Acupuncture originated in China more than 2,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest and most commonly used medical procedures in the world. Treatment in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is centered on the individual rather than the disease. Treatment of the whole body is considered interrelated including mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Disease is typically viewed as a disorder or disharmony, and treatment is directed towards balancing and harmonizing the whole person. In Chinese medicine, diagnosis is made through visual inspection, interviewing, inspection of the tongue, and palpation of the pulse in both wrists. Once a working diagnosis is established, a treatment plan is formulated.
Acupuncture is currently being used with great success for patients with chronic disease. Its effectiveness helps in minimizing the side effects of treatments such as nausea and vomiting that occurs when the chemotherapy agents are administered. Acupuncture is utilized to tonify the patient’s energy level, aids in well-being and decreases the fatigue associated with any chronic disease, especially cancer.
The acupuncture treatment takes place in a private room with a relaxing atmosphere. The actual insertion of the acupuncture needles is done very quickly. Very fine, thin stainless steel needles will be used to stimulate the energy, termed “Qi” (Chee). Once the needles are in place, the patients may report a tingling, numbing, or warming sensation. This sensation is a sign that the patient’s Qi is adjusting towards balance.
After needles are in place, a warm Mineral Infrared Therapy lamp is placed over the target healing area. This lamp helps stimulate the body’s natural healing process, while also reducing inflammation and pain. The therapy will last for about 20-30 minutes. Frequency of therapy will be determined by the Naturopathic Doctor providing treatment.