- What is acupuncture?
- How does acupuncture work?
- Does acupuncture hurt?
- What is laser acupuncture?
- What is cupping?
Acupuncture is a means of adjusting the body’s life energy (qi) through the insertion of fine needles into carefully selected acupuncture points along the meridians of the body. This stimulates the flow of energy and removes blockages so that the qi can be dispersed and regulated.
Many theories have been presented one being that pain impulses are blocked from reaching the spinal cord or brain. It is suggested that acupuncture stimulates the nervous system to “shut the gate” to the sensation of pain. Other theories suggest that acupuncture stimulates the body to produce endorphins and opiods which, when released into the body, relieve pain..
The sensation of receiving an acupuncture treatment can rarely be described as painful. Now that is not to say that it is devoid of sensation. But, generally the feeling is more of a tingling. Acupuncture needles have a rounded end and therefore do not cut the skin as regular injection needles do.
A non invasive form of acupuncture which uses low energy laser beams instead of traditional acupuncture needles to influence the flow of current at the acupuncture points.
Cupping is an ancient Chinese therapy in which a cup is applied to the skin. The pressure in the cup is reduced in order to draw and hold skin and superficial muscles inside the cup. Cupping is applied to certain acupuncture points as well as to parts of the body that have been affected by pain. A popular therapy and is likened to receiving a massage.