Acupuncture
Acupuncture is part of one of the oldest known and most widely respected alternative medical systems in the world. Legend has it that stone needles were used to practice acupuncture as far back as 10,000 years. Acupuncture originated in China and has spread throughout the world. Acupuncturists in different areas of the world may have adapted the original techniques to better suit their differing opinions on theory and technique. What is called acupuncture in the West comprises of several different therapies such as moxibustion, cupping, and mostly the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points shown to be effective in the treatment of specific health problems. These points have been mapped and recorded by the Chinese over a period of two thousand years. There are more than a thousand known acupoints. In the past three decades, electromagnetic research has confirmed the existence and location of these points.
Traditional Chinese acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of qi (pronounced "chee"). Qi is the vital energy force necessary for life and bodily functions. All disease is caused by the lack of free flow of Qi. Qi flows through distinct channels that cover the body, somewhat like the nerves and blood vessels. Acupuncture adjusts the flow of qi in the body, leading it to areas where it is needed and drawing it from areas where it is stuck and/or in excess. In this way, acupuncture restores the harmonious balance of the body and its parts. The Chinese have a saying, "If there is pain, there is no free flow; if there is free flow, there is no pain." Restored harmony and free flow of qi manifests in the body as health and wellness.
When performed by the competently trained, licensed professionals at McKinney Acupuncture Clinic, acupuncture is extremely safe. As licensed acupuncturists, we use individually packaged, sterile, disposable needles. These thin needles are inserted into specific points on the body. This insertion interacts with the body's natural energy and gives the body direction in balancing and healing itself. Our expertise in choosing which acupoints to use in each particular case is what makes your treatment so effective.
Acupuncture needles are not much thicker than a strand of hair, and their insertion is not like receiving an ordinary injection with a thick needle. In some cases, you will not even know the needles are in place. In others, there may be some tingling, warmth, heaviness, or a feeling of qi moving up and down the channels. Most of our clients find acupuncture extremely relaxing and many fall asleep during treatment.
In the past 10 years, acupuncture has made a name for itself in the medical communities of the U.S. It has gained acceptance and respect by leading researchers in the field of medicine. Though U.S. scientists have no solid answers on how acupuncture works, it has been proven in case study after case study that it is effective.
The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture's effectiveness for over 40 common disorders, such as:
- Ear, Nose & Throat Disorders
Toothaches, earaches, sinusitis, rhinitis, laryngitis
- Respiratory Disorders
- Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Circulatory Disorders
- Urogenital Disorders
- Gynecological Disorders
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Psychoemotional & Neurological Disorders
Colds & flus, bronchitis, asthma, allergies, emphysema
Food allergies, nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, ulcers, colitis
Hypertension, high cholesterol, arteriosclerosis, angina pectoris
Cystitis, stress incontinence, neurogenic bladder, prostatitis, prostatic hypertrophy
Menstrual irregularity, endometriosis, PMS, infertility, menopausal syndrome
Tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, TMJ, sciatica, low back pain, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia
Depression, anxiety, insomnia, headache, migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, intercostals neuralgia, poststroke paralysis, dizziness, tinnitus
In addition, acupuncture has been used for centuries throughout Asia to treat hundreds of other problems.
While receiving acupuncture you need to:
- Relax. There is no need to be frightened. Ask us any questions you have along the way so that you can get the maximum benefit from your treatment.
- Do not change your position or move suddenly. If you are uncomfortable, tell us.
Here are some suggestions to help you get the maximum benefit from your treatment:
- Wear loose clothing. Women should not wear one piece dresses. Avoid wearing tight stockings.
- Avoid treatment when excessively fatigued, hungry, full, emotionally upset, or shortly after sex.
