About Acupuncture
What is acupuncture
Acupuncture is a healing technique of inserting and manipulating tiny, thread-width needles into various points on the body to relieve pain or for therapeutic purposes. It is a Chinese healing technique with documented records stretching back for over 3000 years. The theory behind acupuncture (and indeed all of traditional Chinese medicine) is that to treat diseases and chronic disorders, one needs to take a holistic view of the entire body and understand the interactions of the various organs, systems and tissue that comprises our body.
According to modern scientific research, acupuncture has the following effects on the human body.
1.Neurophysiological Effects: These studies have shown that acupuncture can modulate brain activity, including regions involved in pain perception, emotional processing, and the release of endogenous opioids.
2. Neurotransmitter and Hormonal Effects: Research has suggested that acupuncture may influence the release and balance of various neurotransmitters and hormones in the body. For example, acupuncture has been found to affect the levels of serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, and cortisol, among others, which are involved in pain regulation, mood modulation, and stress response.
3. Inflammatory and Immune Response: Some studies have explored the effects of acupuncture on the immune system and inflammatory processes. Research indicates that acupuncture may have anti-inflammatory effects and can modulate immune responses, potentially influencing conditions such as autoimmune disorders and chronic inflammatory conditions.
What does acupuncture treat
The list of diseases and conditions for which Acupuncture would be an appropriate treatment is extensive.
The World Health Organization and the National Institute of Health endorse acupuncture as being effective treatments for numerous conditions, some of which are listed below:
Mental-emotional
Stress, Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia
Musculoskeletal and Neurologic
Headaches, Migraines, Facial Paralysis, Stroke, Neck, Shoulders, Lower Back Stiffness and Pain, Sciatica, Knee Pain, Ankle Pain, MVA.Injuries, Sport Injuries, Muscle Pain, Arthritic, Osteoarthritis, Inflammation, Frozen Shoulder, Tennis Elbow, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tendonitis, Sprains , Trigeminal Neuralgia
Internal
Allergies, Dizziness, Low Energy, Chronic Fatigue, Cold Limbs, Asthma, Diabetes, Indigestion, Constipation, Diarrhea, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Stomachache
Dermatological
Acne, Herpes (Shingles)
Eyes-Ears-Nose-Throat
Hay Fever, Sinusitis, Tinnitus, Sore Throat
Reproductive
PMS, Menstrual Irregular, Menstrual Cramps, Menopause Symptoms, Hot Flash, Low Sex Drive, Impotence, Infertility and Sexual Dysfunction
Other
Anti-Aging, Weight Control, Smoking Cessation, Addiction to Drugs or Alcohol
Dr Jenny Tao is particularly interested and good at treating: infertility, pregnant women to initiate labor ( due day or overdue ), migraines, facial paralysis and irritable bowel syndrome.