Acupuncture

Body & Soul  >  Acupuncture
Body & Soul  >  Acupuncture

How Acupuncture Works

Acupuncture is a healing method that consists of placing tiny needles at defined acupoints along the meridians. The meridians are channels for the vital energy, Qi. In a healthy body, the flow of Qi allows the body to function properly in a balanced way. However, when a blockage arises, the organs do not get the proper amount of Qi. This ultimately leads to imbalance, pain and disease. Acupuncture restores the flow of Qi. Western medicine ascribes acupuncture’s success to the way it stimulates the nervous system. The body’s natural chemicals change pain perception and help the body heal. The purpose of acupuncture therapy is to reduce or relieve pain. Acupuncture can prevent and cure disease, but also promote general health. Acupuncture is an effective, natural way to restore balance, heal the body and find peace of mind. The World Health Organization recognizes proven therapeutic effects of acupuncture for the following issues:

  • Headache and migraine
  • Back and neck pain
  • Frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Joint pain
  • Arthritis
  • Tinnitus
  • Insomnia
  • Depression
  • Stress
  • Acute and chronic conditions
  • Respiratory disorders
  • Allergies
  • Digestive disorders
  • Skin diseases
  • Birth preparation
  • Weight loss
  • Addiction recovery (tobacco, alcohol, drugs, caffeine)
  • Irregular menstruation, PMS
  • Low fertility and infertility in men and women

What does the patient feel during acupuncture?

Once the needles are in place, a feeling of warmth will arise and spread from the site, along with small muscle aches that vary in extent. This is called the De-Qi sensation and is a sign of successful therapy. The De-Qi usually abates within several minutes if the needle is not further stimulated. Most patients experience little to no discomfort from the needles and feel quite relaxed. Many patients fall asleep during treatment. Patients may notice results immediately or over the next several days.

Complementary Acupuncture Treatments

Additional techniques can be applied with acupuncture, as dictated by the patient’s condition, for added effectiveness:

  • Electrostimulation - needles are stimulated with a small electric current
  • Moxibustion - needles are heated by attaching and burning a piece of rolled up herbal “cigar” (this therapy cannot be offered in every clinic due to the presence of fire prevention systems)
  • Acupressure – pressure of the fingers is applied to the acupoints
  • Cupping – cups are applied to the top of the skin with a negative pressure to increase blood flow

Body & Soul offers acupuncture sessions from only the most qualified, highly experienced acupuncturists. Click on their names to find more about our acupuncturists: Jessie Yan, Zheng Shua Hua, Livie Fan, Su Li Min, Xu Xiang Dong and Wu Zi Jing. Feel free to contact us for questions and to make an appointment in one of our four centers in Shanghai.