Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine used to alleviate pain and promote overall health. Acupuncture uses needles placed along invisible meridians that run throughout the body. Today, acupuncturists also use lasers, magnets and electric pulses in addition to needles. Each meridian point has a specific meaning and can unblock and repair meridians and channels with vital energy or chi. Through the stimulation of the meridians, an acupuncturist is able to restore balance and ergo health to the patient.
Acupuncture is used to treat a wide range of health problems, such as:
- Persistent lower back pain
- Chronic tension-type headaches and migraines
- Neck pain
- Joint pain
- Postoperative pain
- Allergies
- Depression and anxiety
- Insomnia
Did you know that acupuncture may be the oldest form of medical care still widely practiced? It's believed that acupuncture was first practiced in ancient China about 3,000 years ago. It's still used to this day because the practice offers many potential health benefits and can be used to spur healing and recovery. If you'd like to try acupuncture and live in or near Elkins Park, PA, get in touch with Dr. Jhan D. Kim, our licensed acupuncturist, and the chiropractic team at Kim Chiropractic.
How Does Acupuncture Stimulate Healing?
Ancient practitioners of acupuncture believed that acupuncture needles could be used to direct and ensure the flow of "chi" (also spelled as "qi"), or natural energy in the body. Once the energy was properly balanced, the body would be restored to health. If the chi was unbalanced, it would result in disease. Many patients and practitioners today no longer subscribe to this belief. However, it does seem that acupuncture can improve blood flow and direct the body's biological healing processes to focus on specific areas.
The body contains many natural healing and pain relief chemicals, such as endorphins. Acupuncture needles seem to encourage the release of endorphins and other chemicals. The needles also stimulate the central nervous system, which may play a role in healing.
Acupuncture is most often used to address chronic pain. It may also offer benefits for anxiety, asthma, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, and joint issues. You can use acupuncture alongside other treatments, and in some cases, it may increase their effectiveness.
Practicing Safe and Modern Acupuncture
While acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of medical care, that doesn't mean that the treatment itself is identical to how it was performed thousands of years ago. Our understanding of medicine and various diseases has advanced tremendously over the years. Dr. Jhan enjoys demystifying acupuncture for patients and using it to holistically complement Western care.
If you're looking for acupuncture treatment in Elkins Park, PA, call 215 782 1235 to schedule a treatment session. The chiropractic team at Kim Chiropractic can perform acupuncture and many other treatments as well, such as cold laser therapy and spinal adjustments.
For more information and to schedule , please visit our Acupuncture Office.
