San Diego Acupuncture 101
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world. Originating in China more than 2,000 years ago. The term acupuncture describes a family of procedures involving stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques. The acupuncture technique that has been most studied scientifically involves penetrating the skin with thin metallic needles.
Does It Hurt?
The biggest question we get with regard to acupuncture is the famous ‘Does it hurt?’ The short answer is, no, not as much as you probably think.
What do we mean by that? Well, when the majority of people hear the word ‘needle’ they immediately make an association with a hypodermic needle and getting a ‘shot’ at a doctor visit. The problem with that is two fold 1) hypodermic needles are a heavier gauge (thickness) than acupuncture needles 2) the real pain involved with getting a shot is not from the needle penetrating the skin but from the actual injection of the liquid into the body.
The discomfort you might feel when an acupuncture is tapped into position is not nearly as bad as a single hair being pulled out. In fact, the majority of the time the you won’t even feel the needle penetrate at all.
Does It Work?
There have been many studies on acupuncture’s potential usefulness and promising results have emerged showing efficacy of acupuncture.
Acupuncture treatments have shown results related to:
- Addiction
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Headache
- Low-Back Pain
- Myofascial Pain
- Menstrual Cramps
- Osteoarthritis
- Postoperative & Chemotherapy Nausea
- Postoperative Dental Pain
- Stress
- Stroke Rehabilitation
- Tennis Elbow
No one treatment modality works for every patient. Many physicians are finding acupuncture to be a very effective adjunct treatment for patients that are refractory to medication, failed conventional therapy or have limited treatment options.
What Next?
Make an appointment! As the saying goes ‘you won’t know unless you try’. Give us a call or fill out the ‘Contact Us’ form on the right. We recommend you take advantage of our current new patient special.
We look forward to hearing from you!!
“Healing Arts Health Center’s Gong Very Strong As one drives up to the clinic there is ample door to door service parking. Upon entering the pristine facility one encounters the warm friendly smiles of Leslie, the helpful office manager. Also greeting you upon entrance is the …“ – Oct 3, 2010
