What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture dates back thousands of years, but has only been available in the United States since about 1972. It’s use has grown in popularity by leaps and bounds in recent years due to the wonderful results people receive for various health conditions. The Chinese believe that the life energy or “Qi” force can get out of balance. Qi is said to flow in and around the body through pathways called meridians. When there is an imbalance of “Yin” and “Yang” due to blockage or stagnation in the meridians, points can be stimulated or tonified painlessly with fine needles or cold laser alleviating the blockage. Acupuncture is known to reduce pain, increase circulation, reduce muscle spasm and increase the healing potential of the body.
Western practitioners view the acupuncture points as places to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue. We believe that this stimulation boosts your body’s natural painkillers. Often Acupuncture is used in conjunction with the Chiropractic adjustment. This allows additional relaxation of the muscles, which helps the adjustment to hold more effectively and typically speeds the healing process.
What to expect during an Acupuncture Treatment:
During the procedure: Acupuncture points can be placed in any area of the body. At times the appropriate points are at a distance from the area of your pain. Dr. Lukovsky will tell you the general site of the planned treatment and whether you need to remove any clothing. A towel or sheet will be provided. You lie on a padded table for the treatment, which involves:
- Needle insertion. Acupuncture needles are inserted to various depths at strategic points on your body. The needles are very thin, so insertion usually causes little discomfort. People often don’t feel them inserted at all. A typical treatment uses 5 to 20 needles. You may feel a mild aching sensation when a needle reaches the correct depth. Or you may not feel anything.
- Needle manipulation. Dr. Lukovsky may gently move or twirl the needles after placement or apply mild electrical pulses to the needles.
- Needle removal. In most cases, the needles remain in place for 10 to 15 minutes while you lie still and relax. There is usually no discomfort when the needles are removed.
After the procedure: Some people feel relaxed and others feel energized after an acupuncture treatment, and not everyone responds to Acupuncture. Similar to Chiropractic it typically takes a series of treatments to feel/notice a difference. Dr. Lukovsky has been using Acupuncture in her practice since the year 2000 and has helped many people achieve their health care goals by doing so. She has the knowledge, technique and know-how to improve your health too! If you have always been curious how Acupuncture could benefit you and your health care goals call Dr. Lukovsky to ask how she can help. Click here to schedule.
