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Acupuncture, which originated in China more than 3,000 years ago, is one of the oldest, most commonly used systems of healing in the world. The Food and Drug Administration estimates that Americans make up to 12 million visits per year to acupuncture practitioners.
 Acupuncture is a tradition rooted in the awareness of life energy (qi), and the concept of health as a balanced movement of this qi. When qi moves through the body, the physiology of the body responds in many ways. Modern research has found that acupuncture can 1) affect the transmission of nerve impulses and block pain impulses from reaching the brain, 2) improve blood flow to specific areas of the body promoting the healing and repair of damaged tissue, and 3) modulate the release of endorphins and endogenous opiates, the body's own natural pain relievers and mood enhancers.
Currently, one of the main reasons Americans seek acupuncture treatment is to relieve chronic pain, especially from conditions such as headaches/migraines, arthritis, lower back disorders and carpal tunnel syndrome. Clinical studies show that acupuncture is effective in relieving both chronic (long-lasting) and acute or sudden pain. They also have found that using acupuncture lowers the need for conventional pain-killing drugs and thus reduces the risk of side effects for patients who take the drugs.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), promising results have emerged showing acupuncture is beneficial in relieving nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy. Clinical research also supports the use of acupuncture for many other health conditions including: insomnia, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, menstrual cramps, asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke rehabilitation. Acupuncture may also be included in a comprehensive program to help quit smoking, lose weight, and/or increase vitality.
Acupuncture is provided at the Center by licensed practitioners with advanced training and education.
To make an appointment, call the AIM Center at 602-265-1774. |
