| What
Is Acupuncture? Why Should I Try It? |
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Acupuncture is a holistic therapy-- it sees symptoms in relationship to the entire body, and not in isolation. Therefore, to alleviate the symptom, we treat the entire body, rather than focus solely on the symptom. The purpose behind all acupuncture therapy is the achievement of balance; specifically the balance of the flow of "Qi" in the body, loosely translated as the "life force." Symptoms are seen as an imbalance in this flow, and the correction of the imbalance is reflected in good health. The Qi flows in meridians (pathways) througout the body (See illustration at left showing an arm meridian and its points). Each pathway runs on the skin surface and is accessible via acupuncture points, and also runs deeply into the body and connects to the internal organs. This pathway brings the effects of the treatment at the superficial (skin level) of the body, into the deeper level of the organs. There are more than 365 acupuncture points (only a handful are used per treatment) known to influence body function. Over 2000 years old, this time-tested method of addressing chronic problems speaks for itself by alleviating conditions normally addressed by drugs or surgery in western medicine. For a list of conditions, see What Conditions Are Treated. | |||
| Why Should I Try It? | ||||
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Acupuncture has been used for centuries to relieve chronic conditions that have no natural cure in western medicine, such as asthma, chronic pain and anxiety. This powerful medicine, with no side effects, can be your answer, but is not broadly accepted by the mainstream. First, because there are not enough studies on efficacy YET, though many studies being done now are supporting the good result acupuncture can deliver (See What Research Says...) and second, because acupuncture is a threat to the established medical model. While none of us are used to paying for our health care out of pocket (few acupuncturists want to deal with the hassel of reimbursement by reluctant insurance companies)--here are a few good reasons to consider acupuncture: -your health is worth the investment--health is one of life's greatest
riches
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