Acupuncture is widely acknowledged as one of the safest forms of medicine as it is an all-natural, drug-free therapy.  One of the greatest advantages of acupuncture is that it has zero side effects with the small possibility of occasional small temporary bruise appearing at the site of needle insertion.  When compared to the laundry list of cautions and side effects for the average pharmaceutical drug, acupuncture is very low risk!

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In addition, all of our acupuncturists undergo extensive training and are regulated by the Texas Medical Board while the needles we utilized are pre-sterilized, individually packaged, and for single-use only.

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The needles are very thin, just a little larger than a cat’s whisker or a human hair.  Most people barely feel anything but some may experience a slight pinch as the needles are inserted.

 

Certain sensations are associated with its therapeutic effects and most would describe them as mild distention, tingling, or electric sensation.  If any discomfort is experienced, it is usually mild and temporary.

In Chinese medicine theory, acupuncture works by balancing the body’s energy (which we call "Qi") and the basic idea is if Qi is blocked, imbalance will then result in illness or pain.  Chinese medicine theory allows us to diagnose the imbalance and to work towards restoring balance by ensuring the smooth flow of Qi.

In Western medicine theory, acupuncture seems to stimulate parts of the brain and body to release natural biomolecules such as neurotransmitters, vasodilators, and hormones.  The exact mechanisms are still a work-in-progress, but the effects are definitely measurable.

The number of treatments needed depends on a variety of factors such as the condition being treated, the individual's age and constitution.  Acute cases generally can be addressed much faster while chronic conditions may take several weeks or even longer.  Patients may also be recommended with a more extensive treatment plan initially but can eventually narrow down to maintenance visits only.

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Acupuncture does not merely take care of the symptoms but addresses the underlying cause of diseases.  When the root cause is corrected, the results can be long–lasting or even permanent; although there may be some limitations.  For example, conditions caused by structural problems or the inability to change problem-causing factors.