What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient healing art that has been practiced for more than 5,000 years. More people have been treated with acupuncture than any other form of treatment in history. It has its roots deeply planted in China and Taoism, and practitioners have used this non-invasive medical system to diagnose and help millions of people get well and stay healthy.
Acupuncture is especially beneficial for back and neck pain, knee pain, and headaches.
Acupuncture is the insertion of one-time-use sterile needles into strategic points of the body — also called acupuncture points. These points have been found to be key areas of the body that, when stimulated by pressure or needles, can have a profound therapeutic result.
It is said that centuries ago, warriors would come back from battle with a wound — say, on their leg from a spear or arrow — and a pain in their shoulder they had their entire life was suddenly gone. This is what prompted the study of acupuncture points.
Qi — The Energy of Life
Each acupuncture point is connected to other points along what is called a meridian or energetic pathway. The energy that passes through these meridians and acupuncture points is called qi (pronounced "chee").
Qi is the energy that animates all life. Although science has not yet been able to identify and measure qi, we are able to observe its effects. Our health and healing is directly proportional to the free flow of proper circulation in the body. The traditional Chinese classic medical texts state that "qi follows the blood."
One way to think about qi and healing is with an injury to the body. Imagine injury as a traffic jam due to an accident — acupuncture needles act like a traffic controller to the site. They allow new healing blood and qi to get in and repair, while directing broken, inflamed tissues to get out. The result: free-flowing traffic — and for patients, better health.
Effectiveness of Acupuncture
Acupuncture has gained worldwide acceptance and recognition as an effective medical treatment. Its use is so powerful that it's now an essential healthcare benefit in the state of California — covered by medical insurance throughout the United States.
Acupuncture promotes natural healing by enhancing recuperative power, immunity, and physical and emotional health. It can also improve overall function and well-being.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Acupuncture is a safe, painless, and effective way to alleviate a wide variety of medical problems. During a session, Dr. Hoover — a licensed and experienced acupuncturist — uses very small, hair-thin needles. Acupuncture is an all-natural, drug-free therapy yielding no negative side effects, leaving you with feelings of relaxation and well-being.
What to Expect
Acupuncture is available at SOHMA Long Beach Monday through Saturday. Treatments last approximately 20 minutes on average.
Eastern Medicine Modalities We Offer
- Acupuncture — Sterile needle stimulation of acupuncture points
- Herbal Medicine — Custom Eastern and Western herbal formulas
- Cupping — Suction therapy for circulation and detoxification
- Tui Na — Traditional Chinese manual therapy (predecessor to chiropractic)
- Gua Sha — Scraping technique used in sports medicine (predecessor to Graston technique)
- Qigong — Ancient therapeutic exercises that cultivate and move Qi
- Eastern Diagnostics — Observing the five senses, tongue, and reading the pulse