(Naperville Acupuncture)
Acupuncture is a treatment therapy that addresses a wide variety of health concerns and diseases. Originating in China well over 2,000 years ago, practitioners around the world provide healing for anything from joint and body pain to nausea to chronic conditions. It was first introduced to the US in the 1970’s, and has been growing ever since as more and more people experience the benefits and spread the word.
Here we’ll answer the most common questions about acupuncture.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of very thin sterile disposable needles at specific points on the body, which are then typically retained for anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. Styles of practice vary widely since it’s been around for thousands of years. Before inserting the needles, the practitioner gathers information from asking questions, looking at the patient’s tongue, and analyzing the pulses at the wrists. Some practitioners also gather information from touching, or palpating, the abdomen. From all this information a diagnosis and treatment plan are formulated.
Does acupuncture hurt?
“I’m afraid of needles” – this is what we acupuncturists hear all the time from people who’ve never experienced acupuncture. They’re thinking of syringes that are inserted into their veins for blood draws, or to administer vaccines. But these are NOT syringes. In fact, several acupuncture needles easily fit inside a syringe, that is how thin they are. Also, we are NOT inserting the needles into your blood vessels. Yet, it is true the needle is inserted below the skin, so doesn’t this hurt? No, usually there’s no sensation, but sometimes the patient feels a sensation that we can Qi – and this is sometimes desirable at certain points for more effective results. The overall feeling during and after acupuncture is relaxation. Just ask someone who’s had it!
What does acupuncture do?
The point of acupuncture (pun intended 😉 ) is to release blockages in the energy channels that run throughout the body. These channels are very similar to the blood vessels and nerves except instead of carrying blood or nerve signals, they carry a special force within the body called Qi. Qi translates roughly to Life Force, or Vital Energy. It is what makes us alive, and when it is balanced it allows and creates health in the body. Things such as poor diet, emotional stress, physical stress, environmental stressors, etc. all create imbalances or blockages in the smooth flow of Qi in the channels. Acupuncture is using a small tool to access the energy in these channels, which are invisible to modern day imaging and to the eye, and to release blockages and return the body closer to homeostasis.
What is acupuncture good for?
According the the World Health Organization, acupuncture benefits a list of over 100 (107 at my count from their official statement) conditions. So the better question is what isn’t it good for?!
Here’s a video I created a few years ago that explains some analogies to help you understand how acupuncture works.
