sufficient to obtain relief. It's suggested that
patients with severe or chronic conditions return for a booster
treatment two to three times a year.
Acupuncture Anesthesia
Acupuncture has been used quite successfully in place of chemical
anesthesia for a variety of surgeries within the last twenty years. At
the Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology hospital it is used routinely on
all cases of Cesarean section. At the Long Hua Hospital in Shanghai
it's used routinely on cases of thyroidectomy. It has been shown
effective in gastric surgeries and brain operations.
During the procedure the patient remains alert communicating with the
surgeon. The patient does not feel pain only pulling, tugging, etc.
that may be employed in surgery.
It is unlikely that Acupuncture will replace chemical anesthesia in the
US However, it is a favorable possibility for those patients unable to
tolerate regular anesthesia. The applications in dentistry are
extremely significant.
The first US national media coverage concerning Acupuncture was in 1971
during President Nixon's visit to China. There, visiting columnist
James Reston told of his emergency appendectomy performed under
Acupuncture anesthesia.
Addiction Control
Acupuncture has gained a great deal of notoriety in recent years
concerning its considerable success with addiction control. It has been
shown that Acupuncture has a very positive effect in the area of both
drug and alcohol addiction. This procedure, in conjunction with
professional counseling, has been proven extremely effective.
One of the most noteworthy addictions Acupuncture helps is smoking. The
average patient will reduce their intake by at least on half within
twenty four hours of the first treatment. Several additional treatments
generally allow the patient to stop without experiencing the negative
side effects of quitting. Acupuncture also has a favorable effect in
weight control. Currently there are several clinics in the US devoted
solely to drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
This wonderful explanation was written by Dr. Amaro at
http://www.iama.edu
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