People are often wary about trying acupuncture. After all, it involves needles – and who likes those?  Needles are typically associated with causing pain, not alleviating it. And yet, the alleviation of pain is exactly what happens during an acupuncture session.

In the past 2,000 years, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined. Below, we tell you exactly how this method of natural healing works, how effective it is, and which health problems it can relieve.

WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?

Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing. This is done by inserting tiny, sterile needles at very precise acupuncture points.

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?

The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish tissues. A blockage in the flow in the meridian is like a dam in a river. One side of the dam will have too much water, the other side won’t have enough. A balanced energy flow is required for optimal health.

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.

IS ACUPUNCTURE EFFECTIVE?

Yes. In the past 2,000 years, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined. While acupuncture is often associated with pain control, it has much broader applications. Acupuncture can be effective as the only treatment used, or as the support or adjunct to other medical treatment. The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems, including:

• Digestive disorders: gastritis and hyperacidity, spastic colon, constipation, diarrhea.
• Respiratory disorders: sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, recurrent chest infections.
• Neurological and muscular disorders: headaches, facial tics, neck pain, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, various forms of tendinitis, low back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis.
• Urinary, menstrual, and reproductive problems.
• Emotional disorders: anxiety, depression, mania, and PTSD.
• Endocrine disorders: PMS, hot flashes, insomnia, diabetes, and thyroid disease.

Acupuncture works…it’s as simple as that. Don’t be afraid of needles! Schedule an appointment for acupuncture and wellness services in Bucks County for yourself today!

Kitty Ghen is a Licensed Acupuncturist, Certified NET Practitioner, and Reiki Master. She is available for appointments on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at The Spa at Cornerstone Clubs.