Acupuncture: What is The Point?
by Dr. Will Stewart
When you hear the word acupuncture, you may picture Hellraiser, that freaky horror-flick guy with hundreds of needles sticking out of his head. But is acupuncture really that scary? Not when you understand it.
What Does it Do?
Acupuncture uses small, thin needles to promote the body’s natural healing ability and to improve its overall function. Imagine your body has channels of energy that flow in specific directions on and through the body, much like a river through a valley. The energy channels, or meridians, keep it functioning properly. When one of these channels is obstructed, like a river at a dam, it can negatively affect the other channels.
What Is It Used For?
Acupuncture attempts to open the floodgates of the dam and let the channels flow freely, thus keeping the body working properly. The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture for a wide range of conditions including: digestive disorders, respiratory disorders, neurological and muscular pain and dysfunction, urinary problems, plus menstrual and reproductive issues. Acupuncture is particularly helpful in physical disorders that relate to tensions, stress and emotional conditions.
Does It Hurt?
Most of the time, no. But sometimes, in certain spots like ankles, ears or toes, some patients might feel a little sting or pinch. Even then, the pain is minor and over quickly.
Dr. Will Stewart is a Doctor of Chiropractic and a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and a certified and licensed acupuncturist at Performance Chiropractic in Gadsden, Alabama.