Acupuncture refers to a traditional Chinese medical practice that has been practiced for several millennia. By inserting thin needles into specific, predetermined body points, acupuncture seeks to stimulate and adjust your body's life-energy force/flow – which is known as Qi or Chi. According to Dr. Kurt Brausen of Wellness Chiropractic Center in Saint Paul, MN, acupuncture aims to restore balance and promote the body's natural healing processes.
Key Elements of Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese medicine theorizes that your life force energy flows along networks within the body – known as meridians. The objective of acupuncture is to restore the balance of Qi that runs along these interconnected pathways, which, when interrupted, is thought to influence one's ultimate health and overall well-being.
Acupuncture utilizes thin and sterile needles, which are carefully inserted into specific acupuncture points on the body. These points are typically located along established pathways or meridians. When vital body energy is blocked, the blockage leads to an imbalance and likely will cause a consequential health issue.
There are several hundred acupuncture points on the body. Each of these defined points is associated with a certain body function or organ. The exact points used in the therapy depend on the client's condition and the objective of the acupuncture treatment session.
Acupuncture Therapeutic Goals
Acupuncture can be used to manage and address the following health issues and conditions –
- Pain management includes chronic pain, back pain, and headaches
- Anxiety or Stress reduction
- Immune support
- Mood regulation
- Digestive health
- Insomnia and various other ailments
When performed by a trained practitioner with sterile needles, acupuncture is considered safe with only nominal side effects.
Contact a Leading Saint Paul Chiropractor Near You
Before committing to acupuncture, it's essential to consult with a licensed acupuncturist like Dr. Brausen. For more information, contact Dr. Brausen or a Wellness Chiropractic Center staff member at 651-698-9123 or online.
Acupuncture is used to treat a wide range of health problems, such as:
- Persistent lower back pain
- Chronic tension-type headaches and migraines
- Neck pain
- Joint pain
- Postoperative pain
- Allergies
- Depression and anxiety
- Insomnia
Acupuncture takes a holistic approach to understanding normal function and disease processes, and focuses as much on the prevention of illness as on the treatment.