Acupuncture is the practice of inserting thin needles into specific body points to improve health and well-being.

Acupuncture

It originated in China more than 2,000 years ago. American practices of acupuncture use medical traditions from China, Japan, Korea and other countries. In the United States, the best-known type involves putting hair-thin, metallic needles into your skin.

Research has shown that acupuncture reduces nausea and vomiting after surgery and chemotherapy. It can also relieve pain. Researchers don’t fully understand how acupuncture works. It might aid the activity of your body’s pain-killing chemicals. It also might affect how you release chemicals that regulate blood pressure and flow.

Information & Facts

• Originated in China 5,000 years ago

• Needles are inserted into specific points in the body to manipulate the flow of energy thereby restoring the balance, removing blockages and adding energy where necessary

• According to the World Health Organization, acupuncture is effective in treating over 100 conditions.

Benefits of Acupuncture

Many people are turning to acupuncture as a natural way to heal, without the side effects of drugs and chemically based remedies traditionally prescribed in Western medicine. Acupuncture is very effective for patients with sleep disorders, anxiety or panic attacks, addictions, and has been found extremely useful for people who have not responded to more conventional forms of treatment.

What people experience: relaxation, calm, altered state of consciouness, tingling sensations thoughout the body, euphoric feeling of body becoming lighter, fall asleep

From the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA)

Spirit and Energetic of Points of NADA 5 Point Protocol:

Shen Men- Spirit Gate. Calms anxiety and slows the heart rate. Alleviates feelings of impatience, mood swings, and replaces them with joy.
Sympathetic- Relaxes nerves, reduces fight or flight response, improves digestive function, aids respiration, relieves anxiety, and produces calm.
Kidney- Essential energy-yin and yang source, helps to release toxins through urine. Rejuvenation and restoration and a deep level of purification of the blood. Associated with relieving fear, paranoia and anguish, and fortifying feelings of gentleness and awareness.
Liver- Emotional balance-restores the flow of Qi. Cleanses the body of toxins and is related to emotional stability and balance. Associated with relieving feelings of anger, rage, and depression, and restoring balance and kindness.
Lung- Life force balance-rules Qi. Nourishing, improves the immune system and eases breathing. Associated with relieving sadness and grief, and providing feelings of courage and righteousness.