PHYSICIANS (or MEDICAL) ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture is a very old medical art with many
different approaches and concepts regarding its use.
Medical acupuncture is the term used to describe
acupuncture performed by a physician trained and
licensed in Western medicine who has also had
thorough training in acupuncture as a specialty
practice. Physicians so trained can take advantage of
either or both approaches to provide effective and
quality care to patients. Since acupuncture also has
its roots in preventive care, there is an opportunity to
address problems in their very early stages with the
hope of preventing full-blown disease.

The classical Chinese explanation of how acupuncture works, is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up in others.

The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians.

The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system.

The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.

The World Health Organization recognizes the use of
acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of
medical problems, including:
• Digestive disorders: gastritis, esophageal reflux,
irritable bowel, constipation, and diarrhea
• Respiratory disorders: sinusitis, laryngitis,
bronchitis, asthma, allergies
• Musculoskeletal disorders: tension headaches,
neck pain, low back pain, tennis elbow, frozen
shoulder, sciatica, osteoarthritis, rotator cuff
tendinitis
• Neurological disorders, e.g. migraines and
neuralgia pain
• Urinary, menstrual, and reproductive problems
including infertility