Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a technique that was mapped out by the Chinese over 5 thousand years ago. The technique is defined by the insertion of fine needles into specific body points which have been shown to be effective in the treatment of many health problems. These points have been verified by Kirlin Photography.

Traditional Acupuncture is based on the flow of Energy or Qi through the meridians or energy pathways that cover the body similar to the way the blood vessels and nerves do. According to ancient theory, Acupuncture allows the energy to flow to areas where there is deficient energy and away from the areas where there is excess energy. Acupuncture regulates and restores the body to homeostasis.

There are many different types of Acupuncture, the original form of Acupuncture originated in China, but has spread to Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Europe, the British Isles, India and America. In different countries the practice of Acupuncture varies. In China herbs are used more often than in Japan, Korea or Vietnam.

In Japan, more of a meridian-based Acupuncture is used palpating different areas of the hara (stomach) to feel where there are blockages and then treating those areas to release the qi. In Korea, they use more of a 4 needle technique in which they check the carotid pulse and wrist pulses to determine which points would help to balance out the body.

If there is no pain there is free flow of energy; if there is pain, there is no free flow of energy.

Dr. Kessler practices more of a meridian-based Acupuncture founded on the work of Travell (trigger points). This goes very well with her background in massage therapy. She palpates the areas of pain and uses Acupuncture in conjunction with Massage Therapy to get the circulation to move out of the area of constrained qi. She finds that using Acupuncture in the area of pain is less painful than doing only massage therapy. The Acupuncture releases the constrained or stagnant qi and makes it less painful to massage the area.

All needles are disposable and never reused or saved. This eliminates the possibility of transmitting a communicable disease by a contaminated needle.

Does it hurt? When the correct stimulus has been obtained, the patient might feel some cramping, heaviness, distention, tingling, or electric sensation either around the needle or traveling up or down the affected meridian, or energy pathway. If a patient experiences any discomfort it is usually mild.

When being treated with Acupuncture one should relax, because there is no need to be frightened. If you have any questions you can ask them before, during or after treatment.