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Before you read about Acupuncture, here are some questions and answers about our Chiropractic services.
Does chiropractic treatment require a referral from an MD?
No, a patient does not need referral by an MD before visiting a doctor of chiropractic. Chiropractors are first contact physicians, and are so defined in federal and state regulations. Following a consultation and examination, the doctor of chiropractic will arrive at a diagnosis under chiropractic care, or refer the patient to the appropriate health care provider.
Is chiropractic treatment safe?
The risks associated with chiropractic, however, are very small. Many patients feel immediate relief following chiropractic treatment, but some may experience mild soreness or aching, just as they do after some forms of exercise. Current literature shows that minor discomfort or soreness following spinal manipulation typically fades within 24 hours. Neck pain and some types of headaches are treated through precise cervical manipulation.
Cervical manipulation, often called a neck adjustment, works to improve joint mobility in the neck, restoring range of motion and reducing muscle spasm, which helps relieve pressure and tension. Neck manipulation is a remarkably safe procedure. While some reports have associated upper high-velocity neck manipulation with a certain kind of stroke, or vertebral artery dissection, there is not yet a clear understanding of the connection.
The occurrence appears to be very rare—1 in 5.85 million manipulations— based on the clinical reports and scientific studies to date. If you are visiting your doctor of chiropractic with upper-neck pain or headache, be very specific about your symptoms. This will help your doctor of chiropractic offer the safest and most effective treatment, even if it involves referral to another health care provider. It is important for patients to understand the risks associated with some of the most common treatments for musculoskeletal pain -- prescription and over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) -- as these treatments may carry risks significantly greater than those of chiropractic manipulation.
According to a study from the American Journal of Gastroenterology, approximately one-third of all hospitalizations and deaths related to gastrointestinal bleeding can be attributed to the use of aspirin or NSAID painkillers like ibuprofen.
In this article we will learn about Acupuncture
Acupuncture
The Eastern explanation of acupuncture emphasizes the balance between body, mind and spirit. This is accomplished through the balance of Yin (cold, dark) and Yang (hot, bright). Yin and Yang are the basic elements that make up all things. They are interdependent on each other and one can not exist without the other.
All disease is based upon the balance between Yin and Yang. Another critical aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the flow of Qi. Qi is the energy that all things contain. For example, Da Qi is the energy of the air and Ying Qi is the nutritive energy obtained from food. Yin and Yang also have there own Qi. Yin Qi flows down and inward whereas Yang Qi flow upward and outward.
TCM is further broken down into an organ pairing system that consists of 6 organ pairs. Each organ pair has a Yin organ (Zang) and a Yang organ (Fu) and has a meridian (channel), which the Qi flows along. For example, the spleen is the Yin organ and the stomach is the Yang organ. According to TCM, the stomach Qi pushes the food down through your body while the spleen Qi opposes.
This balance allows your body time to properly metabolize and absorb the nutrients. If the stomach function is impaired the spleen Qi is unopposed flowing upward resulting in nausea and vomiting. On the other hand, if the spleen function is impaired the downward force of the stomach Qi will be unopposed resulting in poor digestion and diarrhea.
In acupuncture, disease results from stress, physical and emotional strain, poor nutrition and external and internal pathogens (bacteria, viruses). Maintaining the health of your body is dependent on many different things such as the proper functioning of each organ pair, the proper flow of Qi and blood throughout your body, balance between Yin and Yang and many other aspects. All of these aspects are dependent on your Zheng Qi (Correct Qi).
Your Zheng Qi opposes the Xiao Qi (Evil Qi/pathogenic Qi). As long as your Zheng Qi is strong, optimal health is maintained. However, if your Zheng Qi is weak then disease occurs. For example, if you are extremely stressed at work, the stress starts to break down your Zheng Qi. It slowly chips away making your body more susceptible to developing a disease (Xiao Qi).
Acupuncture utilizes points to stimulate the immune system (Zheng Qi) and enhance the flow of Qi to maintain optimum health. Depending on the location, the point can produce various effects on the body. Disease can slow or block the flow of Qi and/or blood and/or impair the function of an organ resulting in an imbalance in your body. Stimulating various acupuncture points corrects the imbalance created by the disease. Acupuncture points can be used to alleviate an obstruction and ensure the smooth flow of Qi and blood throughout the body.
The smooth flow of Qi and blood throughout the body will strengthen and reinforce the Zheng Qi. Reenforcement of the Zheng Qi strengthens your immune system and make you more resilient and less susceptible to disease. These points can also be used to boost the flow of Qi and blood to support and restore the health of an organ. The better your organ system is functioning the healthier you are overall. Certain points are also used to increase the blood flow to the brain to improve memory and alertness. While other points are used to soothe the soul and reduce stress.
After your adjustment, we retest to make sure changes have been produced. Testing afterwards helps us deliver high-quality care and high levels of patient satisfaction.
Harness the natural healing power of your body, mind, and spirit
new patients are currently being accepted
South Bend, Indiana.46544
chiropractorsouthbend@gmail.com
