Acupuncture
Acupuncture, one of the traditional Chinese arts of healing,
is said to be more than 5000 years old. The basis of Acupuncture
is the theory that the body has an energy force running throughout
it (known as Qi, roughly pronounced Chee). Qi travels throughout
the body along "Meridians" or special pathways.
Energy constantly flows up and down these pathways. These
pathways can become obstructed, deficient, excessive, or just
unbalanced causing illness. Acupuncture treatment is carried
out by inserting fine needles into various points on the body.
The effect of the needles is to restore the balance of the
patients’ energy and thereby improve health. When the
needle is inserted, the patient may feel nothing or a sensation
akin to a minor insect bite. Any discomfort usually subsides
within a few seconds after insertion. The sensation after
the needles are inserted varies widely from no feeling at
all to mild aching or more intense feelings. Acupuncture treatment
both addresses specific symptoms and has an overall effect
often making patients feel better after treatment.
Acupuncture is effective at curing various diseases, some
of which are resistant to conventional methods of treatment.
In the U.S., acupuncture is most commonly associated with
treating pain (it is even used as an anesthetic agent for
some surgical procedures). But acupuncture can be an effective
treatment for a wide variety of conditions both acute and
chronic, mental and physical. In addition to being free from
side effects commonly encountered in drug therapy, acupuncture
is simple, safe, and effective.
For more information about Dr. Brody's approach, see What
to Expect.
Acupuncture Training
In the State of Oregon, acupuncturists must either graduate
from an accredited acupuncture program, or must already have
at least 5 years of clinical acupuncture experience. After
meeting this criteria, they must then get NCCAOM certification
in acupuncture to practice in the State of Oregon. (See more
details about acupuncture
licensing.)
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