Information About Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is part of the holistic system of healing known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which also includes herbal and other therapies. Acupuncture stimulates movement of energy within the body, removing blockages, and allowing healing to take place. Selection of these points is based on years of training for acupuncturists which looks to over 3,000 years of traditional Chinese medicine.
At Zephyrhills Acupuncture Clinic we employ electronic acupuncture which uses no needles, is painless, and does not break the skin.
By stimulating the natural flow of energy through the body, acupuncture helps to balance overall functioning of the immune
and organ systems of the body. Acupuncture is helpful for:
- Bringing balance existing illnesses and injuries.
- Preventing illness and reducing illness recurrence.
- Improving overall health.
How does Acupuncture work?
Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory
TCM postulates that energy, known as Qi, flows through energetic channels throughout the body. These channels are rivers of energy which are referred to as meridians. The basic energy map for all people includes 71 meridians, like interconnected pathways. Each of the major organs in the body is associated with a meridian, and through that channel is connected to other areas of the body including the muscles, bones, joints, and also other organs.
The Chinese believe that good health arises from balance between the body and its environment and between the different regions and functions of the body. With internal balance and external harmony Qi flows smoothly to nourish organs and tissues. Obstructions in meridians disrupt the flow of Qi, resulting in disrupted innate balance and illness.
At specific points on the meridians Qi is concentrated and accessible. Acupuncture engages Qi by applying stimulation at these points. We use electronic needleless acupuncture at specific points, the goal being to restore the proper flow of Qi. As the body regains its natural balance, well-being returns.
Acupuncture and Modern Science
Needleless electronic acupuncture provides a physical stimulus to specific acupuncture points. In Western science, a stimulus is defined as a detectable change within the body or in the external environment. And, change causes a response. Acupuncture is not fully understood by Western scientists, but the response to acupuncture is observable. For example, researchers using MRI technology can see changes in the brain corresponding to acupuncture point stimulus.
Most Western research in the past has been in the area of pain relief. Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) to release pain-relieving chemicals. Acupuncture may also stimulate other chemicals to be released by the brain, including hormones that influence the self-regulating system of the body. In the last 20 years or so researchers have been identifying beneficial results for a wide variety of health issues including post-operative recovery, postpartum depression, nerve and muscle pain, digestive issues, anxiety, infertility, respiratory disorders, and much more.
Summary
Chinese oriental medicine is a time-tested traditional source of unique, holistic care to prevent and treat disease. Western science and Traditional Chinese Medicine take advantage of the natural healing capacity of the body to protect health and maintain balance. Western science tends to use drugs and surgery as needed. Acupuncturists tend to use gentle needling and herbs. A combination of both systems creates an ideal environment of health and healing.
For an appointment, or if you have questions, call us at 813-782-9564 or email your questions to oxydocnmd@yahoo.com.
George A. Forster, DC, AP, NMD
Zephyrhills Acupuncture & Chiropractic Clinic
Doctor of Chiropractic
Acupuncture Physician
Naturopathic Medical Doctor
Past President of the American Chiropractic Thermographic Society
Past Chairman of the ICA College of Thermography
Continuing Education Lecturer for Life Chiropractic College