Acupuncture & Acupressure
Acupuncture is used as an adjunct treatment or an acceptable alternative to treat an ever-growing list of disorders: addiction, stroke, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, asthma, infertility, pregnancy problems, dental pain, and side effects from cancer treatment.
Recent advances in technology have helped unlock the biological mysteries of this 2,000-year-old medical practice. Researchers are closer to understanding how an acupuncture needle can subtly adjust the body's tissues, nerves, and hormones. The NIH and World Health Organization have both given formal approval of acupuncture.
It helps to have an exploring, open mindset when considering acupuncture. Even people who are not very open-minded and try it, find they feel good during the treatments and sometimes they are surprised.
Many people would like to try acupuncture but are put off because they assume it will be painful. Actually, the acupuncture needles have no resemblance to hypodermic syringes. Acupuncture needles are solid and hair-thin. At least 15 needles can fit into one conventional hypodermic needle! Also, the acupuncture needles have a doweled end, not a cutting end like most hypodermic needles, and therefore are far less likely to cause tissue damage or bruising when inserted.
Acupressure
Acupressure is a hands-on therapy that is based on the principals of acupuncture meridian theory. Touching, holding, or tapping on acupuncture points serves to mobilize energy, relieve blockages, and restore order to the mind-body system. Acupressure can be used like acupuncture for relieving pain or emotional strain, especially if the patient is anxious about the use of needles.
Emotional strain has a way of accumulating as tension in the body. Acupressure allows us to accelerate the process of relieving stress and acupressure becomes a gentle, yet powerful aide in helping us to regain our health and wholeness.
