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Acupuncture is an important part of a Traditional Chinese Medicine system with a history of thousands of years.
Already used widely throughout Asia and Europe, Acupuncture is considered one of the newest primary health care
modalities in the US. So far over 12 million Americans have turned to Acupuncture for help, and many western
physicians as well as medical researchers have experienced its powerful healing effects.
Acupuncture can treat a variety of problems and ailments. The most common applications at the Cosmetic Laser of Irvine
are pain management, chronic headaches, weight loss, and to aid in stress management.
The concept behind acupuncture
The main concept behind Acupuncture is an energy force called "Qi" (pronounced chee) which circulates throughout
the human body using specialized pathways called Meridians or channels with "Acupuncture points" where the energy
is most concentrated. It is believed that free flowing of the Qi keeps a person healthy. If the flow of the Qi is
blocked for any reason, illness results. Acupuncture restores the proper balance and flow of the Qi, returning
health to the patient.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most people who have had acupuncture would describe it as virtually painless or far less painful than plucking
out a hair. The sensations that follow range from nothing at all, to mild tingling, to slight numbness/achiness,
to electrical pulsations in areas distant from the site of insertion. All these sensations usually subside once
the needles are removed. The needles used for acupuncture are much smaller that the standard hypodermic needle,
do not draw blood and are solid, not hollow.
Is acupuncture safe?
If performed by a qualified, conscientious practitioner, yes. Licensed Acupuncturists know the human anatomy well,
and insert needles in a safe fashion. The instruments used to penetrate the skin are either pre-sterilized and
disposable after a single use, or disinfected and sterilized in an autoclave, as surgical and dental instruments
are, after each use.
Are there side effects?
When performed by a properly trained and licensed practitioner, acupuncture is safe and effective, free
from adverse or addictive side effects. Quite often, a sense of relaxation and well-being occurs during
and after treatments. While undergoing therapy for one ailment, other problems may resolve concurrently.
This is a common side benefit that again demonstrates the value of balancing the quality and quantity of
"vital energy" within the entire person.
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