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Acupuncture
is very different from the experience of having blood
drawn or getting a shot. There are a few basic reasons
for this:
| 1. |
Hypodermic
needles used in western medicine for injections
are large because they are basically "double-chambered":
a tube within a tube. The outer tube delivers the
inner tube to the correct site for the deposit or
withdrawal to be accomplished. Acupuncture needles
on the other hand, are not making deposits or withdrawals
of any fluids. Therefore they are ultra thin and
single shafted -- often as fine as a hair. They
are made of stainless steel and are sterile. |
| 2. |
Hypodermic
needles are designed with a "cutting style" tip
on them so they can cut into a vein to withdraw
blood or cut deeply into the tissue of the body
to deliver a shot or other injection. In contrast,
acupuncture needles have more of a slightly rounded
or "ball-point" style tip, which gently slides into
the superficial body tissue. Since muscle tissue
is formed by thousands of tiny strands of muscle
fibers, side by side, the very tiny acupuncture
needle simply slips between these strands without
any need for cutting or bleeding. The sole purpose
of the needle is to access the vital energy (Qi)
flowing in the pathway at that specific point. |
| 3. |
Most acupuncture
needles are inserted into the superficial layers
of the body. Only in specific situations is it necessary
to needle deeply, and those areas are normally where
the body has larger muscle mass. Usually, it is
scarcely felt. |
The intention during needle insertion
is to access the vital energy of the body (Qi) at the
point selected. As a sign of achieving this, some patients
experience a slight tingle or sensation of heaviness
or numbness around the needle. But this small sensation
is rarely uncomfortable and most patients begin to feel
very relaxed in a short time.
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Acupuncture is very safe when performed
by a qualified, licensed, conscientious practitioner.
Properly trained acupuncturists know the human anatomy
very well and insert needles in a very safe fashion.
The needles are pre-sterilized during manufacture, and
sealed in packaging until opened for use. Then they
are disposed of after one use in accordance with biohazard
regulations. About one-quarter of the world's population
uses some form of acupuncture and the healing principles
of oriental medicine in their health care. This system
is so safe, cost-efficient , non-iatrogenic and effective
that is has been endorsed wholehearted by the World
Health Organization (WHO) of the United Nations. Because
of it's safety record, high degree of efficacy, and
freedom of side effects, acupuncture is now being used
by millions of Americans every day to treat a myriad
of conditions. (Press here for
list of conditions treated.) In addition to experiencing
a deep sense of relaxation during the treatment, one
common side benefit is that, while undergoing therapy
for one ailment, other lesser problems often resolve
concurrently. This demonstrates the "wholistic" principles
behind the approach of traditional Chinese Medicine,
which seeks to identify the ROOT cause, and attempts
to restore balance to the whole being.
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Absolutely not! Acupuncture has been used
successfully on cats, dogs, horses and other animals
for many years. These animal "patients" do not understand
or believe in the theory or process behind what causes
them to recover. Of course, a positive attitude toward
wellness may reinforce the positive effects of a treatment
just as a negative attitude may hinder the effects of
acupuncture or any other kind of treatment. Holding
an open, neutral attitude. ("I want to feel better,
and therefore I am open to see what may happen.") is
a recommended approach if one is doubtful. This will
not form a block to any treatment results.
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