How Does Acupuncture Work?

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“What does acupuncture do?” “How does it work?” Patients ask this question every day. Acupuncture harnesses the body’s internal resources to promote balance and healing. Our patients often note that several symptoms improve simultaneously!

  • Treating acute and chronic pain, like fibromyalgia
  • Dissipating localized pain, like muscle knots
  • Joint issues, like elbow tendonitis or knee arthritis
  • Neuropathy and restless legs syndrome
  • Sinus headaches, asthma, and allergies
  • Reducing elevated blood pressure
  • Eliminating migraines and PMS symptoms
  • Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy or cancer treatment
  • Promoting mental clarity and calming anxiety
  • Increasing energy and improving sleep

Acupuncture is one of the most widely accepted natural healing methods used in the world today. Acupuncture addresses imbalances in Qi circulation. Qi is the “energy of life” which operates your body, mind, and spirit. Like traffic on a highway with a closed-off lane, Qi can become stagnant or blocked. This can contribute to back pain, neck pain, or headaches.

Qi courses through predictable channels (meridians) in the body. At specific points along these meridians, Qi can be accessed and manipulated. Acupuncture techniques have been used for thousands of years to unblock, release, and even supplement Qi. This restores proper flow of Qi among the organs and tissues of the body and often leads to multiple improvements in health.

Modern scientists have used technology to show that most points used in acupuncture have high electrical conductivity. The Brost Clinic uses EMI acupuncture meridian diagnostic testing. Ryodoraku evaluation of the acupuncture meridians is also known as Electro Meridian Imaging (EMI) or Electronic Pulse Diagnosis. EMI was first discovered and developed by Dr. Yoshio Nakatani of Japan in 1952. The use of EMI testing has revolutionized the way acupuncture is being practiced by both licensed health care practitioners and traditionally trained acupuncturists around the world. This is a computer-assisted system we use to develop a personalized acupuncture diagnosis and treatment plan.

For children, or people who prefer not to use needles, we offer meridian therapy. Acupuncture is a principle, not a technique. Therefore, there are many ways to stimulate an acupoint other than using a needle. These options include laser, electric stimulation, and acupressure. Non-needle options are equally effective but take 10-20% longer to achieve results similar to using needles. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes acupuncture as a safe and effective treatment for a wide variety of health disorders. Many health insurance programs provide coverage for acupuncture.