The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture’s ability to treat over 200 clinical disorders:
- Adverse reactions to radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy
- Allergic rhinitis
- Biliary colic
- Depression
- Dysentery
- Dysmenorrhoea, primary
- Epigastralgia, acute (in peptic ulcer, acute and chronic gastritis, and gastrospasm)
- Facial pain
- Headache
- Hypertension, essential
- Hypotension, primary
- Induction of labour
- Knee pain
- Leukopenia
- Low back pain
- Malposition of fetus, correction of
- Morning sickness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Neck pain
- Pain in dentistry (including dental pain and temporomandibular dysfunction)
- Periarthritis of shoulder
- Postoperative pain
- Renal colic
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sciatica
- Sprain
- Stroke
- Tennis elbow
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) was created in China thousands of years ago. It is based on the theory that disease and illness manifest in the body when the qi (a substance that nourishes and builds the body) is blocked or not flowing properly in the channels and meridians of the body. Acupuncture is one of the most well known treatment modalities in TCM. Acupuncture utilizes very fine, stainless steel, sterile, single use needles on specific acupuncture points on the body. There are over one thousand known acupuncture points. The existence and location of the points has been proven by modern science.
Other treatment modalities in the TCM cannon include cupping (a form of myofascial release), gua sha (graston technique), Tuina therapeutic massage, Chinese herbalism, diet therapy, Qigong and Tai Chi.
According to TCM theory, acupuncture (and the other TCM treatment modalities) adjust and restore the flow of qi in the body, resulting in optimal health and performance. A customized differential diagnosis is made for each patient based on TCM theory which aims to treat the root cause of an issue.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and National Institutes of Health (NIH): Review on Health and Traditional Chinese Medicine It is important to understand what is meant by the word ‘health’. The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”NIH Consensus of Acupuncture reported in 1997 that “studies have demonstrated that acupuncture can cause multiple biological responses, mediated mainly by sensory neurons to many structures within the central nervous system. This can lead to activation of pathways affecting various physiological systems in the brain as well as in the periphery. Acupuncture may also activate the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, resulting in a broad spectrum of systemic effects. Alteration in the secretion of neurotransmitters and neurohormones and changes in the regulation of blood flow, both centrally and peripherally have been documented. There is also evidence of alterations in immune functions produced by acupuncture.”
Pediatrics
Shonishin
A practice that originated in Japan to treat children and sensitive adults. Smooth metal tools are used to lightly brush the skin and harmonize qi flow to the body.
Effective for common childhood conditions such as: Ear infections, asthma, allergies, digestive complaints, night crying, focus issues, hyperactivity and sleep disturbances.