Over the years acupuncture has evolved to include many different techniques. Here at the clinic the following types are practiced: Traditional Chinese, Medical, Anatomical, Auricular, Laser acupuncture, Electro-acupuncture and Dry-Needling. Occasionally moxibustion and cupping are also employed.
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The World Health Organization acknowledges
the use of acupuncture in the treatment of many disorders
Some of the more common disorders that can be treated include:
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The number and frequency of treatments depends on the duration and severity of the illness. Each individual may respond differently depending on their constitutional makeup.
Acupuncture originated in China 5,000 years ago and continues to be practiced worldwide. It is still being taught to all medical students in China. There are over 2,000 acupuncture points on the body and 1,000 points on the ear. Very fine needles are inserted at precisely defined points on the skin in order to illicit different effects. Although a scientific explanation of acupuncture is readily sought after, it cannot accurately be defined nor understood in these terms. Here is what researchers believe is happening - The needles are stimulating specific nerves which transmit electrical impulses via the spinal cord and the brain to the diseased areas. By stimulating the nerves, the function of an organ or tissue can be either increased or decreased in order to achieve homeostasis. Pain control can also be achieved by stimulating the brain to release chemical substances known as enkephalins, endorphins, serotonin, dynorphin, etc. The true explanation of acupuncture lies in the philosophy of the ancient physicians and is difficult to translate into modern day language and concepts. The ancient Chinese believed that Qi, the energy of life, flows along acupuncture channels or meridians. It is the Qi that keeps human beings alive and well. If it is impeded in any part of the body, disease will result. The acupuncturist’s goal is to re-establish the normal flow of Qi by stimulating strategic points. Before this can be done a diagnosis is usually made using the tongue, face, eyes, Chinese pulse and by palpating specific areas of the body.
Acupuncture is a complete system of medicine with a range of applications just as wide as that of conventional medicine. It is very safe with virtually no side effects and children can be treated with laser acupuncture.
The above PET scans were taken by a Korean physicist while conducting an acupuncture study. The left brain scan shows stimulation of the visual cortex as a result of shining a flash light into the subjects eye. The centre brain scan shows stimulation of the visual cortex while inserting an acupuncture needle into a vision point in the subjects foot. The right scan shows the results of what happens when a needle is inserted into a Non-acupuncture point. Taken from "Needles & Nerves" - Discover Magazine Sept 1998.
