Acupuncture is an increasingly popular medical treatment that originated in ancient China, where it was used as a chief form of medicine. The beginnings of modern Houston acupuncture can be traced back to around 6000 BCE, making it one of the oldest medical treatments around. The tools and procedures have advanced since these ancient times, of course, but the basics remain the same – working with the meridians of the human body to reduce and control the severity of symptoms associated with a wide array of disorders, pain, and stress.

What is Acupuncture?

The practice of acupuncture relies on the concept of Qi (pronounced “chee”), the life energy that is believed to move through a body. It is believed that disease and pain result from a lack of balance in this crucial force, but that it can be physically manipulated via very specific points to restore proper flow. These points are directly connected to meridians, which are invisible energy channels running throughout the human body to transport Qi. There are over 1,000 pressure points that may be manipulated throughout the acupuncture process.

The process itself involves inserting tiny, thin needles into these specific points across your side, back, or front. Where the needles go is entirely dependent on the pain or symptoms you’re attempting to combat. The average session usually takes less than an hour to complete from beginning to end and involves minimal discomfort thanks to the small size of the needles being used. Once the needles are in place, a bit of heat or small, mild electric pulses may be used to thoroughly get Qi moving properly once more.

There is a great deal of science behind acupuncture as well. While neuroscience likely doesn’t place much merit in the invisible presence of Qi and pressure points, it does confirm that acupuncture is effective at treating certain disorders. The stimulation of nerves, muscles, and tendons via the penetration of small needles into specific areas enhances blood flow and promotes the use of a body’s natural painkillers, allowing the body to more naturally handle what ails it.

What Are the Treatments Benefits

While balancing life energy is acupuncture’s main goal, studies show that this age-old treatment can also reduce the symptoms of a large number of health conditions. Some of the many conditions acupuncture has been proven to help with include:

• Migraines and tension headaches
• Lower back and neck pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Knee pain
• Both high and low blood pressure
• Nausea
• Morning sickness
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Sprains
• Allergic rhinitis
• Menstrual cramping
• Sciatica

Acupuncture is suspected by the World Health Organization to help with other conditions such as fibromyalgia and substance dependence, and ongoing studies are being performed to find evidence of the treatment’s helpfulness in a wide variety of other situations. The list of the benefits of acupuncture is continually expanding as new studies are performed.

What Should I Expect?

When you choose Eastern Balance Oriental for your acupuncture needs, your treatment will always be handled by a licensed practitioner, trained in the art of bringing Qi into balance. The tools that will be used throughout the process are simple: hair-thin needles, a heating element, and a small tool capable of producing mild electric pulses to help the process along. The treatment is all-natural and gives you the relief you need in a healthier, more direct way.

If you’re looking for stress or pain relief or need a way to cope with ongoing health issues, contact Eastern Balance Oriental Medicine for more information on the acupuncture processor to schedule an appointment!