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Acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years and involves the insertion of very thin needles through the patient’s skin at various depths at specific places on the body. Through this practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), practitioners seek to remove blockages in the flow of qi and restore balance and harmony within the body.
The first visit to an acupuncturist involves an assessment of the patient’s medical history, diagnosis of the ailment through diagnostic techniques including Palpation (examination of various acupuncture points, tongue and pulse) and ultimately determining the cause of the symptoms.
Acupuncture needles will be inserted into specific acupuncture points on the body and the acupuncturist may use moxa or electrical stimulation to enhance acupuncture’s therapeutic effects.
The number of treatment sessions depends on the seriousness of your condition. A typical course of acupuncture treatment is 10 sessions, although significant improvements can occur after just a couple visits.
While each person experiences acupuncture differently, most people feel only a minimal amount of sensation as the needles are inserted. Some people report feeling a sensation of excitement, while others feel relaxed.
According to WHO (World Health Organization), acupuncture is effective in treating over 28 conditions, while evidence indicates it may have a therapeutic value for many more.
Acupuncture has also been know to support and strengthen the immune system, assist with drug recovery, smoking cessation and alcohol addiction, as well as relieve debilitating symptoms of Xerostomia (severe dry mouth) among patients undergoing radiation treatment.