Acupuncture is thousands of years old and is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is a unique system of healthcare that aims at harmonizing the Mind, Body & Spirit. The basic tenants of TCM come from the concept of energetic balance. An energy known as Qi (chee) that is essential for health, flows through the body in distinct pathways, called meridians. Each meridian connects with a specific organ and shares its energy.
Any imbalance in flow of Qi through an organ or its associated meridian leads to symptom development and subsequent illness. The flow of Qi can be affected by stress, imbalanced diet, over exertion, lack of physical activity, excess emotions as well as environmental and other life style factors.
The goal of acupuncture is to re-establish the balance of Qi in the body and to address the causes of imbalance. This holistic treatment of five point auricular acupuncture will help you achieve optimal results and will promote health and harmony of the Mind, Body and Spirit. Auricular acupuncture is believed to help with detoxification and has a calming effect that restores a sense of harmony. Three of the five stimulated points strengthen the liver, kidneys and lungs, which are key organs in the elimination of toxins in the body.
Benefits of Acupuncture
Research has supported the following effects:
acupuncture harmonizes the body without chemical or secondary effects
It strengthens the immune system
it helps to prevent illness and promotes the recovery of health
it increases circulation of Qi & blood that is impaired in chronic illness
it promotes the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain killer
it balances the Mind, Body & Spirit
Conditions Benefited by Acupuncture
The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture and TCM as being effective in the treatment of acute and chronic problems involving the following:
Respiratory Disorders , such as asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, allergies, sinusitis, laryngitis, cough, common cold and flu.
Circulatory Disorders such hypertension, anemia, arteriosclerosis and angina pectoris.
Musculoskeletal and Neurological Disorders such as spasms, tendonitis, torticolis, RSD, Carpal Tunnel, weakness, rheumatism, arthritis, low back, neck & shoulder pain.
Gastrointestinal Disorders such as peptic ulcer, constipation, chronic diarrhea, gastrointestinal weakness, indigestion, anorexia, gastritis, colitis, Crohn’s disease, bloating, vomiting and food allergies.
Urogenital Disorders such as prostitis, stress incontinence, hesitancy, urinary tract infections and sexual dysfunction.
Gynecological Disorders such as painful menstruation, infertility in both men and women and menopause.
Many Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders such as deafness, decreased vision, glaucoma, tinnitus and vertigo.
Post-operative problems such as nausea, mental fogginess and depression.
Other disorders such as fatigue, burn-out, headaches, insomnia, addiction and skin problems.
What does the treatment involve? Very fine, sterile needles are inserted into five key points in the ear. There may be a slight pinching sensation as the needles are inserted, but this is momentary. They are left for up to 40 minutes, during which time the patient sits quietly, without speaking. Between sessions, patients can have acupressure balls placed on the acupuncture points, to keep them stimulated. These are usually seeds, pellets or tiny ball-bearings, held in place with sticking plaster.