Pillar 1- Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been around for approximately 3,000 years!! It has remained part of human society and culture because it is effective for treating so many different ailments and has few side effects. In modern times acupuncture has been medically proven… National Institutes of Health (NIH) studies have shown that acupuncture is an effective treatment alone or in combination with conventional therapies.
How does it work ? Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system. This, in turn, releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes stimulate the body's natural healing abilities to:
- release muscle tension,
- promote blood flow,
- promote the smooth flow of Qi (energy),
- release our body's own natural painkillers and anti-inflammatories,
- encourage our body’s own happy hormones,
- reduce cortisol levels
- reduce pain, and
- promote physical and emotional well-being.
Research continues to be ongoing but some of the latest research shows the effect of certain points on the brain during functional MRIs. For example, when stimulating the point St 36, or Susanli, a point along the stomach channel, parts of the brain related to the digestive system will light up.
Does it hurt? Acupuncture needles are actually very thin. It is common to feel a very quick achy feeling when the needle reaches the correct depth on some specific points. This feeling is felt on some points but not all. That feeling is a very quick, come-and-go feeling and then comfort is maintained. Often, once all needled up, people are actually so comfortable they fall asleep during their treatment!
How often do I need Acupuncture? We almost always recommend having weekly acupuncture treatments until you feel and hold relief for two weeks at a time. Once you can maintain your results for two weeks then we will space your treatments out to two weeks, then three weeks, etc until you reach a level of wellness that only demands well-care treatments.
Having consistent treatments allows your body the proper time to heal and build new patterns that support your body's state of balance. The amount of time that weekly treatments are needed can be greatly affected by how you follow your acupuncturist's advice on the other four pillars when prescribed. Our goal is to not have you depending on acupuncture, but using acupuncture to regain your wellness and quality of life. Then using it to sustain a level of happiness that suits you.
Stay tuned for the next pillar!