Acupuncture

The intent of acupuncture therapy is to promote health and alleviate pain and suffering. The method by which this is accomplished, though it may seem strange and mysterious to many, has been time tested over thousands of years and continues to be validated today.

The perspective from which an acupuncturist views health and sickness hinges on concepts of ‘vital energy,’ ‘energetic balance’ and ‘energetic imbalance.’ Just as the western medical doctor monitors the blood flowing through blood vessels and the messages travelling via the nervous system, the acupuncturist assesses the flow and distribution of this ‘vital energy’ within its pathways, known as ‘meridians and channels’.

The acupuncturist is able to influence health and sickness by stimulating certain areas along these ‘meridians’. Traditionally these areas or ‘ acupoints’ are stimulated by fine needles. This procedure is virtually painless. The sensations that follow range from nothing at all, to mild tingling, to slight numbness/achiness, to electrical pulsations in areas distant from the site of insertion. All these sensations usually subside once the needles are removed. The aim of this is to adjust the ‘vital energy’ so the proper amount reaches the proper place at the proper time. This helps the body heal itself.

Most patients would say acupuncture treatment is ‘relaxing’. Usually patients leave in less discomfort and are more functional than when they walked in. Sometimes the effects are too subtle to perceive, especially in the beginning of treatment. Yet after 5 to 10 treatments the improvements become more and more apparent.

Acupuncture is a powerful healing tool, but not a panacea nor a solution to every health care problem. Both western and oriental medicine have their respective strengths and weaknesses, which is why in modern China the two systems are used together. When appropriately combined the patient is well served. Generally speaking, acute, life threatening conditions are best handled by western medical doctors. Routine health problems and chronic conditions, for which drug therapy and surgery have not been effective, often benefit from acupuncture.

Our specialist is Matthew Voigts. Contact the Thorpe Bay Clinic today.