What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an age-old medical practice that dates back at least 5,000 years. Stone acupuncture needles have been found in Mongolia dating back t 3000b.c. and archeologists have even discovered a 5000 year old mummy in the Alps that was tattooed at various acupuncture points.

Today acupuncturists apply thin filiform needles into specific points on the body to correct the flow of qi and heal a number of ailments.

Does acupuncture hurt? ... Because I’m terrified of needles…

Relax. Getting an acupuncture treatment isn’t like a trip to the doctor for a flu shot. Filiform needles are extremely thin and won’t give you a reason to cover your eyes and wince in terror.

If it doesn’t hurt, what does acupuncture feel like?

While some acupuncture points create a stronger sensation than others, many patients feel a slight tingling sensation upon insertion as a result of the movement of Qi. Often times it feels good to the patient and they look forward to a little Qi in motion.

What is “Qi”?

Qi is often interpreted as energy in the English language. Qi is much more than just energy.

The Chinese character for Qi depicts a pot of rice with the steam rising from it. Like the steam, Qi is a subtle, guiding force that flows throughout the body to regulate blood, skin, bone, muscle and even emotions.

When Qi is flowing correctly through out the body, the physiological systems are working correctly to maintain your optimal health. Unfortunately, Qi can sometimes flow the wrong way, stagnate in a specific area or even become too weak to flow correctly.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) works based upon the principal of balancing yin and yang; the two opposing and interdependent forces of nature that give rise to and destroy one another. In other words, TCM breaks down diseases between hot and cold, excess and deficiency and exterior versus interior conditions.

TCM uses its own system of diagnosis that enables the practitioner to see a patient’s problem on a much more personal and individual level. For example, two patients could present a case of low back pain and be treated two completely different ways than each other by an acupuncturist based on their TCM diagnosis.

Is it safe to treat children with TCM and acupuncture?

Of course! TCM and acupuncture is actually a really safe way to help care for your children. At St John Acupuncture we use massage, herbs and needles to treat colic, diarrhea, constipation, cold and cough, flu and other conditions listed above. Marston St John is a mom herself and knows the importance you place on your children’s health and safety.

Do acupuncture and TCM work?

Of course! This medicine has persisted for 5000 years and gone through centuries more trial and error and fine-tuning than many forms of treatment available today. From the Yellow Emperor to Oprah, TCM and acupuncture have found their purpose through out the ages.

 

 

Conditions that can be treated with acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)