Acupuncture

Acupuncture is health care system that was developed over more than 2000 years in China.   Acupuncture literally means “needle piercing”.  The practice of inserting very fine needles into the skin to stimulate specific anatomic points in the body (known acupuncture points) to treat disease.

The general theory of acupuncture is based on the philosophy that the body has specific paths of energy flow (Qi) through the body that are essential for health. Disturbances of or disruptions in the flow of energy along these paths are responsible for health diseases. Acupuncture helps to correct the imbalances of flow.  These paths are called "acupuncture meridians".  There are 12 main meridians, and 8 secondary meridians.

Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles along the meridians in specific points and stimulating the needles with the use of heat, pressure, friction, suction, or impulses of electromagnetic energy to stimulate the points.  It is believed that acupuncture works and produces its effects by up regulating the nervous system and that it  induces the release of endorphins and immune system cells at specific sites on the body. A healthy state is achieved by maintaining a balance state of the yin and yang. This is done through vital pathways or meridians that allow for the flow of Qi, or vital energy.

Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in postoperative nausea, chemotherapy side effects, osteoarthritis, low back pain, headache, menstrual cramps, addiction, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma, just to name a few. Studies have proven that acupuncture is able to provide pain relief, improve function and mobility of joints with arthritis inflammation.

Does acupuncture help healthy individuals?  The answer is yes, because acupuncture works off the premise that balance of our vital energy flow must be maintained in order to remain healthy. Our vital energy flow can be out of balance, and a person can still feel and appear  healthy.

Dr. Kuenzel has received training in acupuncture both here in the United States, and in China at two traditional Chinese medical hospitals. 

If you have questions whether acupuncture treatment in our office may help you with your health problem call 573-883-2442 and schedule a consultation with Dr. Kuenzel today.

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