Pathways to Wellness: Complementary Treatments: Acupuncture

What problems are treatable with acupuncture?
A Since acupuncture balances the body, most conditions can be improved by acupuncture. It is best known for successfully treating pain and addictions. Knowledgeable practitioners can successfully treat very complicated health problems.

Do acupuncture needles hurt?
Only like a pinch. The pain really originates in the minds of people. Many people flinch even before the needles are inserted. They are afraid of needles while other people feel nothing. In fact, they often ask, “Are the needles in yet?” (Only disposable needles are used.)

How does acupuncture work?
The human body is like a generator circulating its energy in an endless circuit. This energy drives all of the body’s functions. If a break in the circuit occurs, certain body organs and functions don’t get enough energy to drive their activities and the person gets symptoms that something is wrong such as an illness. Acupuncture needles “reconnect the dots" so that the circuit of health is repaired.

How long does it take to get well using acupuncture?
As a rule it takes 1 month of treatment for each year the problem has existed. Also: 1) Recent injuries and illnesses heal faster than long existing ones. 2) Strong and younger people heal faster than exhausted, weak or old people. 3) Getting the recommended number of treatments close together helps healing. 4) Correct diet, exercise, rest and herbs hasten healing. 5) The level of knowledge and skill of the acupuncturists influences healing.

What problems are treatable with acupuncture?
Since acupuncture balances the body’s functions, most conditions can be improved by acupuncture. However, it is best known for successfully treating all kinds of pain and addictions ( cigarettes, alcohol, drugs and overeating). Knowledgeable practitioners can successfully treat very complicated health problems.