Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points. It is known to be effective in the treatment of specific health problems.
Traditional Chinese medicine explains acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force. This energy, known as “qi or chi” should run smoothly through pathways, or meridians in your body and out of it. By inserting needles into specific points along these meridians, acupuncture practitioners believe that your energy flow will re-balance. These points have been mapped by the Chinese over a period of two thousand years. Recently, electromagnetic research has confirmed their a
ccuracy.
In comparison, most Western practitioners view the acupuncture points as places to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue. Practitioners think this stimulation can boosts your body’s natural painkillers and increases blood flow, explained by the May0 Clinic.
The medical field in the U.S. does recognize and approve acupuncture. Depending on your insurance, some companies will pay for acupuncture treatment. Call your insurance and ask. You can also try sending them a form and receipt for your treatment. The World Health Organization (WHO) currently recognizes more than 40 medical problems that can be taken care of with acupuncture. The below conditions are are suitable for acupuncture treatment according to the WHO as well as vast amounts of research in China, explained by the Cleveland Clinic.
- Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders. Toothaches, pain after tooth extraction, gingivitis, acute or chronic earaches, acute sinusitis, acute rhinitis, hay fever, runny nose and acute tonsillitis.
- Respiratory Disorders
- Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Eye Disorders
- Neurological and Muscular Disorders
- Gynecological Disorders
- Stress Disorders
- Immune System Disorders
- Sports Injuries
- Pain
Personally, whenever I have had a minor new injury and have gotten acupuncture, the injury is completely better with 1-4 treatments. It has helped me with muscle pain and tightness. For my muscle tension and tightness, the effectiveness is similar to an intense deep tissue massage. I like the “dry needling” technique for muscle pain and tightness relief, which is more popular in western acupuncture culture. This is also known as intramuscular stimulation, Myofascial Acupuncture, Tendinomuscular Acupuncture, or some version of Sports Acupuncture.
Recommendations: I have been to several acupuncturists and can highly recommend the below in New York City and Long Island.
- Liming Zhao, Garden City Acupunture: 81 Poplar Street Garden City, New York (516) 741-7206. Also working out of Syosset, New York
- Ralph Salerno, Twin Dragon Acupuncture: 3 Gaymor Rd, Happauge New York
- Dr. Rongsheng Lin: 128 Mott Street, Manhatten, New York (718) 886-8727
For more, check out my Instagram at @dshamptonorganics
References:
“Acupuncture.” Mayo Clinic. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Feb. 2017.
“How Does Acupuncture Work? What Is Acupuncture?” Cleveland Clinic. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Feb. 2017.