Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on more than 3,500 years of Chinese medical practice which includes different types of herbal medicine, acupuncture, cupping therapy, massage, bonesetter, gua sha, dietary therapy, and exercise.
Traditional Chinese Medicine elucidates the universe and the body, with regard to two opposing forces: yin and yang. The human body is healthy when these forces come into balance. Energy, called “qi” moves along particular pathways, known as meridians, all over the body. This steady energy flow keeps the yang and yang forces balanced. However, the disturbance can cause pain, lack of function, or illness if the flow of energy gets blocked.
Acupuncture: pill-free pain relief
Acupuncture is a 3,000-year-old healing technique of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Acupuncture therapy can release blocked qi through various physiological systems in the body and stimulate function, giving rise to the body’s natural healing response. Academic research shows acupuncture’s positive effects on the nervous system, endocrine and immune systems, digestive system, and cardiovascular system. Acupuncture can help to resolve pain, improve digestive function and sleep, and sense of well-being by stimulating and energizing the body’s different systems.
In 1997, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) officially announced acupuncture’s safety and efficacy for treating a broad range of illnesses and conditions. Acupuncture is now covered by many insurance policies and is used vastly as a pain relief treatment.
Acupuncture procedure
Acupuncture is a technique in which practitioners stimulate specific points on the body–usually by inserting thin needles through the skin. By stimulating particular anatomic sites–generally referred to as acupuncture points or acupoints, acupuncture promotes the natural self-healing process and improves the body’s functions. Inserting fine, sterile needles into the skin is the most common method used to stimulate acupoints. However, pressure, heat, or electrical stimulation may further boost the effects. Cupping, manual massage, heat therapy or moxibustion, and the application of topical herbal medicines and linaments are among other acupoint stimulation techniques
During an acupuncture treatment
The very first step is performing some physical examinations depending on each individuals’ health needs. After a general check-up on your current health condition by your acupuncturist, the acupuncturist will recommend a proper treatment process to specify your particular condition. To begin the treatment, the patient lays on a treatment bench while precise acupoints are stimulated on various parts of your body. Most people feel no or minimal discomfort as the fine needles are softly put in position. The needles are usually maintained between five and 30 minutes. People report that they feel very comfortable and relaxed during and after the treatment.
Effectiveness of acupuncture
Acupuncture has been around for centuries and it is known as a safer alternative to surgery or Botox, facial acupuncture, naturally makes the skin look younger, smoother, and all-around healthier. It also helps with anti-aging and improves overall health. Research shows that acupuncture helps to ease different types of chronic pain, but there is no specific support for its effect on other health conditions.
Safety of acupuncture
Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by an experienced, attentive, and well-trained acupuncturist using sterile needles. Inappropriately performed acupuncture can lead to serious side effects.
Conditions commonly treated by acupuncture
Various clinical research demonstrates that acupuncture profitably treats conditions such as musculoskeletal problems including neck pain and back pain, migraine headache, insomnia, nausea, depression, anxiety, and infertility.
Clinical research has also proven that acupuncture has been an effective treatment for the following symptoms, conditions, or diseases:
- Allergic rhinitis (including hay fever)
- Biliary colic
- Depression (including depressive neurosis and depression following stroke)
- Dysentery, acute bacillary
- Dysmenorrhoea, primary
- Facial pain (including craniomandibular disorders)
- Headache
- Induction of labor
- Knee pain
- Leukopenia
- Low back pain
Safety and side effects of acupuncture
- There are minimal side effects including fatigue, temporary worsening of symptoms, slight bruising, tenderness at the needle site, light-headedness, and emotional release.
- Few complications from using acupuncture have been reported. Some of these problems are caused by the use of nonsterile needles and improper treatment performance.
- Improper performance can cause harmful effects, including infections, collapsed lungs, punctured organs, and injury to the central nervous system.
Vida Wise follows the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) regulations that consider acupuncture needles as medical devices for use by licensed acupuncturists and practitioners. FDA regulations also require that needles be manufactured and labeled according to certain standards. According to FDA needles must be sterile, nontoxic, and labeled for single use only by qualified practitioners.
Personalized treatment plans: treatments as unique as you
Your acupuncturist will design a treatment plan specifically for you based on your current health condition. It is important to follow your treatment to reach the best possible results. Consistency is essential and a critical factor in any health and wellness treatments. Our clients enjoy the experience so much and they always keep coming back.
Choose the right acupuncturist
Vida Wise has made it easy for you to find the right acupuncturist by carefully selecting the best practitioners. Our acupuncturists have years of clinical experience in the field and they are licensed by the State of California Acupuncture Board. The best way to find out whether acupuncture is right for you is to schedule a visit at Vida Wise in Newport Beach, California.
