What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient technique that promotes the body's natural healing process. It involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into precise acupuncture points. The patient's signs and symptoms help us determine which points to use.

Most people assume that the needles we use are the same as those used to draw blood or give an injection. Acupuncture needles are quite different. Standard needles are thick and have a hollow tubes to allows fluids to pass through. Acupuncture needles, on the other hand, are slender and fine. They don't create the painful sensation associated with getting a shot. People generally find acupuncture treatments to be relaxing and rejuvenating. All needles used at our facility are sterile and single use only.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy course through the body. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers, bringing nourishment and vitality to muscles, tissues, and organs. An obstruction in these energy channels is like a dam that backs up nourishment and starves tissues down stream.

Needling acupuncture points directly influences the meridians. The precisely placed acupuncture needle unblocks the obstructions and reestablishes a regular flow through the meridians. This allows the tissues to receive the nourishment they need to properly recover.

Acupuncture is know to increase endorphins, the body's natural pain killers, and increase blood circulation. Therefore, injured tissues and organs can heal from the fresh blood supply, and remain pain free.

The World Health Organization created a list of diseases that respond well to acupuncture treatment. These include everything from constipation and diarrhea to headaches and bacterial infections.

Links

Great source for primary research western and eastern sources
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi

National Institute of Health philosophy about acupuncture
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/acupuncture/

Current news about the acupuncture community
http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/

The school that trained us
http://www.ocom.edu/index.php

The national certifciation commission for acupuncture
http://www.nccaom.org/

Information on acupuncture theory
http://www.yinyanghouse.com/chinesetheory.html

More information on theory
http://www.tcmstudent.com/theory/

Great Local Blog with lots of Information
http://www.portlandacupunctureblog.com/