Acupuncture
For more information
or to arrange an appointment contact:
Laila Wah OMD
267-884-3576 or 215-493-1889 or 215-627-6000 New!
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The Beginnings of Acupuncture
Originating in China over 6,000 years ago, and spreading throughout East Asia with the influence of Buddhism, Acupuncture is now part of Asia's primary healthcare system and is fast becoming in the West, a complimentary medical protocol, recognized and endorsed by leading medical schools, such as Harvard, hospitals such as the University of Pennsylvania, doctors, as well as, The World Institute of Health and The World Health Organization. Many states, California, Washington, Florida, Massachusetts, and New Mexico, to name a few, not only have accredited Acupuncture schools, but the insurance companies in these states covers Acupuncture visits.
Acupuncture is used for a full range of acute and chronic conditions, the relief of pain, sports injury, pain management, trauma (physical and emotional), women's concerns, pre and post natal care, smoking cessation, addictions, non-surgical face-lifts, Cosmetic Acupuncture, Auricular Therapy, and as an anesthetic for surgery. Above all Acupuncture is used to maintain high levels of health. It is proactive because it supports your immune system and keeps all your bodily systems working smoothly.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture, a tenet of East Asian Medicine, is both a scientific system of diagnosis, and also, a treatment for acute and chronic disorders. Literally, Acupuncture means "needle piercing". Thin-guaged, sterile, disposable needles are placed at "empirical points" (acu) along specific meridians called "energy channels", which relate to each organ of the body and their specific energetic and organic functions, at a shallow depth (1/32 of an inch). The needles, a 38 guage, have approximately the thickness of two to three strands of human hair, and are placed on the body, and possibly the face, head and neck. The standard needle length used is 1" length for body areas and 1/2" for facial areas, ears, toes and fingers.
Needles are left in place for 20 to 40 minutes or more, aat a given area. Point selection varies from treatment to treatment and selection will depend upon which Acupuncture protocol is diagnostically required. A variety of points may be selected for stimulation, such as the ears, face, neck, abdomen, back, feet, hands, arms, but does not necessarily include all thse areas in one given session.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Because the needles are so thin, so delicate, the often asked questions, "Does Acupuncture hurt?" becomes mute. No, Acupuncture does not hurt. The needles may "prick" a little, but there is no major discomfort compared to pain from hypodermic needles, body piercing, tattooing, child birth, etc. Most patients become so relaxed that they fall asleep during their treatment session! Natural endorphins (the body's "feel-good" chemicals) are released from the brain and enter into the bloodstream. Commonly, a person receiving Acupuncture is relaxed, energized, pain-free, and has a feeling of well-being.
What to Expect in a Treatment:
At your initial office visit, you will fill out a medical form, case history is taken along with classical diagnostic protocols. Based upon your diagnosis, and any prognosis from your allopathic doctor(s), which may be accompanied by x-rays, MRIs, etc. Therapies are selected which best suit your condition and constitution. To give an example, Traditional Acupuncture with needles may be given with suggestions for you to take herbs and nutritional supplements, along with appropriate "life movement exercises". Exercise is beneficial for all people, but exercise must support the age and structural ability of each person.
Emphasis is placed upon educating you in the variety of ways that you can assist yourself when you are away from the office. Your lifestyle roots your choice for wellness. Frequency of visits are dependent upon overall health and constitution. For example, Cosmetic Acupuncture takes into account both the condition of "skin tonus" and your general health.
Who and What is Acupuncture Good For?
Acupuncture is preferable for persons of all ages above the age of 10. Younger children are best served with Shiatsu or other Qi Energy work, such as Reiki or Seiki, Infant Massage, nutritional and herbal supplements. Childrens' body systems are simplified when they are very young, and because they are still in formation, particular infants and very young children, it is best not to use Acupuncture unless it is an emergency situation.
Acupuncture is par excellent for improving and maintaining high health levels, and is beneficial for Cosmetic Acupuncture, non-surgical face lifts, sports medicine, and for performance excellence. YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE SICK OR INJURED TO OBTAIN BENEFIT FROM ACUPUNCTURE. Students, models, actors, musicians, anyone in the performing arts or in sports, can achieve peaked performance with the use of regular Acupuncture treatments.
Another important time for everyone to receive Acupuncture is between seasonal changes, from Summer to Fall, Fall to Winter, then to Spring, and around we go. Acupuncture also deters the ill effects from jet lag, and for those who take frequent air flights, it helps lessen the aging process and the deterioration of your organs. It is a known fact that males suffer prostrate and kidney problems more often when they are flying long distances on a regular basis. Female flight attendants are known to have menstral and female organ problems. Supersonic travel weakens the adrenals and immune system. Receiving Acupuncture, as well as taking Super Nutritional Supplements, will help deter such conditions.
Some Examples to the Benefitis of Traditional Acupuncture
For more information
or to arrange an appointment contact:
Laila Wah OMD
267-884-3576 or 215-493-1889 or 215-627-6000 dfa