WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is a form of complementary medicine that involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles at specific points on the body. The needles stimulate the nervous and circulatory systems to promote health by relieving pain and reducing stress and inflammation. To learn more about what to expect during an appointment at Silver Leaf, please visit this link.
The practice of acupuncture is 2,000 years old and is meant to enhance the body’s ability to heal itself. Needles are inserted at points along fourteen meridians along the body. An individual’s vital energy, known in Eastern medicine practice as Qi (pronounced “chee”), flows through these meridians to maintain physiological functions. Imbalances or lack of circulation of Qi are believed to cause pain and dis-ease of the body. Acupuncture seeks to restore the body’s systems by needling points along specific meridians indicated by a patient’s pulse, tongue diagnosis, and symptoms. The body also contains microsystems in areas such as the ear. This is why needles in the ear are often used to treat a variety of concerns.
Acupuncture is often complemented by additional therapies such as cupping, moxibustion, gua sha, or tui na massage. The effectiveness of treatment is also enhanced by proper nutrition.
The practice of acupuncture is 2,000 years old and is meant to enhance the body’s ability to heal itself. Needles are inserted at points along fourteen meridians along the body. An individual’s vital energy, known in Eastern medicine practice as Qi (pronounced “chee”), flows through these meridians to maintain physiological functions. Imbalances or lack of circulation of Qi are believed to cause pain and dis-ease of the body. Acupuncture seeks to restore the body’s systems by needling points along specific meridians indicated by a patient’s pulse, tongue diagnosis, and symptoms. The body also contains microsystems in areas such as the ear. This is why needles in the ear are often used to treat a variety of concerns.
Acupuncture is often complemented by additional therapies such as cupping, moxibustion, gua sha, or tui na massage. The effectiveness of treatment is also enhanced by proper nutrition.
How Acupuncture Works |
Research is beginning to uncover what practitioners of Eastern medicine have known for some time: acupuncture can relieve stress and pain. For instance, Ladan Eshkevari of Georgetown University conducted a study with rats that demonstrated that acupuncture causes the release of endorphins and regulates the release of cortisol. Both of these hormonal reactions induce relaxation and reduce stress. The regulation of these two key hormones through acupuncture can help to balance other hormones of the endocrine system.
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Research |
Click below to explore some other recent studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of acupuncture:
Acupuncture and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Acupuncture and Constipation Acupuncture and Crohn’s Disease Acupuncture and Depression Acupuncture and Diarrhea & IBS Acupuncture and Fibromyalgia Acupuncture and Gastritis Acupuncture and Infertility Acupuncture and IVF Acupuncture and Pain Acupuncture and Reduced Inflammation |