What is Acupuncture and what does it treat?

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a 2,500 year old healing modality that utilizes specific points on the body to restore health and vitality to those receiving it. Very fine needles are used to access these points in order to achieve the desired therapeutic results. The benefits of acupuncture are now being acknowledged by our nation’s most respected hospitals, such as M.D. Anderson and Mayo Clinic, and offer it as an adjunct treatments to their cancer patients.

What does Acupuncture treat?

The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture's effectiveness for over 40 common disorders, such as:

Ear, Nose & Throat Disorders

Toothache, earache, sinusitis, rhinitis, laryngitis

Respiratory Disorders

Colds, flu, bronchitis, asthma, allergies, emphysema

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Food allergies, nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, ulcers, colitis

Circulatory Disorders

Hypertension, high cholesterol, arteriosclerosis, angina pectoris

Urogenital Disorders

Cystitis, stress incontinence, neurogenic bladder, prostatitis, prostatic hypertrophy

Gynecological Disorders

Menstrual irregularity, endometriosis, PMS, infertility, menopausal syndrome

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, TMJ, sciatica, low back pain, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia

Psycho-emotional and Neurological Disorders

Depression, anxiety, insomnia, headache, migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, intercostal neuralgia, post stroke paralysis, dizziness, tinnitus

How does Acupuncture work?

Modern medicine has no definitive explanation for why or how acupuncture works. The latest and most plausible theory is that the meridians, upon which the acupuncture points lie, overlay and may be interchangeable with the fascial tissues in the body that wrap and hold each organ, muscle and bone in the body. This tissue is highly conductive and would explain the “electrical sensation” that many people experience while receiving acupuncture. The fascial tissue is literally one continuous web throughout the body and mimics the interconnectedness and web-like nature of the meridians that the ancients spoke of thousands of years ago.

Acupuncture theory describes the acupuncture needles as accessing something called “Qi”. Qi has many definitions such as “energy” or “life force”, which only captures a portion of its meaning. In essence, Qi is everything from the insubstantial to the material. But in terms of acupuncture, Qi is the nourishing, vital essence that courses the body, directing each and every function down to the most minuscule of particles. The acupuncture needles access this force and regulates the flow and balance of this energy and helps to restore the body back to its original integrity.

Is Acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture in Texas is regulated by the Texas Medical Board. Your practitioner has a Master’s in Chinese Medicine and spent 3 to 5 years to earn their degree. Safety was central to our training and measures are always taken to assure the safety of our patients. The needles we use are single-use sterilized needles that are disposed of in sharps containers after use.

How many treatments will I need?

After your initial meeting with your acupuncturist , together you will come up with a plan that is based upon your health complaint. A series of 5 to 10 treatments are typically recommended for acute musculoskeletal issues, while chronic degenerative disorders may require more treatments over time.

To help reduce the number of treatments, your practitioner may recommend herbs, supplements, dietary changes, exercises, relaxation techniques or other methods to help increase the efficacy of the acupuncture.

How do I prepare for my treatment?

Wear loose fitting clothing so your acupuncturist can have easy access to your arms and legs. Make sure you have eaten within a few hours of the treatment to be sure you are grounded, but don’t be too full.

What do I do once needled?

Many people experience a sense of euphoria with acupuncture. Studies have shown that acupuncture releases endorphins once the needles are in, so relax and enjoy! Try to remain still while the needles are inserted in order to prevent any discomfort.