What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is a complete medical system that has been used to diagnose, treat and prevent illness for over 23 centuries. It can remedy ailments, alter states of mind, and enhance recuperative power and immunity.

What does it do?

It has been determined that human beings are bioenergetic systems. When the balance of this energy is disturbed, pain or illness results. Acupuncture treatment corrects the energetic imbalance by encouraging the body’s natural ability to heal itself, without the use of drugs or surgery.

Acupuncture Techniques

Treatments with single-use sterile acupuncture needles is the most common method of acupuncture treatment. Other techniques are heat therapy, mild electrical stimulation, laser acupuncture, magnets, massage, dietary supplements and homeopathic substances.

Is it for you?

Acupuncture treatments are not only useful for pain management but also are part of a comprehensive system of preventive health care and health maintenance. Athletes use acupuncture to achieve optimum performance levels. Detoxification treatments have been proven to help those with chemical dependency problems.

What is a session like?

Extremely fine, hair-thin, flexible needles are placed at specific acupuncture points on the energetic pathways, acupuncture meridians, leading to the organs, muscles and nerves of the body. When the needles are inserted you may experience a sensation of tingling or warmth. Some people feel no sensation at all. Sometimes a strong sensation is experienced when there is blockage in the meridian. An electrical stimulus may be felt along portions of the meridian as electrical balance is reestablished. Most people are surprised to find that treatments are actually quite relaxing.

Patients may experience immediate relief after a treatment or improvement may be seen in a few days. A treatment usually takes two hours, depending on the patients’ injuries or illnesses. Acupuncture is scheduled as often as three times a week or as little as twice a month. As your health improves, fewer visits are required. You should discuss your treatment program with your acupuncturist as each individual case is unique.

Is it safe?

Acupuncture is a very safe medical procedure when administered by a qualified practitioner. Practitioners use pre-sterilized, disposable needles. All practitioners certified by the NCCAOM (formerly the NCCA) comply with strict regulations for proper needle sterilization. The NCCAOM has also developed the Clean Needle Technique which they use as a part of their certificating testing. Ask your acupuncturist about their procedure.

To schedule an Acupuncture session with Howard Elrod, click here or call the office at 706-232-0708!