WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?

Acupuncture is a process whereby a trained and licensed acupuncturist inserts thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body to elicit a healing response. These hair-like needles are used to stimulate or sedate fields of electro-magnetic energy in the body, called meridians. While these meridians cannot be seen as a nerve or blood vessel may be, their presence can be documented by measuring electricity emanating from the skin.

Currently the fastest growing medical modality in the United States and an important treatment modality in the Oriental medical system, acupuncture is archeologically documented to be at least 2500 years old. It has been consistently used since its inception and has spread the world over. It is one of the most implemented medical techniques in human history.

Needles range in size and thickness but are generally far thinner than any injection needle you have experienced. The needles Dr. Dunas uses are so thin, 20 of them could be inserted into the hole in a hypodermic shot syringe. Generally, between five and ten needles are used per treatment though this number can vary greatly. Each treatment is customized to meet your needs and may be slightly different.

WHAT DOES ACUPUNCTURE FEEL LIKE?
It depends. This medical skill evolved all over Asia so there were many techniques devised. Some generate a great deal of sensation, others cannot be felt at all and several range in between. In the Americas, parts of Asia and Europe, most acupuncturists use techniques that generate little to no sensation. Once acupuncture needles are in place, the patient rests comfortably as the needles are generally not felt once in place. An acupuncturist may either continue to interact with a patient or leave the treatment room while the patient enjoys the calming and relaxing experience privately. Some practitioners make pleasant music available for patients during this period.

Acupuncture can feel wonderful! The process stimulates endorphins, internal morphine-like substances that create a calming and pleasurable state. Many patients fall asleep, have delicious daydreams or feel deeply relaxed as a result of treatment. Pain and anxiety dissipate leaving one feeling calm yet energized.

A teenage patient recently told Dr Dunas that he no longer felt cravings to ingest the illegal drugs so prevalent in his high school. "I get off on the "high" of acupuncture treatments so I just don't need drugs to feel great" he reported. Many patients look forward to the deep relaxation experienced during acupuncture treatments.

WHICH HEALTH PROBLEMS CAN ACUPUNCTURE ADDRESS?
Please note that the following information is based upon the teachings of Oriental medicine. Some, but not all of the information presented, has been documented by clinical research. Though acupuncture is being studied in universities and medical institutions around the world, the research has not caught up with the demand. This is due to the relatively recent recognition of acupuncture as a viable medical modality as well as the western medical establishment's historical resistance to its use. You may wish to follow up your reading of this material by exploring what the current medical literature has to say.

The information on this site is not designed to substitute for proper medical care. If you have any health concerns, please see your physician before you explore other options.

The Oriental medical system helps the body improve any health condition that results from the body mis-functioning or not optimally doing what it is striving to do. For example, your body does not want to have a headache. In fact, it works hard to avoid them. If you suffer from them anyway, your body needs help correcting the problem that causes them. Acupuncture effectively helps your body adjust its own healing mechanisms to resolve the problem. As a result, acupuncture can support you in healing from a wide variety of ailments.

The range of health challenges improved upon by acupuncture includes but is not limited to:

1. Ailments that your current medical care is not addressing to your satisfaction: Chronic pain, including arthritis, migraines, back or neck pain, phantom limb pain, osteoporosis, residual injury pain and others…

Chronic illness including diabetes, asthma, gastro-intestinal difficulties, allergies, skin disorders, HIV, chronic fatigue syndrome, post stroke or heart attack, MS, tobacco, alcohol and illegal drug addictions, osteoporosis and others…

Acute ailments including influenza, colds, food poisoning, hangover, toxic shock syndrome and others…

2. Difficult side effects of medical treatment: Post surgical healing, chemotherapy side effects, fertility treatment side effects, prescription medication addictions, medical testing side effects and others…

3. Orthopedic and Traumatic Injuries: Sports injuries including tendonitis, muscle sprains and strains, muscle tares, joint inflammation and others… (This medical system was the very first in history to have a branch specifically devoted to sports medicine. The martial arts, originating in China, are still the most injury prone of the world circuit competitive sports. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine have been treating martial arts and war related injuries since its inception over 2500 years ago)

Accidents including whiplash, disorientation, muscle spasm, body pain and others

Violent or sexual assaults including emotional trauma, foggy thinking, absent mindedness, loss of sexual sensation, sexual function problems, depression, mood swings, and others

4. Hormone related problems such as PMS and other menstrual disorders, menopausal symptoms, sexual function and desire problems in men and women, adrenal fatigue, infertility in men and women and others…

Acupuncture is only one of the many tools used by practitioners of Oriental medicine. When you go to see a practitioner, he or she will have many technique options to help you. Please see Oriental medicine section of this site for further details.

This is a very different medical system than the one you are used to. It is worth learning about as it answers many of the questions you may have about your health that your physicians, as well trained, hard working and sincere as they may be, do not answer to your satisfaction.

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