What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture has been practiced as a medical treatment for over 5,000 years.
Acupuncture technique involves the insertion of very fine needles on the body’s surface with the objective of influencing and balancing the physiological functions of the body.
The first record of acupuncture is found in the 4,700 year old Huang Di Nei Jing (Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine), said to be the oldest medical textbook in the world.
The general goal of acupuncture is to balance the body’s flow of Qi. Simon Acupuncture not only treats localized pain but also applies an ‘internal balancing method’ to correct the patient’s internal imbalance of Qi. Sometimes blocked Qi channels can cause acute or chronic pain.
Simon Acupuncture focuses on opening up the blocked Qi channels so that Qi flows smoothly throughout the body.
Chronic or acute physical pain can also manifest when a person is experiencing general physical stress (i.e., lack of sleeping) or emotional stress as well. These conditions can weaken muscle, tendon, or bone, and increases the risk of acute injury during physical activity. Specific areas may become painful, tense and sensitive. The benefits of balancing acupuncture are not limited to pain improvement; acupuncture should also improve the patient’s internal health.
Acupuncture techniques include electro-acupuncture/tens, manual stimulation, cupping, Tui Na Massage, and/or moxibustion.
- Electro-Acupuncture or electric tens is used to stimulate the acupuncture points. A mild tingling or tapping sensation will be felt.
- Cupping involves a localized suction produced by heating a small glass cup.
- Tui-Na is a Chinese massage technique that uses pressing, rubbing, kneading, and pinching to bring your body back into balance. This technique is applied to the channels, collaterals, and points of the acupuncture system.
- Moxibustion warms an area of the body, promotes blood circulation and removes blood stasis.
The herbs and nutritional supplements (which are from plant, animal and mineral sources) that are recommended for the purpose of trying to restore the Qi balance of the body are traditionally considered safe in the practice of Oriental Medicine, although some may be toxic in a very large dose.
Does acupuncture hurt?
The needles are rarely described as painful, and can be quickly adjusted. Once the needles are inserted, they may be manipulated to obtain a “Qi” sensation as warming, heavy, numb or tingling. Through needle manipulation, the body allows the flow of energy into your system and helps to balance it.
Many people even fall asleep during treatment. Through many years of experiences, Simon Peter Lee makes sure that patients does not have much pain during the treatment. Instead, you may feel a tremendous sense of relaxation and calm.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
According to the World Health Organization statement, Acupuncture is generally considered safe, and adverse events are rare. Simon Peter Lee, a licensed and well trained practitioner, will give a patient the best guarantee of safe and effective treatment.
**We use only STERILE DISPOSABLE NEEDLES. To reduce the possibility of infection from acupuncture, all needles are pre-sterilized, one-time-use needles made of surgical stainless steel. After each treatment they are disposed of as medical waste — needles are never reused. Clinicians are trained in Clean Needle Technique and Universal Precautions.
