The Many Benefits of Acupuncture
By Jeni Yadon
Acupuncture can be helpful in healing a wide range of health problems and is becoming more and more popular as we begin to understand the benefits of alternative health care. If you are one of the many who have not yet tried acupuncture but are interested in it’s many benefits, read on!
When it comes to our bodies we want knowledge and understanding and we want to be in charge of what happens to it. Many hear the word acupuncture and the only image that comes to mind is needles, however, there are benefits that far outweigh the scary unknown of this technique.
So what is acupuncture and how does it work with your body? Acupuncture is a method of balancing and building the body’s life force energy known as “qi” or “chi”, using needles along pathways called meridians or channels through which this energy circulates. Traditional Chinese Medicine views disease as the result of an imbalance, deficiency, or blockage in the body’s natural energy flow. Such imbalances manifest in physical, emotional and stress-related disorders. Acupuncture works to open these blockages, renew energy flows and restore good health.
Why Should You Try Acupuncture? There are 7 really good reasons to try acupuncture:
1. No drugs and no side effects.
2. Chinese Medicine is safe.
3. Chinese Medicine is holistic and and treats the root of pain and disease.
4. Chinese Medicine is one of the oldest and most widely used systems of medicine in the world.
5. Acupuncture can be used as a preventative medicine.
6. Chinese Medicine treats the individual not the symptom.
7. Chinese Medicine is cost effective.
What Health Conditions Benefit From Acupuncture? Some of the conditions that are lessened or eliminated with the help of acupuncture include:
-Digestive problems
-Headaches and migraines
-Insomnia
-Emotional disorders
-Infertility
-Arthritis
-Asthma
-Pain
These are only a few, for a more in-depth look check out Dr. Andrew Weil’s article on acupuncture or visit the Traditional Chinese Medicine Information Page.
When coming to Your Wellness Connection for your first acupuncture visit, our acupuncturist, Shamayne Tate, will work one on one with you to get an assessment of your condition. During the assessment you will talk with her about your health, both physical and emotional, which will allow Shamayne to tailor a plan based on your personal needs. The number of treatments needed depends on the individual and their specific situation and can vary from 1 to 12 sessions.
In today’s world of Western Medicine, acupuncture is an effective, peaceful approach toward healing. It is a way to become in-tune with and work with your own body to achieve better health and feel a wonderful sense of well being. One of the hardest things about anything new is the fear of the unknown. However, with acupuncture there really is nothing to fear and as you gain more knowledge on the subject of your body and your health you will begin to be in charge of your wellness!
