Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been practiced in Asia for thousands of years. It treats conditions by encouraging balance of the body's energy. Qi is the energy that permeates all things and flows through the body along the meridians.

The body has 2 opposing but optimally balanced forces: Yin and Yang. If the meridians become excessive, deficient, or blocked, Yin and Yang become unbalanced and illness results.

What to Expect

Acupuncture entails stimulating anatomical points on the body using a variety of techniques. The most common is the insertion into the body of thin, solid metallic needles following the energy pathways or meridians. These are then manipulated by the hands or by electrical charges.

There are 14 frequently used meridians that form a web-like interconnecting matrix with over 2000 acupuncture points. Several other energy pathways in the body extend the connectivity to the organs but have no acupuncture points because they lie deep in the body.

Your practitioner will start by opening a fresh set of sterilized, disposable needles and will swab the area with alcohol before inserting the needles. As they are inserted, you will feel a sensation called deqi. It should not be painful.

Auriculotherapy or ear acupuncture is a method of diagnosis and treatment that recognizes the ear as a map to the body's organs. Stimulating points in the ear helps reach corresponding points within the organs. Auriculotherapy is used for treating stress, addictions, joint pain and more.

Cupping brings fresh blood to an area and improves circulation. It is often used to open the chest and benefit the lungs, in the relief of menstrual tension and digestive problems. Cupping entails placing the cup on the area to be treated and suctioning out the air forcing the skin to draw up around and underneath.

Further recommendations

Be prepared for the way your acupuncturist diagnoses ailments. She will begin by

• questioning you about your medical history and lifestyle,
• observing your overall physical form and posture,
• listening to your breathing and voice,
• smelling your breath and body odors, and
• palpating the skin.

It is important that you tell your acupuncturist as much as possible about your condition and any related information you have. Your privacy will be protected.

Expect several appointments in the first month and, depending on the condition and its severity, several months of treatment.

Precautions of Acupuncture

Today most needles are disposable and come sealed in sterilized packages. They are discarded after use in accordance with medical biohazard regulations.

In some cases, the client may experience a small amount of bleeding or bruising. In rare cases the effects may be more serious. The practitioners at Jema therapeutics are experienced in acupuncture and adverse reactions are unlikely.

If cupping is used, you may be left with temporary circular marks and a feeling of tenderness in the area of treatment.

What conditions is Acupuncture used for?

Acupuncture is commonly used for the treatment of

• diseases of the upper respiratory tract
• sinusitis, bronchitis and asthma
• toothache and gingivitis
• bowel disorders, colitis and ulcers
• neurological disorders including headache and migraine
• facial palsy
• neuralgia and sciatica
• osteoarthritis, joint swelling
• fatigue, insomnia
• allergies
• stress and anxiety
• addictions
• muscle spasm
• tinnitis
• skin conditions
• detoxification
• gynecological problems