For many people, having acupuncture seems very foreign and mysterious. Other people picture acupuncture as being done by an ancient Chinese man in the back of a noodle shop or by a tie-dyed hippie in a room with beaded curtains. The reality is much different, and I?d like to tell you a few things that will hopefully demystify acupuncture for you.
1) Acupuncture is thousands of years old. It began in China as a way of treating infections and fevers. It has evolved today into a system of internal medicine that treats a variety of illnesses using not only needles, but also herbs, food therapy, heat, and lifestyle changes.
2) There are several different kinds of acupuncture. Besides Traditional Chinese Medicine, there is Japanese style, auricular (ear) acupuncture, Korean Hand acupuncture and Five-Phase acupuncture to name a few.
3) There are over 365 acupuncture points in the body. Each point has a name?some of my personal favorites are Armpit Abyss, Crouching Rabbit, and Celestial Tripod.
4) Acupuncture can treat a wide variety of conditions. Most people think that?s it only good for pain (which it is!), but it can also be effective for things like emotional conditions, insomnia, digestive problems, menstrual/menopause issues, and even for facial rejuvenation. (However, if you have a broken bone, appendicitis, or strep throat, go to your MD.)
5) Acupuncture is actually very relaxing. More than once we have found my clients snoring while the needles are doing their work!
6) The needles acupuncturists use are about the diameter of a hair, and as a result, the treatments are not considered painful. Frequently, the needles aren?t even felt while being inserted.
7) Researchers are finding that acupuncture affects brain chemistry?offering up some new clues as to how/why it works.
8) In A Chinese medical framework, acupuncture works by treating the underlying source of your condition?not just symptoms. As a result, once your condition is treated effectively, it is unlikely to recur.
9) Licensed Acupuncturists have a Masters degree in Acupuncture or Oriental Medicine and about 3,000 hours of education and training. They are also licensed by their State Board of Medical Practice.
10) No two acupuncture treatments are the same. Every person is unique, with different symptoms, health history, and lifestyle. Acupuncture treatments are customized for each individual?s needs.
Now you know all these things about acupuncture, isn?t it time you gave it a try?
Lynn Jaffee
Author Bio
Lynn Jaffee is a licensed acupuncturist practicing in St. Louis Park, MN. For more information about Lynn or more articles, go to http://www.acupunctureinthepark.com
