Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the medical application of thin needles into specific points, or meridians, of the body, directly affecting the body's electrical system.
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Information courtesy of http://www.breathinginstitute.com/index-3.html

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How does acupuncture work?

The way acupuncture works is found in the process of nitric oxide (NO) dilating blood vessels and effecting piezoelectricity. Piezoelectricity is created by pressure on bone and collagen, which creates a fixed charge. When fluid is moved along with varying electrical charges, it creates streaming potentials which aids in tissue healing and regulation at the cellular level as well as having beneficial effects on the immune system.

Does acupuncture hurt?

There are hundreds of points on the body. Some of them are more sensitive than others. One common characteristic of points which require needling is they tend to be more tender than other points in the body. The sensation is more of a pressure sensation and sometimes electric in nature. Most of the pain receptors are in the skin. The needle goes through the skin within a millisecond and then to pressure receptors which are more dominant. Sometimes sensations of heat or coolness are associated with needling sensation. The perception of pain is very relative. In Chinese hospitals patients often request more stimulation while in North American clinics they may want little to none.

How many sessions will I need? How do I tell if it's working?

It is important to note that the faster and stronger the needling sensation occurs, the greater effect it will have on the body. People who desire less sensation may require more visits to obtain the same results. Acupuncture is a complementary therapy to internal herbal medicine. It works symbiotically with the herbs in the bloodstreams. Acupuncture is one of many traditional Chinese Medicine therapies, which include massage, qi gong exercises, herbal baths, music therapy, fumigation, etc. It is traditionally used with burned herbs called moxibustion.  The best way to tell if you are having good acupuncture is that it works and you don't have to keep going back to the clinic. 10 visits should be the maximum number of visits. Beyond this and you should be referred to someone else. If you are not seriously improving from herbal therapy (as measured by bloodwork) within 100 days, the same rule applies. Patients who visit us typically see relief within the first few sessions and then learn to take care of themselves for lasting maintenance.