Acupuncture: What is it and what does it do?

If you're new to acupuncture you undoubtedly have a few questions about it.

The most common question is "what does it do"?

That is a great question! Would you be surprised there are 2 different answers?

Usually, when someone asks me what acupuncture does, they're looking for an answer based in western anatomy and physiology. Which is expected due to the fact nearly all of us have been brought up within the western paradigm of health care.

The other explanation is rooted in the eastern philosophy of anatomy and physiology. A philosophy that shares a similar understanding of basic body function and then expands into a more complete realization of the body concerning the mental and physical relationships of a person's health.

Here's a brief explanation of the two:


Western:

The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system.

The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being. ¹

Eastern:

 

The Eastern Explanation for how Acupuncture works is that the life energy flowing through the body which is termed Qi (pronounced chee) can be influenced and balanced by stimulating specific points on the body. These points are located along channels of energy known as meridians that connect all of our major organs. According to Chinese medical theory, illness arises when the cyclical flow of Qi in the meridians becomes unbalanced or is blocked. ²


The next question usually is "does it help with..."?

If you're having a heart attack, an acute respiratory problem or some other medical emergency requiring surgery, then the answer is NO! Call 911 or go to the nearest hospital immediately!

If it's not one of those, in my experience acupuncture is generally a great choice and will most likely help. To what extent will vary from person to person and you really won't know the full possibility of how much it can help until you try a recommended course of treatment by your acupuncturist.

If you would like to see a list of conditions that the World Health Organization has determined acupuncture to be effective in treating please CLICK HERE and this link will take you to the page.

If you have any other questions please feel free to contact me. Like the old adage says, the only stupid question is the one you don't ask.

Thanks for reading and have a healthy week!

Blake Blowers, Dipl. Ac.

1 http://www.medicalacupuncture.org/ForPatients/ArticlesByPhysiciansAboutAcupuncture/Doctor,WhatsThisAcupunctureAllAbout.aspx

2 https://www.acufinder.com/Acupuncture+Information/Detail/How+does+acupuncture+work+

Acupuncture and more...

As you all know acupuncture is our specialty here at DFA&HMC, but I bet most of you didn't know we also have some other really great programs here at the clinic.

One program in particular that I'm excited to be providing is a nutritional cleanse. The cleanse is a 21 day program that guides you through the "detox" process. This program is safe, very healthy and a great way to start leading that healthy lifestyle we all want to be living.

We also have a  medically supervised nutritional weight loss program and the results we see on a regular basis with this program are nothing short of amazing. If you need or want to loose weight this program gets results fast and in a healthy way. The other best part about this program is that after you complete the program, you will have the knowledge you need to maintain your weight loss and continue making healthy choices.

I'm currently in the process of developing several workshops on health and wellness. Expect to see these workshops being offered in January of 2014. They will be packed with great information about healthy lifestyle including information on what a healthy diet actually looks like, weight loss, natural pain relief, exercise and many other health related topics. These workshops will be filled with specific examples and accessory information to make sure that you understand and are able to implement the information I provide to you in the workshop.

As always, it is our pleasure to assist you with your health concerns and goals.

Have a great rest of the week and if it's been a while since you've been in to see us, come in soon! Remember, every choice you make will either promote your health or take away from it. At no point are you balancing perfectly in-between.

Acupuncture is one of the things you can do to promote your health!

In next week's post I'm going to talk about acupuncture and how it works.

Until then, take care!