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What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient system of treatment, effective in many conditions which have often not responded to conventional approaches. It involves the insertion of sterile needles through points in the skin (acupuncture points) which are shown to be effective in the treatment of specific health problems to encourage the free flow of Qi ("vital energy") through the body to restore a healthy condition and dispel pain.

The concept of Yin and Yang, considers that everything is an amalgam of opposites. The balance of these opposites is considered to be constantly fluctuating, a dynamic balance. When Yin and Yang of the body are imbalanced, there is dis-harmony, "dis-ease."

Ancient Chinese theorists believed that acupuncture affected the distribution of yin and yang in the meridians (energy pathways), bringing them into balance so that Qi flowed freely.

MODERN INTERPRETATION Modern Western medicine cannot explain how acupuncture works. According to ancient theory, acupuncture allows Qi to flow to areas where it is deficient and away from areas where it is excess. However, recent research has shown that needle insertions stimulate the production of natural pain-killing and other chemical substances such as endorphins, enkephalins, and seratonin.

Another theory (the "Gate Control" theory) suggests that acupuncture blocks the transmission of pain impulses from various parts of the body to the central nervous system.

Acupuncture Is Beneficial In The Treatment Of:

Allergies / Asthma Arthritis
Bladder / Kidney Problems Bell's Palsy
Constipation / Diarrhea Cough / Bronchitis
Dizziness Drug Addiction
Smoking Cessation Fatigue
Headache / Migraines Skin Problems
Gynecological Disorders PMS
Health Maintenance General Health
Heart Problems Heart Palpitations
High Blood Pressure
Immune System Deficiency Skin Problems
Sexual Dysfunction Stress / Anxiety
Pain Relief Joint Pain / Stiffness
Paralysis / Numbness Sciatica
Neck & Shoulder Pain
Sports Injuries Sprains / Strains / Breaks
Tendonitis Fibromyalgia
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Qualifications

Katrina Haskell, M.S., C.A. is a graduate of the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in Manhattan and is currently certified and/or licensed to practice acupuncture in New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut.

The regulations for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine varies from state to state. The NCCAOM (National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) has established standards to practice acupuncture and herbs safely and effectively. Many states use the NCCAOM's examination to meet licensing/ registration requirements while a few states, such as New Jersey and California, have developed their own examination process.

Techniques

Acupuncture Point Selection There are more than 360 points on the human body. Acupuncture point selection for your treatment may vary from session to session. Point selection is determined by the acupucturist based on information gathered from your interview, your individual symptom presentation and the traditional functions of points.

Adjunct Therapies Your practitioner may use additional techniques during your session. These adjunct therapies may include: Moxibustion (heat), Gua Sha (scraping), Cupping (suction), Auricular Therapy (ear acupuncture), electric stimulation, or manual manipulation of the points.