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What
is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient
technique in which a skilled practitioner inserts
hair-thin needles into specific points on the body to
prevent or treat illness. Practiced for over 2500 years
in China, where it originated, acupuncture is part of
the holistic system of traditional Chinese medicine
(TCM), which views health as a constantly changing flow
of energy, or qi (pronounced "chee"). Acupuncture helps
regulate imbalances in this natural flow of energy,
which results in disease.
What you can
expect
On your first visit to Dr. Guarino, the
practitioner will take a thorough medical history, then
may take your pulse, examine your tongue and "palpate"
(or feel) certain areas of your body. Depending on your
ailment, you may also have your first acupuncture
treatment at this time. In general, visits occur once or
twice a week over several months until therapeutic
results are achieved. Some patients notice rapid
improvement after just a few sessions. In those whose
conditions have taken years to develop, treatment may
take longer.
Health benefits
While
scores of illnesses have traditionally been treated by
acupuncture in Asia, its primary use in the United
States has been to relieve chronic pain – caused by such
ailments as arthritis, headache, sinusitis, PMS, and
back pain – and to assist in withdrawal from addictions
such as drug and alcohol dependency. Today more
innovative applications for acupuncture are being
explored by both conventional and alternative
practitioners, including its use as an analgesic to
reduce pain during surgery.
Is the treatment
painful?
No. Extra care is taken to insure that
you are comfortable. Most patients are surprised at how
relaxing treatment can be, including
acupuncture.
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