Health Intuitive

Dallas, Tx acupuncture needles are used on specific acupuncture point prescriptions to treat pain, injuries or illnesses. It depends on what the acupuncturist is treating to determine how many acupuncture needles are used and what point prescriptions are used. Because many of the points overlap, you can treat two or three different systems by using some of the same points, which are called Master points.

The size of acupuncture needles ranges from 30-36 gauges. Needle size depends on the person and the style of acupuncture being used. The needles are disposed of in a waste container to prevent the spread of microorganisms, diseases and infection. If needles are not disposable most patients would be very cautious about using that specialist. In acupuncture individuals will learn a method called the Universal Precaution for the Healthcare Practitioners use, which means that a specialist is trained to treat every patient as if that person has hepatitis or HIV. We do this to protect ourselves as well as our patient,” she says.

It is believed that the earliest acupuncture instruments were sharp pieces of bone or flint. During the Iron and Bronze ages, metal acupuncture needles began to be developed. Acupuncture needles today are made out of stainless steel and come in various lengths and gauges of width. Acupuncture needles, unlike western standard needles that are used for injections or drawing blood, are solid, not hollow, and have a tapered point for easy insertion into the skin. These needles are so thin that they can fit into a regular needle. Acupuncture is painless; however, some people experience pain if the acupuncture needle is entered wrongly or by an unprofessional acupuncturist.

Once the acupuncture needles are inserted, they remain in place for approximately 20-30 minutes. Some research indicates sticking needles into certain points affects the nervous system and stimulates the body’s production of natural painkilling chemicals such as endorphins and encephalin, and triggers the release of certain neural hormones including serotonin.

The needles are inserted into the acupoints, which are located just beneath the epidermis. Inserting these acupuncture needles helps correct the flow of energy within the body, which helps relieve the pain and restores health. The depths to which the needles are inserted range from a quarter or to an inch into the skin. The acupuncturist then gently twists them or stimulates the needles with an electrical current, known as moxibustion.

The ear is a very suitable location for acupuncture needles to be placed because of its strong connection to the central nervous system and because several meridians run right through the ear. If a needle is placed in the ear, then a smaller fine point gauge is used.

Acupuncture Tarzana and certain herbal remedies are the best known components of the broader Chinese healing therapies known as traditional Chinese medicines (TCM). For many years, the established medical communities in the United States scorned TCM practices as a pseudoscience, and TCM was not recognized as a legitimate branch of American medical practice. Traditional Chinese medicines have a long history; the earliest medical monograph concerning TCM was compiled approximately 2,500 years ago.

The North American acceptance of the acupuncture procedure occurred essentially by default, when afflicted persons, often those who suffered chronic pain from a muscle or back injury, sought out TCM treatments as a last resort to conventional medicine and prescribed pain medications. The widespread use of TCM techniques in Europe, especially in the 1970s and 1980s in the sports medicine communities of the former Eastern bloc nations, hastened a more objective consideration of TCM practices in American athletic therapy. Today, TCM has established itself as an entirely reputable, if not yet entirely mainstream, aspect of American sports medicine.

Acupuncture involves the introduction of specialized needles into the skin at predetermined pressure points. The needles are constructed of very thin steel, of varying sizes. Each pressure point is a part of a larger, interconnected system of muscular and skin channels, which act as energy pathways, or meridians, throughout the body. Acupuncture is premised on the belief that the introduction of the needles to provide pressure at the appropriate points will enhance the release of the body’s natural energy, the metaphysical energy force known as qi (or chi), which in turn assists in the restoration of proper blood flow, and a corresponding reduction in pain and increased health and recovery at the injured area. In essence, the therapy is designed to encourage the body to release its own natural recuperative powers. The needles are directed into the pressure point to a depth of approximately 1 in (2.5 cm). In a typical treatment, the needles will remain in position for between 20 and 40 minutes. Moxibustion is a variant of the acupuncture application, in which heat is applied to the acupuncture points for the same purpose.

Acupuncture places emphasis upon the optimal flow of blood and bodily fluids; improved blood flow to the injury is a fundamental purpose of acupuncture. Further, acupuncture stresses the relationship between types of injuries to a particular organ that is said to govern the injured body part in question. For example, tendon injuries are related to liver function, as the liver is the organ responsible for blood production. Muscular damage is related to the spleen, as the spleen is the organ involved in the transport of nutrients in the body. Bone damage is assessed in relation to the kidneys.

Sarataoga Springs acupuncture comes from China and has been used there for over 2,000 years. It is based on the Chinese religious beliefs that the universe and our bodies should have a balance of the oscillating forces of yin and yang.

Problems in the body come when this balance is lost. Chi, or the life force, normally flows through the body in a balance, along certain pathways called meridians.

When the chi is stopped along some lines, problems develop. The acupuncture specialist inserts hait-thin needles of silver, gold, or copper, to help unblock the flow of life-energy. This will permit the body to bring about a healing of it.

Acupuncture has been known to bring about some excellent help for psoriasis. In fact, there have been cases where traditional medicine could not do much, but the acupuncture treatments were found to be quickly helpful.

Although more research is needed using acupuncture to treat psoriasis, results do look very good. Many studies have been performed in China showing significant improvement.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that produces scaly skin that is rather unsightly. Surprisingly, many people with psoriasis are able to find relief with acupuncture. Because of its unsightliness – even to close family members, when psoriasis flares up it creates a problem. It can affect rather small patches or large areas on the body. Here is why acupuncture may be able to help psoriasis.

The cause of psoriasis has not yet been determined. However it is known to be genetic, sometimes skipping a generation. The problem stems from a rapid growth of cell production. Cells are produced faster than they are lost so there is a build of cells that results in a scale effect.

Scientists are not certain what causes this scaling of the skin cells, but there is a general belief it is related to the immune system. It is considered to be a severe case of psoriasis when it covers 30% or more of the body. Those that have psoriasis are also candidates to get a form of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriasis has a number of known things that can trigger a flare-up of the disease. It can remain relatively inactive, at times, but when these triggers occur, it will often produce a recurrence.

One of the best reasons that acupuncture can help with psoriasis, is because it is known to be able to relieve anxiety. Anxiety is one of the major triggers of psoriasis.

The exact reason why acupuncture works is unknown to medical science. It is known that acupuncture releases endorphins, the body’s own pain-killing chemicals. This may block some inflammatory mechanisms involved in psoriasis, or possibly prevents some nerve action from taking place.

An acupuncture treatment will usually last from around a couple of minutes to about an hour, at most. Treatments may also include other forms of acupuncture, such as electro-acupuncture, or laser acupuncture. Laser acupuncture uses mild lasers, instead of acupuncture needles.

Acupuncture West Hollywood has been accepted as a useful treatment for other types of pain, e.g. migraine, tennis elbow, and trigeminal neuralgia. Recent concerns about the safety of painkilling medications have led to renewed interest in non-drug treatment for OA – exercise, heat or cold therapy, yoga, and herbal supplements. So these reports of acupuncture’s effectiveness in knee OA are quite timely.

Gradual acceptance of acupuncture as a useful therapeutic measure has come slowly to Western medicine. New impetus, however, is given by two reports of its effectiveness in osteoarthritis of the knees. OA is a very common and disabling disorder that affects over 20 million Americans, and it’s been estimated that 80% of them have some form of limitation of movements.

One of the difficulties of proving the effectiveness of acupuncture is creating a control group for comparison with the test subjects. In this case, 570 patients were divided into three groups – one received true acupuncture, one had a sham procedure (simulated needle insertion or insertion into a non-therapeutic area), and the third had six 2-hour group education classes with follow-up mailings. The study lasted 26 weeks; acupuncture sessions were twice a week initially, then gradually reduced to once a month.

The average age of the patients was 66. There was a large drop-out rate – by 6 months, 43% of the education group and 25% of the true and sham acupuncture groups failed to attend for examination.

After 8 weeks, the patients in the true acupuncture group had a significantly greater improvement in function of their knees, compared with those in the sham-treated group. However, pain scores and overall assessment were similar in the two groups. After 26 weeks, those in the true acupuncture group were significantly greater improved with regard to function, pain, and overall assessment, compared with the sham-acupuncture group. There were no side effects associated with acupuncture.

This was a smaller study. Acupuncture – true or sham – was administered to 97 patients for 12 weeks. All the participants took the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac (Voltaren^®), but were told to reduce the dose if their symptoms improved.

A total of 88 patients completed the study. There was a significantly greater reduction in pain, loss of function, stiffness, and ‘psychological functioning’ in the true acupuncture group, compared with the sham-treated group. Moreover, the consumption of diclofenac was significantly reduced in the acupuncture patients. Three patients reported bruising associated with the procedure.

The studies conducted show that acupuncture can help patients with knee OA. The number of acupuncture specialists in the USA and other Western countries is growing, so that it should not be difficult for patients to find one. The best approach for OA patients anxious to reduce their dependency on pain-killers is to consult their physician about the best alternative therapies, including the possibility of acupuncture.

Acupuncture in Bellingham is based upon the belief that there is need for balance in the flow of energy in the body. The energy is referred to as chi which is electrical energy form the nervous system. This flow of chi must be in balance and in harmony to maintain health.

When chi becomes blocked and cannot circulate, the result is pain and/or loss of body function—stagnation. Acupuncture treatment specializes in removing the energy blockages, increasing the circulation of chi and blood flow. It also exerts authority on the autonomic nervous system. This combination activates the healing process. The end result is pain relief and the restoration of body function.

Unseen pathways of energy—meridians—traverse the body. These meridians have superficial pathways along which acupuncture points are located and deep pathways that lead to the internal organs. The insertion of needles at these bio-electrically charged points stimulate the flow of Chi and help to restore equilibrium.

What are the internal effects of Acupuncture? Acupuncture heals the body in a number of ways. Research shows one effect of acupuncture is the increased production of endorphins which relaxes the body and serves to reduce the level of pain.

Another aspect of the effect of the endorphin production is to increasing the circulation of blood, which sends nutrition via the small blood vessels to all parts of the body. Endorphins are the body’s natural pain relievers that have an analgesic, anti-depressant, and anti-allergic effect. They alleviate pain and offer a sense of euphoria.

Some patients experience an immediate feeling of relaxation at the first treatment. Some people experience pain relief. It last for a few hours and in other cases the relief lasts for a few days. In many cases patients begin to feel better after a few treatments. You should receive at least 4 to 6 treatments to see how well our therapy can benefit you.

Only a few patients experience no relief whatsoever during the course of treatment. Once your initial course of treatment is completed, your acupuncturist may recommend that you continue to have treatment four to six times each year.

How Many Treatments Will I need? You can expect to see results after 4 to 6 treatments, but some people respond quicker. Your course of treatment is based upon the depth of your disease–acute or chronic. Each patient has different levels of immune function.

Chronic conditions and neurological conditions require more treatments in order to obtain lasting results. In Chronic conditions you can expect to see results but it will take longer. Complete relief will depend on the individual.

Acupuncture is seen as a stimulus directed to certain responsive parts of the nervous system, producing the needling sensation and setting off a biochemical cascade which enhances healing. Some acupuncture points are very frequently used and their applications are quite varied: needling at these points may stimulate a “global” healing response that can affect many diseases. Other points have only limited applications; needling at those points may affect only one of the signaling systems. It is common for acupuncturists to combine the broad-spectrum points and the specific points for each treatment. Some acupuncturists come to rely on a few of these broad-spectrum points as treatments for virtually all common ailments.

This modern explanation of how acupuncture saratoga springs works does not explain why the acupuncture points are arrayed along the traditional meridian lines. At this time, no one has identified-from the modern viewpoint-a clear series of neural connections that would correspond to the meridians. However, acupuncturists have identified other sets of points, such as those in the outer ear, which seem to be mapped to the whole body. The description, in the case of the ear, is of a layout of the body in the form of a “homunculus”, a miniature humanoid form. Such patterns might be understood more easily than the meridian lines, because the brain, which is adjacent to the ear, also has a homunculus pattern of neurological stimulus that has been identified by modern research. Similarly, acupuncturists have identified zones of that correspond to large areas of the body, and this may also be more easily explained because there are connections from the spinal column to various parts of the body which might have secondary branches elsewhere. In fact, acupuncture by zones, homunculi, “ashi” points, and “trigger” points is becoming a dominant theme, as the emphasis on treating meridians fades. The new focus is on finding effective points for various disorders and for getting biochemical responses.

During this modern period an increasing number of ways to stimulate the healing response at various body points have been advocated, confirming that needling is not a unique method. In the past, the main procedures for affecting acupuncture points were needling and application of heat. Now, there is increasing reliance on electrical stimulation, and laser stimulation. Since the basic idea of acupuncture therapy is gaining popularity throughout the world while the practice of needling is restricted to certain health professions and is not always convenient, other methods are also becoming widely used. Lay persons and practitioners with limited training are applying finger pressure, tiny metal balls held to the skin by tape, magnets, piezoelectric stimulus, and low energy electrical pulsing. Some of these methods may have limited effectiveness, but it appears that if an appropriate body site is stimulated properly, then the healing response is generated.

For many nervous system functions, timing is very important, and this is the case for acupuncture. The duration of therapy usually needs to be kept within certain limits, and the stimulation of the point is often carried out with a repetitive activity. It has been shown in laboratory experiments that certain frequencies of stimulus work better than others: this might be expected for nervous system responses, but is not expected for simple chemical release from other cells.

If you are suffering from back pain, you likely have tried all sorts of strategies to relieve the pain and misery. You might also be feeling helpless if nothing has worked. If so, it might be time to choose another path – the age old practice of acupuncture saratoga springs ny.

What comes to mind when you think about acupuncture? There was a time when the procedure of acupuncture was shrouded in mystery and only discussed in whispers. The whole idea and mental image of acupuncture was simply too frightening for most people to consider. Acupuncture as a form of ancient medicine has stood the test of time, having been practiced for thousands of years with great success. Acupuncture is able to treat a number of health conditions, from migraines to back pain.

According to practitioners of this ancient art, energy travels throughout the body along paths referred to as meridians. When someone is experiencing back pain, it is believed that an energy conduit is obstructed. This hinders the circulation of blood and results in stagnation in the tissues, ultimately causing a build-up of toxins.

Acupuncture consists of the strategic insertion of exceptionally fine needles that are only as thick as a strand of hair, with the aim of unblocking the paths of energy. Acupuncturists study meridian maps to help them identify where to insert the needles in order to re-establish the energy flow. The process also encourages toxic substances to flee the body by means of the lymphatic system. Once chi is restored, back pain will be gone. The muscles in the back will loosen up and the spasms will settle down.

As with any type of medical procedure, it’s important that you do some research and not just pick the first acupuncturist in the yellow pages. Look for a highly regarded, licensed practitioner. Before undergoing treatment, discuss your history of back pain and any medications you are taking, and also any allergies you may have. Your acupuncturist should alert you to any potential risks, regardless of how minor. In all cases, there is a possibility of bleeding, tenderness or pain at the site of insertion.

Before the treatment starts, you will be covered by a gown or towels. You will most likely be asked to lie down on a comfortable table. Advise the practitioner if you feel any pain or discomfort. However, most people don’t feel a thing as the needles are inserted. Nowadays, the tools used for acupuncture are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and all needles are hygienic and used just once before being discarded.

Following the procedure, there are those who feel energized immediately. On the other hand, it could take several treatments for you to get complete results. For those who are experiencing extreme pain prior to the procedure, heat may be applied to the affected region to enhance the healing process.

Acupuncture is classified as an alternative therapy for back pain, and it’s fast becoming one of the most popular alternative forms of treatments in this regard. If you are unhappy with the outcome of other forms of treatment, this is the old practice that might be the ideal solution to easing your back problems for good.

When you normally think of acupuncture in Miami, you think of a person sitting with several needles inserted into their skin, into parts of the body like the ear, the arm, or the wrist. This is a good picture of a patient that is having an acupuncture treatment. These treatments last anywhere from a very short time up to thirty minutes or more, depending on the symptoms that are being treated. These needles are more frequently inserted just far enough into the skin to firmly keep them there, though an acupuncture practitioner may insert different needles somewhat further in depending on the treatment plan. Sometimes the needles are twirled in place; sometimes they are warmed before insertion, or have heat applied to them during insertion. Generally there is no discomfort when a needle is inserted, manipulated, or removed. Occasionally a slight twinge may be felt, but not more than that. Often during treatment a patient may feel more relaxed than when they came in, slightly warmer, or possibly feel a rush of energy during the treatment. Some patients feel no change during the acupuncture treatment, but their symptoms gradually change over a longer period of time, such as several weeks

There are variations of acupuncture that do not rely on the use of needles. The ideas behind these are identical with standard acupuncture technique. The knowledge of acupuncture points, the organization of the body, and the importance of proper energy flow for a healthy body are all exactly identical to standard acupuncture therapy. The main difference is that the needle is replaced by a different technique to manipulate the acupuncture point.

In acupuncture, a device that produces sound waves is applied to the point at which a needle would normally be inserted. In addition to the device that produces the sound waves; other devices that vibrate may also be used, such as tuning forks. There is a good deal of activity in this area, but results using these devices are not as well established as the results with traditional needle based acupuncture.

Another technique that has been in use since the middle of this century is to apply a low voltage electric current to the acupuncture point. Sometimes this is done together with insertion of a needle, sometimes it is done just by touching a small wire to the surface of the skin and connects a very low electric current. The feeling of the current is a very light tingling, and not any very noticeable or painful reaction. This technique using electricity was pursued independently in America and Europe in the 1930s and 1940s, but interest in the technique as a part of western medicine waned after that time

Another variation of acupuncture that many more people have heard of is the use of acupressure. In this technique no instrument is used, just the technique of pressing a finger on the acupuncture point. This technique can be incorporated into such manipulations as shiatsu massage. This technique is also easy for a layman to do, and many have seen little cards with diagrams of pressure points on the hands and feet. Though these may be useful, the best use is made when the person understands more of the entire system of acupuncture rather than just where the acupuncture points are.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine have a rich history in excess of 2500 years.  Already used widely throughout Asia and Europe and acupuncture encino is considered one of the newest primary health care modalities in the United States.

Acupuncture can increase fertility, strengthen the body, prevent disease, manage pain, calm the mind, enhance health, assist in sports performance, facilitate addiction recovery, and improve longevity.

The main concept behind Acupuncture is an energy force called “Qi” (pronounced chee) which circulates throughout the human body using specialized pathways called Meridians or channels with “Acupuncture points” where the energy is most concentrated.  It is believed that free flowing of the Qi keeps a person healthy.  If ever the flow of the Qi is blocked for any reason, illness results.  Acupuncture restores the proper balance and flow of the Qi, returning health to the patient.

One of the most common uses of Acupuncture is pain relief.  This includes migraine, backache, period pain, arthritic and rheumatic pain, post-operative pain, and post-injury pain.

The World Health Organization has declared Acupuncture successful treats a variety of medical conditions:

• Ear, nose, and throat disorders:  common cold, sinusitis, tonsillitis, hay fever, rhinitis and tooth pain.
• Respiratory disorders: acute bronchitis and bronchial asthma.
• Gastro-intestinal disorders: gastritis, indigestion duodenal ulcer, hiccoughs, colitis, constipation and diarrhea.
• Eye disorders: Acute conjunctivitis, central retinitis, juvenile myopia and mild cataract.
• Neurological and Muscular-skeletal: Trigeminal neuralgia, headache, stroke syndromes, Meniere’s disease, neuralgia, bladder dysfunction, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, sciatica, lower back pain and osteoarthritis.

Acupuncture in Miami, an ancient system of medicine, is becoming very popular in the modern world, particularly for conditions involving pain. It can relieve headaches more effectively than drugs, and since there are no side effects involved, it should be considered the treatment of choice for headaches.

Of all types of pain, headaches are the most common, as well as the most intimate and disturbing, considering their location. For the majority of us, the occasional headache presents no real problem. It can be relieved by a couple of aspirins, provided the stomach can tolerate them. But a few individuals experience headaches with such frequency and severity that the quality of their lives is diminished. Work and relationships suffer, and they simply feel miserable.

Conventional medical therapy offers no real solution. Most commonly prescribed drugs are not particularly effective at relieving headaches, and a look at The Physician’s Desk Reference indicates that they all cause undesirable side-effects. Even over-the-counter medications are not immune from this criticism. Over time, aspirin can cause stomach ulcers and bruising, while acetaminophen can damage the liver.

There are, of course, many types of headaches—tension, migraine, cluster, hypoglycemic and hypertensive, to name the most common. A person who suffers from chronic headaches should first consult a medical doctor to make sure the condition does not involve a tumor. This having been done, one can make an appointment with an acupuncturist because most types of headache respond well to acupuncture, though of course, the length of treatment will differ from case to case.

It is the experience of many acupuncturists that fast results are obtained with tension headaches. Migraine and cluster headaches respond well also, though in the case of migraines, the emphasis is on reducing frequency and intensity of occurrence rather than relieving pain during an attack. Sinus headaches also respond well to acupuncture. A patient commonly experiences a draining of the sinuses and relief from pressure during or after the first treatment. Subsequent treatments reduce the allergic response and hence the frequency of headaches. Hypoglycemic headaches respond well also, but in this case, acupuncture is also used to improve pancreatic function. In the case of hypertensive headaches, acupuncture points are selected that have the effect of lowering blood pressure. Even in cases where blood pressure has not been affected by acupuncture, patients usually report fewer headaches and improved health.

Given the fact that there are different types of headaches, no universal prescription can be offered regarding the number of treatments required to achieve significant results. Generally, patients commit to a series of treatments and should notice improvement, at times dramatic, within four to six treatments. After a series, a treatment every month or two will help to maintain the level of health that has been achieved.