Philosophy of Acupuncture
Is it a natural alternative
What is acupuncture?
What are the needles like?
Are the needles sterilized before treatment?
How deep are the needles inserted?
What is Moxibustion?
What is Laser Acupuncture?
How many treatments are usually necessary?
What conditions are treated by acupuncture?

Philosophy
Acupuncture creates balance and harmony between the energies flowing throughout the body. To diagnose the excesses and deficiencies the traditional acupuncturist must take a careful and thorough case history, plus read the twelve pulses on the wrist. The treatment therefore addresses both the symptoms and the cause, a 5000 year old successful holistic approach.

A Natural Alternative
Acupuncture is DRUG FREE and a perfect complement to other modalities in its pain relieving potential. Used in this way, recovery and rehabilitation is more rapid.
Insurance companies are discovering that this method of treatment combined with physical therapies saves them money, especially in musculo-skeletal conditions.

What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is but one area of traditional Chinese medicine believed to have originally passed from India to China more than 8000 years ago. The Chinese people developed it into one of the oldest existing and complete healing systems, which has not only survived, but advanced to worldwide recognition and acceptance this century. Energies (life forces) are balanced by the use of needles, massage, moxibustion (heat), laser or electrical stimulation.

What are the needles like?
The stainless steel needles are very fine, strong, pliable and have no resemblance in shape or form to the usual hypodermic needle. The Acupuncture needle is a solid one and does not involve the inherent risks of the hollow hypodermic, which allows fluid to flow through. The needles are NOT much thicker than the hair on your head. No fluid of any kind is injected, which is why Acupuncture is so often painless.

Are the needles sterilized before treatment?
Yes. It is a fundamental practice to sterilize all needles. The Skin Penetration Act of 1985 sets a high standard of sterilization. All practitioners must be registered by Council Health Departments. Many Acupuncturists now use disposable sterilized needles.

How deep are the needles inserted?
Usually just below skin surface, but in some cases it is beneficial to go deeper. This causes no discomfort. Expertly trained practitioners are necessary with a thorough knowledge of anatomy. All in our Association have this training and are registered health practitioners in their respective fields.

What is Moxibustion?
This is part of Acupuncture treatment. The herb "Moxa" is burnt over certain points to heat them and stimulate the "Chi Energy" for healing. The skin is not blistered or touched by the burning moxa. It is a pleasant warming sensation often used in bronchial and fatigue syndromes.

What is Laser Acupuncture?
It is a non-invasive and totally painless divergent laser light beam of low intensity that is used on sensitive patients especially the young, the old and the pregnant.

How many treatments are usually necessary?
Treatment time usually takes half an hour. The number of treatments varies depending on the severity of the problem and how long the patient has had the complaint prior to seeking help. Naturally the more severe problem or the more chronic (long standing) illness, requires a greater number of treatments.
Treatment schedules vary from two to three times a week to once a week. The total number of visits may vary from as low as two to as many as twenty.

Some of the conditions treated by acupuncture.