Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine in which thin needles are used to prick the body at specific acupuncture points as a way to stimulate energy movement and promote better health. Dating all the way back to 2,000 BC, this ancient Chinese practice has continued to grow in popularity in Western Europe and North America. Over the years, as more and more people have been turning to acupuncture to help with their pain, stress, and various health problems.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
The human body is made up of over 2,000 acupuncture points, also called acupoints. Before learning how this form of alternative medicine works exactly, it is crucial to better understand the body as traditional Chinese medicine views it.
It is believed by traditional Chinese medicine that the 2,000+ acupoints—also commonly referred to as trigger points—are all connected together through channels and vessels throughout the body which create the meridian system (also known as “channel network”). The meridian system is a path through the body in which “qi” (also known as “life-energy”) flows through. This is where the acupuncture needles come into play. By inserting a thin needle into or putting pressure on certain acupoints, you stimulate the meridian system, encourage relief, and balance your yin, yang, and qi. To be healthy, your yin and yang must be in balance. This is the central belief behind acupuncture and the healing techniques of traditional Chinese medicine.
How to Find Acupoints
To find acupoints, the traditional Chinese unit of measurement called the cun is often used. Acupoints can be measured by using the cun and specific landmarks on one’s body. On average, one cun equates to the width of your thumb.
The acupoints that are needed by any one person to help with their personal condition will vary, depending on where that person’s pain, discomfort, or ailment is within the body. Some acupoints reside directly on the body part/area, while other acupoints may be on the other side of the body entirely. In these instances, the acupoints are located along meridians that are connected to the specific body part that needs to be treated, which makes it possible to treat one area of the body to help an entirely different area someone may feel discomfort.
For example, some of the most common and popular acupoints for relieving a headache can be found on the neck, back, hands, and feet! So remember, while some acupoints are on or near the area of pain, others can be found on the opposite end of the body.
The Benefits of Acupuncture
Now onto the true benefits that come with acupuncture. Acupuncture can help with the following:
Craving reduction
Whether you find yourself constantly craving sweets or even a cigarette, acupuncture can work to suppress and eliminate that craving, resulting in a healthier and happier you!
Cosmetic appearance enhancement
Yes, you read that correctly! Acupuncture, when used for cosmetics is commonly referred to as an acupuncture “facelift” and can help with your physical appearance, while also benefitting your overall health and wellness.
Digestive disorders
From gastritis to spastic colon and constipation to diarrhea, acupuncture has been known to help alleviate and even eliminate these common digestive ailments.
Respiratory disorders
Respiratory disorders can include allergies, sinusitis, bronchitis, sore throat, and recurrent chest infections, just to name a few.
Neurologic and muscular disorders
Some of the most common reasons for acupuncture include headaches, pain in the shoulder, elbow, neck, and back, sciatica and arthritis.
Urinary and menstrual problems
Whether you have urgency, incontinence, recurrent infection, painful and heavy periods or pelvic pain, acupuncture can be used to rid you of the problem and promote health and well-being.
What to Expect
When it comes time for your first acupuncture treatment, you may be a bit nervous. However, once you step foot inside Paradise Medspa and Wellness, your fear will quickly go away! Dr. Sarna is a board-certified Family Physician specializing in wellness and anti-aging services who has had extensive training in Medical Acupuncture from the UCLA School of Medicine. Holistic medicine is a field within alternative medicine that focuses on the “whole” person, rather than solely on the ailment at hand.
About acupuncture needles
Sure, the idea of small needles in your skin may sound painful, but in reality, acupuncture is anything but that! The needles used have one extremely important trait. They are thin. Extremely thin. Acupuncture needles are so thin that many patients describe the feeling as a slight poke or tingle of the skin. Acupuncture needles are much thinner than sewing needles and regular blood drawing needles. So much so that the average acupuncture needle can fit inside the hollowed out area of a blood drawing needle. See what we’re saying? There’s no need to worry!
Does acupuncture hurt?
While every patient is different, acupuncture is rarely described as “painful”. Once you receive your first acupuncture treatment, chances are you’ll wonder how you have gone this long without in your life. From healing serious ailments like those listed above, to helping with your overall health and wellness, the reasons for doing acupuncture are widespread.
“My experience at Paradise Medspa & Wellness has been fantastic. I first came to the wellness center for weight loss and then decided to try Botox, silk peel and acupuncture. It is a spa like atmosphere, very relaxing, but you’re getting professional medical attention and care. I feel physically better than I have ever felt in my life which has led me to trying new services that I never even thought of. I’ve really enjoyed everything I have done here and feel better for doing them.”– Theresa, patient of Paradise Medspa.
Schedule an Acupuncture Treatment
Ready to take the first step to feeling better? Contact us today and give us a call at 602.266.8144 to schedule a Wellness Consultation with Dr. Sarna. During this consultation, you’ll be able to talk one-on-one with the doctor to explain what is troubling you—from any pain or ailments you may be experiencing, to emotional or physical appearance troubles—we can’t wait to start helping you live a healthier and more enjoyable life!