Eastern medicine’s acupuncture is a whole-body approach, emphasizes the rebalancing of diet and lifestyle. This is in total alignment with the philosophies of Naturopathy.
Acupuncture is a form holistic treatment rooted in ancient tradition that involves the insertion of needles at specific points on the body. The practice helps improve the flow of life force energy, or chi and is used to treat a variety of ailments depending on which points are targeted.
The World Health Organization published a report listing symptoms, conditions and diseases that have been shown in controlled trials to be effectively treated with acupuncture. Their list includes depression, headaches, pain, and hypertension.
Acupuncture is done by putting very thin needles into your skin at certain points on your body. This is done to influence the energy flow. You may feel slight pressure when a needle goes in. Most people find that it doesn’t hurt. The area may tingle, feel numb, itch, or be a little sore. Acupuncturists believe that this is a sign that the energy flow, or qi, has been accessed. After the needle is placed, your acupuncturist may roll the needle slightly back and forth. Or he or she may use heat or electrical current on the needle.
Since it’s quickly gaining in popularity, many hospitals in the United States are offering acupuncture as well as other forms of complementary medicine. It’s important to know what credentials a practitioner has, even if they are an MD, because acupuncture training varies greatly. It’s important to receive acupuncture from a Licensed Acupuncturist (LAc.) or Oriental Medicine Practitioner (Dipl. OM).
Tim has received a master’s in Acupuncture from the Arizona School of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Tucson, Arizona and a doctorate in Chinese Herbal Medicine from the Pacific College of Health and Science in San Diego, CA. He holds a license in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in the State of Ohio.