Acupuncture, Eastern Medicine
& Qi Gong

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a healing method within the Eastern medical tradition. There are many styles that correspond to the many Eastern cultures Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vitamnise(?) and certain styles have been revised into French and American traditions.

Acupuncture uses very thin, small needles to promote healing in the body. The needles are placed at important points along the body and stimulation is then applied. In general most patients feel very little when the needle is being inserted into these points; however, occasionaly a muscle may tighten around a needle causing some minor discmofort. After all of needles are insterted, the patient usually relaxes on a clinical table or chair for a period of twenty to thirty minutes. Most people are surprised at how the experience proves to be relaxing one.

The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the relief of pain by stimulating the nervous system to release neurochemicals that change the body’s perception of pain. Studies have been done which show that the needles due produces changes in charge within the body's tissues. Acupuncture is believed to reduce pain and promote healing by stimulating the release of chemicals that improve the body’s natural healing abilities

In the Chinese frame of reference, health begins with a healthy daily flow of Qi (Chee), or energy. Moving and flowing Qi reflects a healthy and balanced body. Enviornmental and emotional stresses, viruses, and overactivity cause changes in our body that create blockages in our healthy flow of Qi. The needles that are placed in acupuncture work to restore a balance in the channels of energy that flow throughout the body and influence the body’s processes.

Would I benefit from acupuncture?

Acupuncture can be used for a wide variety of problems. The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of may disorders. Acupuncture can be used for general problems of fatigue and insomnia as well as digestive disorders (irritable bowel, acid reflux disease, colitis), menstrual disorders and fertiltiy (pelvic pain, irregular menses, menopausal hot flashes), respiratory disorders (sinusitis and bronchitis). It is also very effective for nerve problems (headaches, migraines, trigemninal neuralgia, vertigo) and muscular problems (neck pain, back pain, tennis elbow, arthritis).

What are the side-effects?

Acupuncture has little side effects. Sporadically, a patient may have bruising. Occasionally symptoms may worsen for a few days, but then they begin to get better. The needles used are sterile and prepackaged that are discarded once the procedure is done. Patients feel only a minimal sensation once the needle is inserted, sometimes a muscle may tighten around a needle and once the needle is in place they feel no pain at all.

How many visits will I need?

Usually, it depends upon how long the problem has been a difficulty. It takes three or four visits on average to make an impact on the problem, but it may take up to eight to twelve visits to make a significant impact on the problem if it has been chronic and occurring for years.

For information on making an appointment with Dr. Truty, please visit her professional website - www.drtruty.com

For information on finding a local practioner in your area, please visit the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture's website - www.AAMA.org

Qi Gong

Qi Gong (Chee Gung) is essentially a Eastern preventative medicine practice. It is a set of exercises coordinated with breath and meditation to help calm the mind and keep Qi running smoothly throughout the body. There are many different styles of Qi Gong, but all of them originate from Eastern culture in which these exercises where created to promote health and longevity.

For more information on Qi Gong click on the Healing Exercises link