Getting to the Point: What You May Not Know About Acupuncture
By Sharon Pruss, L.Ac., Dipl.Ac., MSOM

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine have been around for about 5,000 years. An Acupuncturist works with qi (pronounced “chi”), the body’s innate life force.  When qi becomes blocked, insufficient or unbalanced, it in turn influences Yin and Yang, polar opposites, which are composites of qi.  These imbalances form the basis for all disease, whether the condition manifests as physical, emotional, or both physical and emotional.

Through acupuncture, Chinese medicine and other modalities, including cupping or moxibustion, the Acupuncturist aims to normalize the flow of qi throughout the body in order to correct these imbalances.  Acupuncture treats the root cause of disease and not just the symptoms.  For this reason, it is possible to treat a broad range of health issues with much success.  On a physiological level, acupuncture has been shown to induce endorphins and stimulate other hormones.

What You May Not Know

Acupuncture is virtually painless. Acupuncture needles are stainless steel and as fine as a strand of hair.  Most patients report no sensation, while a few report slight sensation.  Once the needle is inserted, a relaxing, almost sedating effect can be felt. Patients usually comment that they don’t even feel the needle insertion and are surprised when I tell them that they have needles in them.

Acupuncture can treat just about anything one would consult a physician about and more! Most people are aware that acupuncture is beneficial for treating a broad range of pain conditions, but the beauty of the medicine is that its capability goes well beyond pain.  From allergies, skin conditions, depression and insomnia to weight issues, addictions and autoimmune conditions, there is virtually no limit to what acupuncture can treat and benefit. Acupuncturists also treat chronic eye disease (macular degeneration and glaucoma), diabetes, MS, Parkinson’s, eczema, depression and infertility.

Acupuncture can prevent disease and slow down the progression of some disease processes.  Since blockage of qi is the first sign of an imbalance, our goal is to keep qi flowing smoothly through the practice of acupuncture and Chinese herbs, as well as Tai Chi and Qi Gong—two vital movement therapies which can prevent disease, improve healing, and increase life span.

Acupuncture has profound anti-aging capabilities. Cosmetic acupuncture can rejuvenate the skin, bringing a fresh supply of blood and oxygen to deficient areas.  After a few treatments, collagen begins to fill in lines and wrinkles, and an “evenness” in skin tone and coloration is noticeable. While not as invasive as cosmetic surgery, acupuncture creates a radiant effect and may give the subtle appearance of a lift.

Acupuncture can minimize the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Often patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation may experience digestive problems, fatigue, skin rashes, a general heat sensation, and other side effects.  Acupuncture can help symptoms to such a degree that patients may feel immediate relief during a session.

What to Expect

An initial visit to an Acupuncturist includes a thorough health history and western exam, followed by a Chinese tongue and pulse reading.  The Acupuncturist will then evaluate all of the information and create a treatment protocol, which will include an acupuncture treatment and most likely a Chinese herbal formula.  Typically, the patient will experience a profound relaxed state and relief of some symptoms during a treatment, particularly in cases where pain is present.

Don’t Wait

Good health is priceless.  Many people wait until they are suffering from chronic pain to seek help.  Pain is only a manifestation of a deeper lying condition. Chronic cases generally take longer to resolve.  Also, I recommend consulting with an Acupuncturist at the first sign of a cold, flu or a sports injury.

Sharon Pruss, L.Ac. Dipl.Ac., MSOM, is a Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist in Corona.  She specializes in women’s health, chronic eye disease and internal medicine.   Please contact her for a complimentary consultation or to schedule an appointment at 310.204.1960.