Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese form of treatment that uses thin needles inserted at specific points to release a blockage in the flow of the body’s energy, which is called chi. It has been used for more than 2,000 years and is still as effective today as it has been over the years. Dr. Pari Limbachia of Shant Wellness in Apopka, FL, is a chiropractor who is certified in acupuncture and combines the two to offer complete care.

Understanding acupuncture

Acupuncturists traditionally believed that energy flows along meridians, which in modern times are associated with the body’s connective fascia tissue. When a disruption happens to this energy flow, pain and illness are the result. The meridians can be cleared at different points on the body. This is done with thin needles inserted into the skin or today’s practitioners may use lasers, magnets, and electric pulses in addition to or in place of needles.

Conditions that respond well to acupuncture

Acupuncture is used most commonly to treat pain in the back, the neck, and the head. It is not limited to these, however. It works well with chiropractic care to provide a holistic treatment plan that is drug-free. Studies have shown that acupuncture is effective in treating migraines without side effects. It has also been shown to have very good success with menstrual cramps, osteoarthritis in the knee, seasonal allergies, and nausea from chemotherapy treatments. Many other conditions respond to acupuncture as well.

How acupuncture works with chiropractic care

In theory, both acupuncture and chiropractic care believe in the body’s ability to heal itself. How the healing impulses get to where they are going is different, but both types of treatments realize that free-flowing impulses or energy is the way to achieve this. Using both allows every avenue for healing to be used, and they work very well together. When you choose acupuncture in Apopka, FL, you get the benefit of both chiropractic care and acupuncture.

For chiropractic care and acupuncture in Apoka, FL, Dr. Limbachia of Shant Wellness provides the care you require. Give our office a call at 407-880-1218 to make an appointment today.

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?

The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up in others.

The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body’s internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians.

The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body’s own internal regulating system.

The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimul ating the body’s natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.

WHAT IS THE SCOPE OF ACUPUNCTURE?

Medical acupuncture is a system which can influence three areas of health care:

  • promotion of health and well-being,
  • prevention of illness,
  • treatment of various medical conditions.

While acupuncture is often associated with pain control, in the hands of a well-trained practitioner it has much broader applications. Acupuncture can be effective as the only treatment used, or as the support or adjunct to other medial treatment forms in many medical and surgical disorders. The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems, including:

  • Neurological and muscular disorders: headaches, facial tics, neck pain, rib neuritis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, various forms of tendinitis, low back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis.
  • Digestive disorders: gastritis and hyperacidity, spastic colon, constipation, diarrhea.
  • Respiratory disorders: sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, recurrent chest infections.
  • Urinary, menstrual, and reproductive problems.

Acupuncture is particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to tension and stress.

If you have questions about a specific illness or disorder not listed above, you can usually have your questions answered by the doctor in our office.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

The number of treatments needed differs from person to person. For complex or long-standing conditions, one or two treatments a week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required, and for health

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS TO THE TREATMENT?

Usually not. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to takeplace. Occasionally the original symptoms worsen for a few days, or other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns, or emotional state may be triggered. These should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work. It is quite common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These pass within a short time, and never require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome.

WHAT ARE THE NEEDLES LIKE? DO THEY HURT?

People experience acupuncture needling differently. Most patients feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted; some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt. Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid and are made from stainless steel. The point is smooth (not hollow with cuttingedges like a hypodermic needle) and insertion through the skin is not as painful as injections or blood sampling. The risk of bruising and skin irritation is less than when using a hollow needle.

Because your doctor carefully sterilizes the needles using the same techniques as for surgical instruments, or uses disposable needles, there is no risk of infection from the treatments.

DOES ACUPUNCTURE REALLY WORK?

Yes. In the past 2,000 years, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined. Today acupuncture is practiced widely in Asia, the Soviet Union, and in Europe. It is now being used more and more in America by patients and physicians. Acupuncture treatments can be given at the same time other techniques are being used, such as conventional Western medicine,osteopathic or chiropractic adjustments, and homeopathic ornaturopathic prescriptions. It is important that your physician-acupuncturist know everything that you are doing, so he or she can help you get the most benefit from all your treatments.

DO I HAVE TO BELIEVE IN ACUPUNCTURE FOR IT TO WORK?

No. Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, horses and other animals. These animal patients do not understand or believein the process that helps them get better. A positive attitude toward wellness may reinforce the effects of the treatment received, just as a negative attitude may hinder the effects of acupuncture or any other treatment. A neutral attitude (“I don’t know if I really believe in this.”) will not block the treatment results.

ARE THERE ANY “DO’S AND DONT’S” FOR ME ON THE DAY OF A TREATMENT?

Yes. To enhance the value of a treatment, the following guidelines are important:

  • Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your treatment.
  • Do not over-exercise, engage in sexual activity, or consume alcoholic beverages within 6 hours before or after the treatment.
  • Plan your activities so that after the treatment you can get some rest, or at least not have to be working at top performance. This is especially important for the first few visits.
  • Continue to take any prescription medicines as directed by your regular doctor. Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol) especially in the week prior to treatment, will seriously interfere with the effectiveness of acupuncture reatments.
  • Remember to keep good mental or written notes of what your response is to the treatment. This is important for your doctor to know so that the follow-up treatments can be designed to best help you and your problem.

* Dr. Pari Limbachia is a Chiropractor, certified in Acupuncture *