What is Acupuncture?

At The Gibson Center in Northwest Arkansas, we’re happy to offer acupuncture as one of our many treatment options. Acupuncture is a treatment based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a system of healing that dates back thousands of years.  At the core of TCM is the notion that a type of life force or energy known as qi (pronounced chee) governs particular bodily functions.  When there’s too little or too much qi in a meridian or when the qi stagnates or is blocked, illness results.  Acupuncture treatment consists of inserting thin stainless steel needles at various points on the body, known as gateways, to unblock or re-balance the flow of qi.

What happens during an acupuncture session?Acupuncture Treatment, NW Arkansas

Dr. Jean will find the gateways in the meridian that lead to the areas of blocked qi, and will insert the needles in these sites. You may not feel the needles at all or you may feel a twitch or a momentary twinge that subsides as soon as the needle is in.  The needles are inserted barely under the skin around 2mm in depth.  Once the needles are all in place, you’ll rest for twenty minutes in a darkened room with relaxing music.  During this time, you’ll probably feel relaxed and sleepy and may even doze off.  Sometimes the acupuncture needles are connected to a micro-current stimulator, which runs a very weak current runs through the needles. This helps aid in the flow of energy and helps tissue healing.

What problems can acupuncture help treat?

Acupuncture can be used to treat many different issues.  Some of these issues include:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Knee Pain
  • Headaches
  • Sciatica
  • Muscle tension
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Irregular periods
  • Neck pain
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Tendinitis
  • Back Pain
  • Tennis elbow
  • Shoulder Pain

The Gibson Clinic in northwest Arkansas includes an acupuncture treatment center. Make an appointment today to see how acupuncture can improve your health!