(512) 868-2757

Georgetown Acupuncture and Herbs

1915 S. Austin Avenue, Suite 102

Georgetown, Texas 78626

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Learn About Acupuncture

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the insertion of thin filiform needles into various parts of the body, in order to produce a sense of well being and balance the body’s vital energy “qi”. Its history dates back to the cavemen who used a bian stone to puncture their body to reduce fever and illness. You can find these acupuncture stones in museums in China. The first written book on acupuncture is the Yellow Emperor's Classic from 2000 B.C. It is a conversation between the Yellow Emperor of China and his doctor. The Yellow Emperor wanted to understand how acupuncture worked. The Chinese doctors were the acupuncturists.

During the Communist Revolution in China, President Mao Si Tung got rid of traditional medicine in lieu of modern technology and western allopathic medicine. For many years, acupuncture and traditional medicine was primarily practiced in the countryside, primarily due to the lack of western trained doctors. Eventually, acupuncture moved back into the city and into the hospitals of China alongside their western counterpart.

Today, acupuncture has gained popularity in the United States. Many people get good results without the side effects of prescription drugs or surgeries. The National Institute of Health and the World Health Organization have both recognized the effectiveness of acupuncture. Universities such as Harvard and the University of California now have departments that research acupuncture. As more research validates 5,000 years of acupuncture’s effectiveness, America is recognizing the therapeutic benefits of this ancient medicine.

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture works by balancing the body. During the treatment, the acupuncturist forms a diagnosis based on your signs and symptoms. Pain, digestive issues, poor sleep, headaches, body temperature, emotional level are some of the symptoms that form this pattern. The acupuncturist looks for patterns or groups of symptoms and forms a diagnosis. For instance, your headache may be from Liver Qi Stagnation. Your stomachache may be from too much cold dampness in the stomach.

Needles are then inserted into certain acupuncture points. There are 365 acupuncture points on the body within 14 energy meridians. Some of the points tonify (increase energy) , some of the points sedate (remove energy). For instance, if you have anxiety and stress, you would want to sedate certain points. If you have low energy and need a boost, acupuncture points would be selected to tonify the body.

If pain is the chief complaint, the Chinese say that pain is due to the stagnation of qi and blood. For pain relief, needles are placed at the site of pain and along the particular energy meridian that the pain lies. For instance, back pain is along the bladder meridian so points along the bladder meridian would be selected to help move the stagnation or poor circulation.