Acupuncture is the insertion of needles into specific points on the body, ear or scalp using single use (disposable), hair thin needles. Chinese medicine believes that qi (chi), or vital energy flows through the meridian channels in our body. When the qi flows freely, the body is healthy. When the flow of qi is blocked, symptoms of pain and disease start to appear over time.
The insertion of acupuncture needles at specific points dissolves blockages and promotes healing. To enhance the needle effect, electro-stimulation acupuncture may be applied to the needles to reduce spasms and pain. Heat, also known as moxibustion, may also be applied on or near the acupoints to promote better qi and blood flow.
From the Western perspective, research has demonstrated that acupuncture stimulates the brain to produce a natural opiate called endorphin’s. Further investigation has demonstrated that acupuncture not only affects pain, but also regulates a wide variety of body systems.
The relaxed feeling one gets from acupuncture comes from sedation of the sympathetic nervous system, or the “flight or fight response”. This helps DE-stress, and improves blood circulation, muscle tightness and digestion, just to name a few.Acupuncture has also been shown to affect a wide variety of hormones including those that control ovulation and menstruation due to its effect on the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis. Acupuncture affects neuro chemicals such as serotonin; that, among other things, affect mood and mental states.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
No. Absolutely not. When the needles are inserted you experience a sensation of tingling or warmth. Many are pleasantly surprised to find that treatments are relaxing. The acupuncture needles are hair thin and rounded at the tips. Nothing is injected or fluid withdrawn. Needles are placed for approximately 20-30 minutes.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Acupuncture is safe when it is administered by a qualified practitioner. The National Institute of Health (NIH) Consensus statement on Acupuncture states “One of the advantages of acupuncture is that the adverse effects are substantially lower than that of many drugs or other accepted medical procedures used for the same or similar conditions.” Other large scale studies (British Medical Journal 2001;323:486-487, 1 September) have demonstrated extremely low incidences of injury as a result of acupuncture.
A Brief History on Acupuncture
Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture have been practiced for thousands of years for a reason. Typically, a series of 10-12 treatments are performed in a short period of time. What most people don’t know, is that acupuncture gains the most effective results through cumulative and frequent treatments. Most of the studies and research performed are based on the fact that acupuncture treatments are administered at least 2-3 times per week, if not daily, with breaks in courses of treatment. This has been proven the most effective approach in acupuncture practice because it takes an accumulative effect on the body. You wouldn’t take one dose of antibiotics one time a week for 10 weeks or your nutritional supplement once a week to gain its beneficial effects…would you?
Many of you are seeking acupuncture because you have found that other conventional or alternative treatments haven’t been working for you. Or you cannot afford the expense of healthcare in the US. Maybe you’re interested in acupuncture because you’ve heard it works for your particular health concern…whatever the reason, we want to make it convenient and easy for you to seek acupuncture as a form of healthcare.
Acupuncture and Herbs Treatment
Acupuncture is a holistic approach to treating many health conditions. The process starts with the insertion of single-use needles into some particular points on the body. Chinese medicine believes that every person has life energy known as “Chi” that flows in our body through meridians. When the energy travels smoothly throughout our body parts, people don’t feel any kind of ailment. When “Chi” is blocked in the pathway, it disturbs the natural functions and people start experiencing health conditions.
We use single-use hair-thin needles to insert in some specific points on the meridians. The insertion unblocks the flow of “Chi” and helps the body heal in a natural process. Scientific research finds that the combination of acupuncture and herbs has a positive impact on our overall health conditions. The insertion stimulates the points on the meridians and creates physiological reactions. It helps in enhancing brain activity, blood pressure, and the immune system.
We know that every individual has a dissimilar lifestyle. Therefore we offer custom treatment sessions using acupuncture and herbs to meet everyone’s needs. You get very individualized treatment from our experienced practitioners. We serve the communities is greater Los Angeles, Southern California area.
Know the benefits of Acupuncture and herbs treatment:
- Improvement in body’s overall functions: sleep, digestion, mood, energy
- Promotion of natural self-healing process
- Treat various problems including low back pain, knee pain, leukopenia, morning sickness, nausea and vomiting, neck pain, pain in dentistry, etc.
If you are looking for and distinguished and experienced practitioners, Balance & Harmony Wellness is the right place for you. We offer traditional Chinese medicine treat modalities such as acupuncture, cupping, moxa, ear candling, guasha, tuina and Chinese herbs. We have two offices. One in Monrovia to serve the East side of Los Angeles including Arcadia, Altadena, Pasadena, Duerte, Covina, and surrounding areas. Other office is located in Beverly Hills to serve the west side of L.A. including Santa Monica, Malibu, Brentwood, Marina Del Rey.
