Acupuncture is an ancient medical art that has been traced back over 5,000 years, actually pre-dating Chinese recorded history with the discovery of Ötzi (the Iceman) mummy in the Alps in 1991. Modern western Acupuncture utilizes very thin, pre-packaged, disposable, sterilized needles. These needles are inserted along meridians or channels that generally run parallel to the circulation of blood, lymph, cerebrospinal and other fluids in the body. Simply speaking, when these fluids become blocked nourishment and the removal of cellular/organ waste becomes hampered creating an imbalance of excess or pressure with a corresponding deficiency or vacuity in a related channel. By inserting these needles blockages are removed in the channels allowing free flow of nutrient rich fluids and the removal of toxic wastes. Western medical practitioners are familiar with the body’s natural tendencies to maintain homeostasis. Both western medicine and acupuncture rely on the body’s natural ability to maintain homeostasis and thereby maintain health and prevent or protect from disease. Combining both systems create an ideal environment for the body’s own innate system to heal and protect the body from disease.
What creates these blockages?
Stress is the main cause of blockages and comes in many forms. Here is a short list:
- Blunt trauma
- MVA’s - Motor Vehicle Accidents
- Chemical/environmental factors (includes allergies)
- Pressure from your ancestors (heredity, DNA)
- Poor posture or structural imbalances
- Poor diet
- Work related injuries (repetitive stress syndrome, and others)
- Emotional factors
- Toxic relationships (co-workers, spouse, surly teenagers)
What are the requirements to practice acupuncture?
In the state of Pennsylvania you must complete at least 3000-hour of combined clinical and didactic study Masters Degree Program from a Nationally accredited school, become board certified by passing the national boards (NCCAOM National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine), and be trained and certified in clean needle technique.
What can be treated?
The WHO (World Health Organization) has recognized over 40 conditions that acupuncture has success in treating.
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Food allergies, nausea, indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, ulcers, colitis
Ear, Nose & Throat Disorders
Toothaches, earaches, sinusitis, rhinitis, laryngitis
Respiratory Disorders
Colds and flu, bronchitis, asthma, allergies, emphysema
Urogenital Disorders
Cystitis, stress incontinence, neurogenic bladder, prostatitis, prostatic hypertrophy
Circulatory Disorders
Hypertension, high cholesterol, arteriosclerosis, angina pectoris
Gynecological Disorders
Menstrual irregularity, endometriosis, PMS, infertility, menopausal syndrome
Psycho emotional and Neurological Disorders
Depression, anxiety, insomnia, headache, migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, intercostals neuralgia, post-stroke paralysis, dizziness, Tinnitus
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, TMJ, sciatica, low back pain, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia
I have tried acupuncture in the past and it did not help me, does that mean acupuncture is not for me?
Not necessarily. Most practitioners of acupuncture in the U.S. practice one style of acupuncture with little or no emphasis on a western approach to musculoskeletal dysfunction and structural considerations. Combining the two styles learned at Tri-State College of Acupuncture, namely APM, and KM (both heavily infused with musculoskeletal, palpitory and structural consideration) with the structural/postural/biomechanical knowledge of a seasoned practitioner of Rolfing Structural Integration results in a exclusive, efficient, effective and dramatic resolution of many musculoskeletal conditions.
Serving the Allentown, Bethleham, Easton, Lehigh valley, and neighboring communities.
