What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient technique that promotes your body's natural healing process through the placement of thin, sterile needles into precise acupuncture points. A patient's signs and symptoms determine which points we use. Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment. Clinical research continues to prove it's validity and fuels it growth and acceptance. Acupuncture has none of the toxic side effects associated with pharmaceutical medications.
Acupuncture needles are slender and fine. The acupuncturists at Inner Gate Acupuncture in Portland Oregon are trained to precisely place the needles into acupuncture points in a way that doesn’t cause pain. People generally find our acupuncture treatments to be relaxing and rejuvenating. All needles used at our Portland facility are sterile and single use only.
Acupuncture reduces pain and helps the body to restore homeostasis. Our bodies are equipped with innate feedback loops. These feedback loops are a communication system between the body, the brain, and the glands and organs that regulate all bodily functions. The feedback loops regulate everything from hormone levels and blood circulation to digestive processes. Sometimes our bodies become so imbalanced that these feedback loops fail to work. Acupuncture assists in 'reminding' the body what the normal balance is so that it can function correctly again. This re-education of the body is vital in the recovery from chronic pain.
Acupuncture is known to increase endorphins, the body's natural pain killers, and increase blood circulation. This, in turn, helps injured tissues and organs to heal and remain pain free. Learn more about some acupuncture specialties.
Classic description of Acupuncture:
The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy course through the body. These channels, also called meridians, are like rivers, bringing nourishment to muscles, tissues, and organs. An obstruction in these energy channels is like a dam that backs up and starves the tissues downstream. Injury and trauma are common causes of channel obstruction, but emotional imbalance, poor diet, inactivity, lack of rest and chronic disease can impair channel circulation, as well.
Acupuncture directly influences these meridians. The precisely placed acupuncture needle unblocks the obstructions and reestablishes a regular flow through the meridians. This allows the body to receive the nourishment it needs to recover from illness and regain vitality.
Links
Learn more at:
The 12 major Chinese Medicine Organs and Channels
Great search engine for primary research
National Institute of Health philosophy about acupuncture
Current news about the Acupuncture Community
Oregon College of Oriental Medicine in Portland Oregon
The National Certifciation Commission for Acupuncture
More information on Theory
