Acupuncture

 

Acupuncture is an ancient healing modality that originated in China. It's purpose is to bring the body's energy systems into balance and in doing so, it promotes and stimulates healing, reduces or eliminates pain and calms the mind. A well trained acupuncturist will be able to pick up on and balance the subtle energy fields throughout your entire body.

Training and a great deal of practice is required to work at the level where an acupuncturist will offer you the best care. Because of this, I recommend that you choose your acupuncturist with great care. Not because of any danger since acupuncture is a safe practice, but because throughout most of the US, medical doctors and other healthcare providers whose only training has been a weekend seminar or workshop, are granted licensure to perform acupuncture. In most cases they're following a westernized linear type of training that omits the underlying knowledge of energy systems of the body and their treatment outcomes are not as successful. In my observations this is a cookie cutter approach that misses most imbalances of the body that often are the underlying cause of the illness. However, in pain management, acupuncture is enormously helpful regardless of the practitioner's approach.

In the US, a Doctor of Oriental Medicine (DOM) receive the most training. Some naturopathic schools also offer extended training in acupuncture but most schools, such as mine, only offer one or two classes with very little hands on training. The experience of the acupuncturist is vitally important. If a DOM is not available in your area, inquire about the acupuncturist's training and how often they use acupuncture in their practice.

The principles of acupuncture are the bases for acupressure and other self-help modalities. Although not as profoundly healing as a well-trained acupuncturist's services, most of my patients respond well to them and like the autonomy of being in control of their well-being without the need to take drugs and other substances. I've taken time to write up a little bit about the following books and why I recommend them to you. Please use the links provided below along with Amazon's 1-Click check out for me to receive credit for the referrals. Thank you.