Biomedical acupuncture can be defined as a hybrid of contemporary medical practice and research, and the holistic approach of traditional Oriental medicine. Clinical evidence shows that acupuncture has its own special merits which are not the same as those of high-tech-oriented Western medicine. It is also a safe, low-cost modality that can be effective by itself or as a complement to other procedures.
Acupuncture is a therapy which can influence three areas of health care:
1. promotion of health and well-being,
2. prevention of illness,
3. treatment of various medical conditions.
From a biomedical perspective acupuncture works by activating the body's self-healing mechanisms. This encourages repair mechanisms such as anti-inflammatory response, tissue regeneration, and pain relief. In a sense modern research has confirmed what ancient medics have stated for a long time about acupuncture: that it helps the body to heal itself and that it balances qi or energy, thus helping to reduce symptoms as well as improve health.
Since acupuncture helps to activate the body's self-healing mechanisms it is also important to note that its effects are global or non-specific. This explains why patients who come in for treatment for symptom x will often notice improvements in symptoms y and z as well.
Acupuncture also has specific effects such as direct tension relief in soft tissues, especially the muscles. This decreases pain, improves blood flow to structures such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments, and helps with a variety of conditions affecting the digestive, cardiovascular, respiratory, and other body systems.
The biomedical approach to acupuncture succeeds in providing both the standardized treatment protocol that Western scientific medicine demands and the adjustable personalized approach of Oriental medicine. It is a treatment of great value that helps improve the outcome of many health problems in a safe and progressive manner.
For more information: Call 971 - 998 - 3155