Acupuncture

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine and is a practice of traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncture therapy involves the stimulation of a designated point on the skin by the insertion of needles, application of heat (moxibustion), massage, or a combination of these.

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture works by utilizing the network of energy that flows through the body and connects various points through pathways called “meridians.” Each meridian of the body is related to a specific internal function identified with anatomic structures - for example, there are meridians for the heart, liver, kidney, and lung. The meridians all form a network that circulates an energy called Qi.

Qi moves like an electrical current. As long as the energy (Qi) has the appropriate strength and balance, and the flow is not blocked, healthy functioning of the body continues. When the Qi energy becomes blocked from factors such as stress, poor nutrition, lack of exercise or external trauma, the energy becomes obstructed. The function of the corresponding organs is interrupted and symptoms begin to appear.

Acupuncture treatment stimulates the body's natural healing abilities, rebalances Qi, and promotes physical and emotional well-being.

What are the benefits of acupuncture?

Acupuncture has many benefits and applications but is best known for treating painful conditions such as: 

• Migraine headaches

• Arthritis

• Back pain

It is also effective, either alone or in combination, with Chinese herbal medicine or Western medicine for many conditions, such as: 

• Respiratory problems such as sinusitis, bronchitis, and asthma

• Allergies

• Gynecological issues such as painful menstruation and PMS

• Digestive disorders such as constipation, diarrhea, and gastritis

• High blood pressure

• Diabetes

• Emphysema

• Hepatitis

Acupuncture can enhance the immune status and has been used to help people with HIV/AIDS fight the diseases they experience as a result of their immune deficiency. For a complete list of conditions acupuncture has proven to be an effective treatment by the World Health Organization, please click here.

Does acupuncture hurt?

While each person’s experience with acupuncture will differ, generally there will not be discomfort or pain.

Clients may experience a sensation or brief pain as the needle passes through the skin. As the needle begins to work and the energy effect occurs, clients may also feel dull heat or a dull ache where the needle has been inserted.

After the needle has been in a short time (usually 10 to 15 minutes), you should not be aware of any discomfort.

Is acupuncture safe?

Yes. Acupuncture has been used for 3,000 years in Chinese medicine. There are generally no adverse side effects from acupuncture. 

Occasionally a reaction to acupuncture can occur, for example, dizziness or some nausea during treatment, but this feeling goes away shortly after the needles are removed.

To sign up for acupuncture therapy at our acupuncture center in Portland call 503-238-5203 or complete a Client Interest Form.