What is Acupuncture?
The History
Did you know? Over 2,000 health problems can be treated with Acupuncture.
Acupuncture is divided into two philosophies. The first being the Eastern idea which is a 5,000 year old Chinese system of natural healing (no drugs-no surgery) which is concerned with restoring proper energy flow to the various organs, glands, and tissues of the body on the premise that most diseases are the result of malfunction due to disrupted energetics. The Western idea is the use of needles to stop pain by blocking nerve pathways, as well as, the release of your body's own natural drugs-known as endorphins and enkephalins.
Acupuncture is divided into two philosophies. The first being the Eastern idea which is a 5,000 year old Chinese system of natural healing (no drugs-no surgery) which is concerned with restoring proper energy flow to the various organs, glands, and tissues of the body on the premise that most diseases are the result of malfunction due to disrupted energetics. The Western idea is the use of needles to stop pain by blocking nerve pathways, as well as, the release of your body's own natural drugs-known as endorphins and enkephalins.
The Method
In both philosophies, acupuncture treatments are typically performed by needles inserted into the channels of energy which are called meridians, located throughtout the body just underneath the skin surface. Needles are left in places typically for 10-20 minutes. Acupuncture can also be used with electric stimulation, fingertip pressure, moxabustion (the burning of herbs over the points), and numerous other techniques.
Treatable Conditions
Acunpuncture has been recognized by the National Institute of Health as a proven alternative treatment. Acupuncture can be used in the treatment of numerous health conditions, most of which are related to pain management. Typical ailments reported in literature include neuralgias, headaches, trigeminal neuralgia, tics, spams, muscular rheumatism, neuralgia of the shoulders and arms, tennis elbow, osteoarthritis, rheumatism, ulcers, stomach problems, vestibular dysfunction, colitis, diarrhea, hepatitis, asthema, bronchitis, shortness of breath, coughs, certain types of heart trouble, abnormal blood presure, hemorrhiods, lumbago, bladder irritation, bed wetting, certain kidney problems, female discorders, impotence, glaucoma (sometimes), weak eyesight, hay fever, loss of smell, tonsillitis, loss of hearing, skin conditions, and even nervous and psychiatric factors based on the fact that mental problems often arise from physical disorders. Dr. Kim has success with acupuncture in treating infertility also.
The Success
On average, a very high percentage of patients will respond satisfactory to acupuncture treatment. Few patients who do not respond to treatment are due to a variety of reasons. Advanced age, severity of condition, and irreversible tissue damage are a few deterrents to recovery. For those patients seeking acupuncture treatment, Dr. Kim highly recommends seeking the care of a physician certified in acupuncture to insure proper diagnosis and treatment regimen. At Dr. Kim's clinic, acupuncture is used in conjunction with chiropractic care and physical therapy. If you would like more information, please contact our clinic with any questions or to schedule an appointment. (See our contact us page.)
