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Acupuncture - How it works
Chinese philosophy
teaches that life energy or qi (pronounced chee), flows through the
body in channels called meridians. Each meridian supplies energy for
specific organs and functions. When the qi is weak or obstructed a
person becomes susceptible to disease. The qi can get blocked due to
stress, inadequate rest, inappropriate diet, or illness.
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Instead
of asking 'what kind of symptoms does a person have?'
Classical Acupuncture asks 'what kind of person has these
symptoms and why?' -- J.R. Worsley |
The symptoms of
disease can manifest not only within the physical body, but also in
mental clarity, zest for life, and sense of purpose. Our bodies have
more than 300 acupuncture points, which are “doors” into the
meridians. Classical acupuncture is a means of assessing the
condition of the life energy and, by using very fine needles,
adjusting the flow if energy, thereby allowing the body to operate
smoothly and heal naturally.
Needles:
Acupuncture needles
are as slender as a human hair—much smaller than the needles used
in injections. They are made from the finest quality surgical
stainless steel and are pre-sterilized and discarded after use.
When a needle is inserted at an acupuncture point, a very slight
prick is felt. When the
needle contacts the qi, the patient may feel a momentary ache or
sting. Because the needles are so fine, there is only a brief moment
of discomfort.
Moxa:
Moxa is an herb (Artemesia
Vulgaris Latiflora (called moxa) that is rolled into a small cone
and burned on an acupuncture point to gently warm the energy.
Done before needling, it enhances the movement of energy.
Pain and disease,
whether physical, mental, or emotional, result from an imbalance of
life energy. Classical acupuncture treats the underlying imbalance
thereby alleviating pain and disease.
Because Classical
acupuncture balances the life energy of the whole person, patients
frequently report improvement in health problems other than those
for which they entered treatment, such as improved sleep and energy,
changes in appetite, eating habits and desires, and general
well-being.
Course of
treatment:
Most treatments
take 45-60 minutes. However,
the initial visit takes approximately two hours and includes a
thorough interview about the patient’s health and history,
followed by a physical examination.
Initially
treatments will be once a week (twice a week in some cases) in order
to create an energy balance that can be maintained between
treatments. This balance will last for progressively longer periods
of time, and treatments will be spaced apart accordingly.
Frequency of
treatments varies with each individual.
Although some conditions can be alleviated very quickly,
conditions that have taken years to progress generally take slow,
steady treatment. The severity of the symptoms and how long they
have been occurring must be taken into consideration.
It is not uncommon
for symptoms to fluctuate before disappearing.
Fatigue and sometimes, temporary aggravation of pain can
follow a treatment. If a symptom continues please notify your
practitioner. For
more information on the Classic Five-Element Acupuncture system of
medicine, visit http://www.worsleyacupuncture.com
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