Oct 03 2007
ACUPUNCTURE
Developed in ancient China, acupuncture is being rediscovered all over the world because of the powerful impact it has had on those suffering from disease. And while the philosophical roots of the medicine are influenced from ancient Daoism, this gentle and effective medicine usually appeals to people of all backgrounds. Modern scientific research has proven acupuncture to be a viable, efficient and effective therapy for a multitude of serious disorders.
In the United States, “acupuncture” refers to the use of thin, sterile needles that puncture the skin in very specific locations in order to illicit a therapeutic response. While most patients only feel a small amount of discomfort, it is understandable that many people may be nervous about the insertion of the needles. Most of our assumptions about needles are cultivated by the memory of vaccines or emergency injections. This is really a different experience from what is offered in my practice. The style of acupuncture I usually use, developed in Japan, emphasizes the use of painless, thin gauge needles. Perhaps because New Yorkers already tend to be over-stimulated, I have found this gentle Japanese approach to be very effective.
