Acupuncture is a well developed, evolving health science which has been used for over 3000 years. It began in China and has spread throughout the world. Acupuncture theory evolved through the observation of nature and through clinical findings of countless practitioners through the ages sharing their knowledge and experience.
Acupuncture works with the body’s own healing mechanisms. Part of this healing mechanism is a vital force in the body called “Qi” (pronounced “chee”). Many other cultures recognize this force using other names like prana, mana etc. This force or energy unites and communicates with all aspects of the body. It is the body’s own inherent wisdom which adjusts our body, mind and spirit in response to change. Change is the one true constant in life. Change is brought about by outside forces in our environment and also as a natural expression of who and what we are and what we want to become. How all these forces combine and are integrated into ourselves determines our state of health and well being. Disease, literally “not being at ease” is a result of these energies being out of balance. Acupuncture helps to restore balance in the body.
Energy or "Qi" runs throughout the body in channels similar to rivers that course over the earth. This energy gathers on the skin at various locations which are the acupuncture points. Needles are placed on or into the skin at these points. The stimulation of various points produces local and distal effects within our bodies to restore balance and harmony. Acupuncture is used not only to treat disease but also
to prevent it, especially by reducing the effects of stress, so prevalent in today’s modern world.
Healing Axis uses only presterilized, single use needles assuring no transmission of disease and eliminating risk of infection.
Acupuncture needles are made of fine guage stainless steel. Upon insertion, some people feel nothing at all and some may periodically feel a pinch. After insertion, most people feel nothing at all or the following: slight tingling, warmth, slight dull aching or heaviness. For those patients who are needle sensitive, Japanese acupuncture techniques can be employed in which there is no needle insertion or insertion is very superficial with very fine guage needles. Most people find acupuncture to be calming and relaxing.
Treatment begins with an interview and a physical examination. The physical examination consists of taking your pulse, looking at your tongue and palpation. Based on your signs and symptoms, your practitioner will come up with a diagnosis and a course of treatment. Treatment will include acupuncture and any of the following: teishin (tapping needle), moxibustion (burning of an herb called mugwort to warm and stimulate the flow of Qi), cupping, Tui Na (theraputic massage), sound therapy (tuning forks), exercises, dietary and lifestyle suggestions.
What Can I Expect After Treatment?
Everyone responds differently to treatments. The goal of your treatment is to bring the body back into harmony. The number of treatments needed depends upon the nature of the complaint, its severity and how long it has been going on.
What conditions can acupuncture treat?
While acupuncture has been used for thousands of years, it is only recently that the Western world has come to recognize the effectiveness of this medicine. The World Health Organization recognizes many conditions in which acupuncture has been useful for treatment and/or supportive therapy. Below is a partial list:
| Emotional | Respiratory | Gastro-Intestinal |
|---|---|---|
| stress anxiety depression mood swings nervousness neurosis insomnia |
allergies colds/flu asthma coughs bronchitis sinusitis rhinitis emphysema |
appetite disorders diarrhea constipation food allergies gas/bloating indigestion peptic ulcer hiccough spasms |
| Musculoskeletal | Uro-genital | Neurological |
| back & neck pain arthritis sciatica strains/sprains muscle cramps tennis elbow carpal tunnel chronic & acute pain TMJ whiplash bursitis |
sexual dysfunction stress incontinence vaginitis PMS urinary tract infections herpes irregular periods painful periods bedwetting |
headache or migraine neuralgia facial palsy stroke rehab dizziness paralysis post-operative pain Parkinsons neurogenic bladder |
| Ear, Nose & Throat | Miscellaneous | |
| toothache cataracts poor vision gingivitis pharyngitis |
addiction control immune system ton-ification athletic performance |
Acupressure is an ancient healing art which uses gentle but firm manual pressure on the acupuncture points, energy meridians and other areas of the body. Like acupuncture it stimulates the body's own healing abilities. It helps to release muscular tension, stimulates blood flow and lymph and most importantly moves energy in the body to help the body to balance itself and promote healing. Like massage, it can be very relaxing and helps to alleviate stress.
What is Sound Therapy?
Sound Therapy is the therapeutic use of varying instruments that create sound. Sound is part of the electro-magnetic spectrum and interacts and resonates with the human body (an energetic life form). Healing Axis uses therapeutic music, tuning forks and singing bowls as instruments of sound. The tuning forks are used on the acupuncture points using acupuncture medical theory. Tuning forks are the only devices on hte planet which can emit a sound without any overtones. As such, they are unique in their ability to connect and resonate with the body's own natural frequencies and bring us into alignment. The forks are used singularly or in combination depending on what the practitioner is trying to acheive. They are extremely relaxing and can be used in areas where people are reluctant to have acupuncture needles, like the throat and around the eyes. Tuning fork therapy is also used extensively in doing cosmetic facial treatments.
What is Light Therapy and how does it work?
Like sound, light comprises a part of the electro-magnetic spectrum. The colors we see in the world around us are light particles and waves. They have a frequency which determains what color we see. So, different colors have different frequencies and therefore resonate with the body in different ways. Again, using the acupuncture points, light is applied to the body using a light pen probe (Perlux P-117). It has a crystal tip which creates a spiral action on the transmitted light to have an even more powerful effect. Different colors are used for different actions on the body. Depending on the color, it penetrates into the body from 2 to 30 mm. Using the acupuncture points, though, deeper physiological processes may be stimulated much like fiber optics and how they transmit light across distances. Light therapy has a particular ability to regulate the automomic nervous system which helps to regulate many of the homeostatic functions in the body.