Acupuncture For Chronic and Difficult Conditions

Acupuncture is new to the western world, but very old in the Far East. Acupuncture has been used in China for at least 3600 years. Today one-third of the world’s population (perhaps 2 billion people) depends, in part, on acupuncture for health care. It is used extensively in the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, Viet Nam, and Japan. Acupuncture’s effectiveness is just being discovered in the United States, Canada and Europe.

Acupuncture is the balancing of the body’s energy system to bring about healing. It is based on the idea of yin and yang, the Oriental concept of opposites balancing in oneness. The Chinese theorize that energy, called “qi” (pronounced chee), flows through the body. Normally, “qi” flows in a free and balanced manner along defined channels inside the body and on the surface of the skin. To the Chinese, this means there is balance of yin and yang resulting in proper function of body and mind. In the West we call this “homeostasis.” The result is pain-free good health!

However, the flow of “qi” may become blocked and imbalanced. The reasons include: stress, trauma, improper diet, the weather, aging, and exposure to toxins, electro-magnetic fields, and pathogens (bacteria, parasites, and viruses.) Imbalance of energy flow adversely affects the function of cells, tissues, internal organs, nerves, joints, and muscles. Disease and symptoms are the result.

To rebalance the flow of the “qi” tiny areas on pathways along which the energy flows (called “channels”) are pierced by needles. By penetrating these “acupuncture points” with very fine, sterile, disposable needles, the balanced flow of “qi” is reestablished. This restores proper function to the body, enhancing the body’s ability to heal itself.

Acupuncture at the Borgstrand Clinic is done by the doctor in clean surroundings with explanations in English. From four to thirty needles may be used. They are left in for 10 to 40 minutes. The treatment is painless.