Acupuncture: How It Works and What Happens
Acupuncture: Understanding Traditional Chinese Medicine with Some Points
While acupuncture has been around for centuries as part of traditional Chinese medicine, many people still have doubts about its efficacy and misconceptions about its process. Modern science, fortunately, has discovered that the anecdotal evidence previously attributed to the efficacy of acupuncture in pain relief has basis in fact.
Researchers have identified three possible explanations behind the efficacy of acupuncture in pain relief. First, the needles stimulate the pain-sensing nerves that, in turn, trigger the brain’s release mechanism. The brain releases opium-like substances known as endorphins, which relieve the pain.
Second, the acupuncture process acts as a placebo albeit an effective one. The patient’s brain releases endorphins because he expects that the process will relieve him of his pain.
Third, the movement of inserting and rotating the needles cause minor damage to the affected tissue. This releases adenosine, a chemical compound with local pain reliever properties.
It must be emphasized that patients – you, for example – are not immediately pierced with the thin needles. Your doctor will initially get an assessment of your general health using diagnostic tools like physical examination and medical history. When you are cleared for acupuncture, your doctor will provide the next instructions.
Be prepared to spend 20 to 40 minutes for a single acupuncture session. You may have to spend a minimum of 10 sessions to truly enjoy the benefits of pain relief. Each individual’s experiences will vary depending on the location, type and severity of the pain as well as age and physical condition.
After the initial assessment, your acupuncture practitioner will start the needle insertion process. You should not worry as the needles will not hurt because these are thin and small needles that will only pierce just under the skin’s surface. In more severe cases of pain, the needles may reach the muscle tissue but you should only feel a slight tingling or dull ache.
The needles are inserted into the so-called acupuncture points, which are specific places on the body where the chi points are located. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the chi points are the points where the body’s energy can be manipulated, thus, treating the symptoms of illnesses.
Regardless of the way that acupuncture works in pain relief, Healthpointe doctors at the Colton clinic recommend it for patients with chronic pain. The Colton clinic can also be accessed by patients from Rialto, Bloomington, San Bernardino, Loma Linda, Highgrove, and Grand Terrace.
For more information on Healthpointe’s acupuncture therapy please call (888) 824-5580 or visit www.Healthpointe.net
About Healthpointe:
Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Colton, which is conveniently located near Rialto, Bloomington, San Bernardino, Loma Linda, Highgrove, and Grand Terrace. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit www.Healthpointe.net