Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a major part of Oriental Medicine, a complete system that is used to diagnose and treat illness, to prevent disease and to improve well being. In itself, it is effective for physical psychological and emotional problems. Acupuncture originated in China more than 2,500 years ago and due to its proven effectiveness, has been embraced throughout the world since that time.

How Acupuncture Works

Recently science has determined that human beings are complex bioelectric systems. Ths 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. If 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 influence the health of the entire being. Several theories have been presented as to how exactly acupuncture works. One theory suggests that pain impulses are blocked from reaching the spinal cord or brain at various "gates" to these areas. Since the majority of acupuncture points ae either connected to or are located near neural structures, this suggests that acupuncture stimulate the nervous system. Another theory suggests that acupuncture stimulate the body to produce narcotic-like substances called endorphins, which reduce pain. Other studies have found that other pain-relieving substances called opiods may be released into the body during acupuncture treatment.

Acupuncture does much more than reduce pain, and has a beneficial effect on health. Patients often notice an improved sense of well being after treatment. Modern research shows that acupuncture can affect most of the body's systems --- the nervous system, muscle tone, hormone, circulation, antibody production and allergic responses, as well as the repiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems.

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 felt, but the energetic sensation differs from pain. People often comment that the feeling is unfamiliar but pleasant and relaxing ( music and heat are applied with acupuncture treatment in our clinic). Acupuncture needs are very fine, about the size of a thick strand of hair. They are solid and nothing is injected through them. Over the centuries, refined needle inertion techniques have been developed which enable the skilled acupuncturist to place a needle with little or no sensation.

Safety

State and federal agencies have established strict procedures for needle sterilization. Knowledge and proper utilization of these proceures are part of licensing examinations. In order to assure your complete confidence, all practitioners use pre-sterilized disposable needles. When performed by a skilled practitioner, acupuncture appears to be safe. There are the exceptions for ocasional minor side effects such as bleeding, fainting or nausea.

Benefits

Since acupuncture promotes the body's natural healing ability, most conditions can be corrected or improved. Oriental Medicine is a comprehensive system of preventive health care 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.

Appointments

Should you have an industrial patient that could benefit from our acupuncture service, please contact Occupational Medicine Department at 3555 Whipple Rd., Union City CA 94587. (510)675-3419

Disclaimer
If you think you have a MEDICAL OR PSYCHIATRIC EMERGENCY, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY or go to the nearest hospital. DO NOT attempt to access emergency care through this web site. An emergency medical condition is a medical or psychiatric condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in any of the following: serious jeopardy to your health, serious impairment to your bodily functions, or serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part. An emergency medical condition is also "active labor," which means a labor when there is inadequate time for safe transfer to a Plan hospital (or designated hospital) before delivery or if a transfer poses a threat to the health of the member or unborn child.

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