Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an alternative medicine that treats patients by insertion of needles into superficial structures of the body (skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscles) – usually at acupuncture points - and their subsequent manipulation. Needles are usually retained for about 15-30 minutes.

Acupuncture is described as manipulating the Qi (vital energy) to restore balance and to resolve illness. Acupuncture relieves pain, treats disease, prevents disease, or promotes general health by stimulating and enhancing individual’s innate healing capacity rather than just treating symptoms.

Acupuncture is safe if it is performed by a well-trained practitioner using sterile and disposable needles. Unlike many drugs, it is non-toxic and adverse reactions are minimal. This is probably one of the chief reasons why acupuncture is so popular in the treatment of chronic pain in many countries.

Acupuncture needles are typically made of hair-thin stainless steel wire, varying in length between 0.5 to 5 inches and also varying in diameter from 0.005 to 0.02 inches, which makes possible virtually painless insertion.

Acupuncture is generally very relaxing; however, there are certain transient sensations, not considered painful, associated with the therapeutic effects of acupuncture which may include soreness, numbness, distention and heaviness.

Electroacupuncture is a form of acupuncture in which acupuncture needles are attached to a device that generates continuous electric pulses to enhance acupuncture stimulation, which mimics a practitioner manipulating the needle. A patient may feel nothing or minimal vibration free of pain.