What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of fine hair thin needles into the skin at specific locations that are more/less electrically conductive than the surrounding area. Acupuncture is an effective & noninvasive treatment method to help millions of people become well and stay well. Acupuncture is a medical treatment that has evolved into a complete holistic health care system based on 4,000 years of Oriental Medicine tradition.
Acupuncture promotes natural healing.
It can enhance recuperative power and immunity, support physical and emotional health, and improve overall function and well-being.
It is a safe,effective and painless way to treat a wide variety of medical conditions.
What is Qi?
At the core of this ancient medicine is the philosophy that Qi, or Life Energy, flows throughout the body.
Qi animates the body and protects it from illness, pain and disease.
A persons health is influenced by the quality, quantity and balance of Qi.
How does Qi move?
Qi flows through specific pathways called meridians. There are 14 main meridians inside the body. Each of these is connected to specific organs and glands. Meridian pathways are like rivers flowing inside the body.
Where a river flows, it transports life-giving water that provides nourishment to the land, plants and people. Similarly, where meridian pathways flow, they bring life-giving Qi that provides nourishment to every cell, organ, gland, tissue and muscle in the body.
An obstruction to the flow of Qi is like a dam. When Qi becomes backed up in one part of the body, the flow becomes restricted in other parts. This blockage of the flow of Qi can be detrimental to a persons health, cutting off vital nourishment to the body, organs and glands.
How is Qi disrupted?
Physical and emotional trauma, stress, lack of exercise, overexertion, seasonal changes, poor diet, accidents or excessive activity are among the many things that can influence the quality, quantity and balance of Qi. Normally, when a blockage or imbalance occurs, the body easily bounces back, returning to a state of health and well being. However, when this disruption is prolonged or excessive, or if the body is in a weakened state, illness, pain, or disease can set in.
What does an Acupuncturist do?
During the initial exam a full health history is taken. Questions are asked regarding health, symptoms and lifestyle. An appropriate physical exam is conducted including pulse and tongue diagnosis. Gathering this information enables the acupuncturist to effectively diagnose and detect any specific imbalances of Qi that may have contributed to a persons health problems. The practitioner can then create a well-structured treatment plan.
Once the imbalances of Qi are detected, an acupuncturist will place fine, sterile needles at specific acupuncture points along meridian pathways. This safe and painless insertion of needles can unblock the obstruction and balance Qi where it has become unbalanced.
When this is done Qi can freely circulate throughout the body, providing adequate nourishment to cells, organs, tissue and muscles. This can eliminate pain and restore balance and harmony, as well as the bodies ability to heal itself– ultimately leading to optimal health and well being.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine is safe effective and drug free therapy that can help address a wide variety of common ailments and problems:
Chronic & Acute Pain- Injuries, Rehab- and post surgery, Auto Accidents, Headaches, Migraines, Seizures, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Shingles, Menstrual Disorders, PMS, Post Stroke Symptoms, Fatigue, Depression, Stress, Anxiety, Insomnia and Auto-Immune issues are just a starting point.
As well the prevention of illness and disease, health maintenance is benefited with regular acupuncture treatments.
Shalena Havens, LAc MAcOM 503.886.9708 HavensLAc@gmail.com 10600 se McLoughlin blvd #102 Milwaukie, OR 97222
