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Acupuncture |
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Acupuncture is an ancient therapy developed in China. In the past 40 years acupuncture has become a well-known, reasonably available treatment in developed and developing countries. Acupuncture is used to regulate or correct the flow of qi to restore health. The intent of acupuncture therapy is to promote health and alleviate pain and suffering. The method by which this is accomplished, though it may seem strange and mysterious to many, has been time tested over thousands of years and continues to be validated today. It involves stimulation at specific points on the body by puncturing the skin with sterilized, flexible, very fine needles. These points on the body are believed to stimulate the central nervous system to release chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals can help reduce pain and inflammation, and may also trigger the release of other chemicals to stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being. The Chinese call this restoring one’s “qi” (pronounced chee) which is translated as one’s “energy flow”. Along with the usual method of puncturing the skin with the fine needles, the practitioners of acupuncture also use heat, pressure, friction, suction, or impulses of electromagnetic energy to stimulate the points. The therapist may use the whole hand, fingers, thumbs, elbows, or the feet to apply pressure. Most states have established training standards for certification.
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