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What is Acupuncture & How Can It Benefit You?

Originating in China, dating from 100 BCE,  a document entitled, ‘The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of International Medicine’ is recognized to be the first account of practiced acupuncture. The text implies an ancient Chinese philosophy know as Taoism. Taoism emphasizes living in harmony with Tao and or Qi, the path, principle, source and life force behind everything that exists. This concept of channels otherwise known as, meridians, (believed to be specific acupuncture points throughout our anatomy) in which the life force, (qi) flows had been established in this time through Taoism. Over time the evolution of this concept resulted in the development of the specific anatomical location points of acupuncture. Acupuncture is a complementary medical treatment that entails the stimulation of specific anatomical locations. By pricking the skin or tissue with needles, acupuncture is used to treat various emotional, mental and physical health conditions. In short, acupuncture stimulates the nerves in the brain and spinal cord naturally releasing chemicals such as opioids and serotonin.

The Overall Benefits of Acupuncture Treatment

Acupuncture is a healthy alternative to pain management.

Prescription pills prescribed by doctors and medical professionals to treat pain often result in an unnatural over consumption of opioids and serotonin that can hinder your health or have side effects requiring even more medication.   Acupuncture treatments that naturally stimulate the release of feel-good chemicals in your body are a good option for patients who want to limit or avoid pain medications.

The precision of acupuncture treatments focuses on your needs.

  • Studies have shown that acupuncture treatments may assist with the following conditions:
    • Back Pain
    • Migraines
    • Depression
    • Allergies
    • Acid Reflex
    • Blood Pressure
    • Stress
    • Weight Loss
    • Hot Flashes associated with Menopause
    • Sleeping Disorders
    • Athletic Injury & Recovery

Acupuncture does not subtract anything from your quality of life.

The specified health benefits of acupuncture (as listed above) enable the overall benefits of a healthy, mind, body and spirit. Continuous acupuncture treatments assist your body to channel direct sources of energy deposits stored within you and release them effectively to flow through out your system. Acupuncture does not only help you to achieve an excellent state of health, it will also promote it. There is very little to risk in trying one or two treatments.  In some cases insurance will pay for all or a part of acupuncture (please review with your specific insurance carrier).  Most people experience the pain from the insertion of the needles as very minimal; if it is not an effective treatment for you, we always withdraw needles and never 'force' a treatment.

I have been practicing medical acupuncture for over 3 years.  I received my training at the Helms Medical Institute (http://hmieducation.com/) under the instruction of Dr. Joseph Helms, one of the first physicians to bring medical acupuncture to the United States.  While it is not the right treatment choice for all patients or all conditions, for those that respond it can be extremely beneficial, not only to treat pain but to alleviate stress and promote a state of wellness. I usually ask a patient to come in for an initial consultation, so that I can thoroughly review their medical history and determine whether or not acupuncture is the best treatment choice.  Sometimes, at an initial visit, I will insert a few 'test' needles so that the patient can get a feel for it and see if it is something they want to pursue.  If it seems like a good option, we will schedule a separate visit.  Sessions usually last 20-45 minutes. Visit our Acupuncture page if you are looking for more information on Acupuncture treatments in Idaho Falls. �Click Here to Open and Print Out our Acupuncture Instructions Form  

About the author

Sarah Vlach