What Is Acupuncture?
Medical Acupuncture is a therapeutic method that usually involves the insertion of sterile needles. Modern medical practitioners developed medical acupuncture as an adaptation to Chinese acupuncture. Instead of relying on inexact metaphors to describe the body’s responses to treatment, Dr. Wilson employs current knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathology, all in keeping with evidence-based medicine. The medical acupuncture courses at CuraCore (Colorado State University) emphasize the importance of a type of physical examination called “myofascial palpation” that allows the doctor to determine the location and sources of discomfort and dysfunction.
The video above features one of our favorite patients, Kaeto. After one treatment these symptoms stopped. I continued treatment two times a week for four weeks then once a week for four weeks. Six months later, he is doing great!
The benefits of acupuncture include but are not limited to 1. Digestive ailments 2. Respiratory Illness 3. Neurological problems such as sciatica, nerve based pain pathologies 4. Musculoskeletal complaints including back pain, knee, neck or shoulder pain. Acupuncture is used for pre and post surgical care as well.
It is also beneficial for agility or working dogs. It helps decrease muscle tightness or pain, helping decrease risk for orthopedic injuries or further strain to the body.
Research is continually building and strengthening the scientific and evidence basis of medical acupuncture. In addition to its well-known effects on acute and chronic pain, it helps with these and much more, ailments.
Medical Acupuncture works by using therapeutic effects of needling. The needles activate nerve fibers by the point of insertion. These stimuli then bring changes that help to balance nerve signaling and neurotransmitter activity from the “periphery”(ie.acupuncture point) of the central nervous system (ie. the brain and spinal cord) and autonomic system (ie. centers that govern processes like glandular activity, immune status, digestion, mood, and more). Acupuncture also helps release tension from the muscles and enveloping fibrous network called “fascia.”