Acupuncture

Acupuncture, one modality of Traditional Chinese Medicine, consists of the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points on specific meridians, or energy channels, shown to be effective in the treatment of specific health problems/conditions.

Acupuncture is based on Traditional Chinese Medical theories of the flow of Qi (pronounced chee), a fine essential substance which nourishes and constructs the body through distinct meridians that cover the body similar to nerves and blood vessels. According to this theory, acupuncture adjusts the flow of Qi in the body, leading it to areas where it is insufficient and draining it from areas where it is stuck and/or super-abundant. It restore the harmonious balance of the body and its parts and by its nature is a holistic approach to wellness and health.

Acupuncture has been recognized by the World Health Organization as being effective for many common disorders, such as:

Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders: Toothache, earaches, sinusitis, rhinitis, laryngitis
Respiratory Disorders: Colds, flu, bronchitis, asthma, allergies, emphysema
Gastrointestinal Disorders: food allergies, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, colitis, ulcers
Circulatory Disorders: Hypertension, high cholesterol, arteriosclerosis, angina pectoris
Urogenital Disorders: Cystitis, stress incontinence, neurogenic bladder, prostatitis, prostatic hypertrophy
Gynecological Disorders: Menstrual irregularities, PMS, endometriosis, infertility, menopausal syndrome
Musculoskeletal Disorders: Fibromyalgia, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, frozen shoulder, TMJ, sciatica, low back pain, arthritis
Psycho-emotional and Neurological Disorders: Depression, anxiety, insomnia, headache, migraine headache, trigeminal neuralgia, intercostals neuralgia, post-stroke paralysis, dizziness, tinnitus
Acupuncture has been used for over 3000 years throughout Asia as well as Europe to treat hundreds of other problems. Acupuncture is one branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a complete medical system, which includes diet and lifestyle counseling, herbal therapies, and physical medicine (called tui na, similar to massage therapy). In addition to needles, various other methods are used to stimulate acupuncture points, such as electricity, heat (use of moxibustion or TDP lamp), body work (tui na), and suction (cupping), which is created by special cups.

Acupuncture is generally considered very safe. While it is a procedure that punctures the skin and underlying tissues, injuries and side effects are very rare and when they do occur, they are usually minor. All acupuncture needles are sterile by state law. The needles used at Heartland Chiropractic are sterile, one-use, disposable needles. These needles come prepackaged and sterilized and are disposed of after one use.

Is Acupuncture Safe?

Injuries and side effects are very rare and when they do occur, they are usually minor, such as bruising or minor bleeding. All acupuncture needles are sterile, one-use, disposable needles.

What Will I Feel?

Acupuncture is considered relatively painless; however, with correct stimulation, the movement of Qi may be felt by the patient. Qi sensations vary widely and may be described as heaviness, distention, tingling, or electric. These sensations may be only at the location of the needle, or they may travel up or down the meridian (energy pathway). These sensations are a sign that the patient’s Qi is adjusting towards