Acupuncture    Your most valuable asset is Good Health; invest in it wisely. Consider Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture as a pathway to good health. It’s the most effective new development in American healthcare that just happens to be thousands of years old.    Acupuncture is a complete medical system that is used to diagnose and treat illness, prevent disease and improve well- being. It is effective for physical, psychological and emotional problems. Acupuncture originated in China more than 3,000 years ago and, due to it’s proven effectiveness, has been embraced throughout the world.    How Acupuncture Works    Recently science has determined that human beings are complex bioelectric systems. This understanding has been the foundation of acupuncture practice for several thousand years.    Energy circulates throughout the body along well-defined pathways. Points on the skin along these pathways are energetically connected to specific organs, body structures and systems. It this energy circulation is disrupted, optimum function is affected and this results in pain or illness. Acupuncture points are stimulated to balance the circulation of energy, which influences the health of the entire being.    Types of Treatment    Treatment with acupuncture needles is the most commonly used technique. However, acupuncturists may utilize other forms of treatment such as moxibustion (a form of heat therapy) and a variety of massage and movement techniques. They may also recommend dietary modifications, herbal prescriptions and specific therapeutic exercises.    Benefits    Since acupuncture promotes the body's natural healing ability, most conditions can be corrected or improved. Also, acupuncture is a comprehensive system of preventive healthcare and health maintenance. The effectiveness of acupuncture is well documented and extends far beyond the concept that it is only useful for chronic pain management or as an analgesic. Many athletes have discovered that acupuncture treatment helps them to achieve optimum performance levels. Recently, acupuncture detoxification treatments have been recognized as a valid form of therapy for chemical dependency problems. Throughout its long history, acupuncture has established a solid reputation as a system of health care that works.    How Acupuncture Feels    Prior to their first treatment, many people do not believe that acupuncture can be painless. Different sensations such as warmth or pressure may be felt, but the energetic sensation differs from pain. People often comment that the feeling is unfamiliar but pleasant and relaxing. Acupuncture needles are very fine, about the size of thick hair. They are solid and nothing is injected through them. Over the centuries, refined needle insertion techniques have been developed which enable the skilled acupuncture practitioner to place a needle with little or no sensation.    In some cases it is not necessary to use needles at all. For example, when treating young children, infants, or sensitive adults, there are other techniques, which are equally as effective. If you have a real fear of needles, discuss it with your acupuncturist. An appropriate treatment strategy can always be agreed upon.    Number Of Treatments    Since each person is unique, the number of treatments needed will vary. Among the determining factors are the type of condition, whether the condition is chronic or acute, and the vitality of the individual. Again, you should discuss your treatment program with your acupuncturist.    Licensing, Registration And Certification    In the United States the regulation of health care practice differs from state to state. Some states do not regulate acupuncture. In others, registration is required. Many states license qualified acupuncturists who have demonstrated their competence through education, training and examination.    Nationally, standards to practice acupuncture safely and effectively have been established by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). Many states use the NCCAOM examination and certification for meeting their licensing or registration requirements. Other states have developed their own examination process.    Safety    State and federal agencies have established strict procedures for needle sterilization. Knowledge and proper utilization of these procedures are part of licensing, registration or certification requirements. In order to assure your complete confidence, Almost all  practitioners nationwide use pre-sterilized, disposable needles. Our center only use the disposable one.        ____________________________________________________________                        Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Center of Fort Worth               2481 Forest Park Blvd., Fort worth, Texas 76110| (817)253-2891      Copyright © 2005 Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine  Center of Fort Worth                                                  Texas All Rights Reserved