By Jay Chang, Diplomate Acupuncture, NCCAOM – IPMR Acupuncturist
| Jay Chang, Diplomate Acupuncture, NCCAOM |
Acupuncture is a historic, safe, natural, and drug-free health care choice that in some cases provides immediate relief and long-lasting benefits. It is believed to restore the proper and continuous flow of vital energy called Qi (pronounced “chee”).
The belief is that Qi circulates within a series of pathways called meridians. Meridians move Qi throughout your body, providing nourishment for every tissue, muscle, and tendon. Well-circulating Qi supports, strengthens, and enlivens your whole body, giving you good health, the power to perform, and pain-free living.
Acupuncture needles are tiny and sterile. They are no thicker than a human hair. They are inserted at specific points to help alleviate symptoms or to help prevent or treat various conditions. Acupuncture may use needles alone, or may be done with electrical stimulation or infrared depending on the condition.
Relieve Pain
An acupuncturist will not only work to relieve your pain symptoms, but will also work to find and treat the underlying cause of your pain. Acupuncture can provide long-term pain relief, which can improve physical activity levels, quality of sleep, and diminished use of pain medication. Acupuncture has been known to successfully treat back neck, shoulder, and foot pain. Also, relief of pain from arthritis and fibromyalgia, as well as migraine and tension-type headaches has been attributed to acupuncture.
Reduce Nausea
Acupuncture may relieve nausea caused by pregnancy, and also the nausea associated with the treatment of acute medical conditions such cancer, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease.
Reduce PMS Symptoms
An acupuncturist will investigate the underlying causes leading to PMS symptoms. After a thorough diagnostic evaluation to determine what organ and meridian systems are out of balance, PMS symptoms are treated according to each individual patient’s imbalances and concerns. Acupuncture can help restore hormonal balance and provides deep relaxation to help reduce stress, ultimately encouraging and supporting greater health and well-being of mind and body.
Gain Facial Rejuvenation
A facial rejuvenation using acupuncture may help to improve skin and muscle tone while enhancing and increasing the elasticity of the skin. Acupuncture can reduce signs of aging by strengthening and stimulating the circulation of Qi with meridian pathways, especially those of the face. Benefits include looking and feeling more energetic, calm, vibrant and healthy.
Sports
Athletes may experience physical trauma, sprain, strain, over-exertion, repetitive injury, and emotional stress. All of these disrupt the flow of Qi in various ways causing pain, swelling, stiffness, limited range of motion, and fatigue. Acupuncture is part of a broad-based approach to relieve these symptoms and can provide a competitive edge, leading to improved performance. Clients have reported improved strength, speed and agility.
Improve Fertility
The treatment of fertility with acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is time tested. Acupuncture has been known to increase blood flow to the uterus, reduce anxiety and stress, help normalize hormone and endocrine systems, regulate menstrual cycle, and positively affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. All of these factors play a role in fertility.
And Much More
Acupuncture has also been found to help with depression, menopause symptoms, IBI, incontinence after prostate surgery, allergies and even help someone quit smoking.
If other treatments have failed, and you are looking for a holistic alternative, acupuncture is an alternative. Not sure if acupuncture is right for you? Ask about a free acupuncture consultation at IPMR or for additional information, call 309-692-8670 or ipmr.org.
Jay Chang is a nationally certified and licensed acupuncturist who treats at IPMR (Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation). His credentials include: a bachelor’s degree in Oriental and Sports Medicine in China, a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, and NCCAOM Diplomate Acupuncture from National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), which requires over 1,000 hours of clinical experience as well as sitting for several certification examinations.
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