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What is Acupuncture?
An acupuncturist is a licensed health care professional who, based on the concepts of oriental medicine, maintains the health of patients and evaluates and treats their illness and pain.
Acupuncture is the treating, by means of mechanical, thermal or electrical stimulation effected by the insertion of needles or by the application of heat, pressure or electrical stimulation at a point or combination of points on the surface of the body predetermined on the basis of the theory of the physiological interrelationship of body organs with an associated point or combination of points for diseases, disorders and dysfunctions of the body for the purpose of achieving a therapeutic or prophylactic effect. The profession of acupuncture includes recommendation of dietary supplements and natural products including, but not limited to, the recommendation of diet, herbs and other natural products, and their preparation in accordance with traditional and modern practices of East Asian (Chinese, Korean or Japanese) medical theory. |
How do Acupuncturists treat health conditions?
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Using the principles of oriental medicine, the acupuncturist will examine you by looking, listening, asking questions, and touching. This allows the acupuncturist to record a full case history.
Once an evaluation is made, the acupuncturist may insert very fine acupuncture needles into a number of points on your body. The purpose of the needles is to stimulate acupuncture points; the needles do not inject any substance into the body. Single time use, pre-sterilized disposable needles are the preferred standard of practice. Often, acupuncture may be accompanied by electrical stimulation or the burning of moxa, a form of heat therapy or the use of heat lamps. Acupuncturists may also use a variety of other techniques to enhance acupuncture treatment. Many conditions may respond to acupuncture, including those related to the following:
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