The ancient Chinese made a link between specific hypersensitive points on the skin and specific illnesses or organ dysfunctions. When these points were stimulated, they discovered that the illness or problem corresponding to the hypersensitive pattern would be relieved. From these correlations between the inner and outer states of man emerged the external treatments of massage and needle stimulation and the growth of a comprehensive medical science.

The art of acupuncture rests on the understanding of the human being as a complex organization of energy that forms and sustains our physical, mental, and emotional bodies. This life energy, identified and measured today as bio-electromagnetism, flows along well delineated pathways. Some individuals perceive the pathways (also called meridians or channels) during acupuncture treatment.

We experience optimal health when our energy flow is ample and freely flowing, thus enlivening all organs and tissues. At certain points along the pathways, there is less electrical resistance, where it is possible to adjust this flow. These points are known as acupuncture points. Needles, heat, finger pressure, and electrical micro-current are the most common methods of stimulating these points.

Acupuncture points have very specific functions: They improve digestion, increase white or red blood cell production, release pain, relax tension, increase energy and circulation, to name a few. When the energy within an organ or an associated pathway is blocked, insufficient or excessive, pain or dysfunction is the result. Stimulating the correct points with the appropriate technique balances the energy flow so that health is restored.

Acupuncture addresses most pain and illness. Most commonly treated are back pain, headaches, muscle spasms, tendonitis, arthritis, allergies and other immune system dysfunctions, menstrual disorders, PMS, menopause symptoms, digestive problems fatigue, insomnia, asthma, depression, high blood pressure, and other stress-related disorders. Also responding well are bladder and gall bladder disorders, diarrhea, irregularities in the heartbeat, vision and hearing problems, facial paralysis, rheumatism, circulatory problems, post-operative pain, and addictive behaviors. This is a partial list.

First-time patients typically emerge from treatment with “I can't get over it. I hardly felt the needles at all.” Acupuncture needles are as fine as one or two strands of hair and cannot deliver the same sensation as a shot you would get at your doctor's office. From patient to patient and from point to point, however, reactions do vary, from completely painless to very sensitive, with most falling somewhere in the middle.

Few reject acupuncture on the basis of any temporary discomfort. For those who are unusually sensitive or who have an aversion to needles, alternative methods, like massage and herbal therapy, can be utilized.

The acupuncturist's level of skill, precision, and technique makes for a big difference in the patient's experience of needle treatment.

Acupuncture restores the body's natural, healthy function without side effects. Chinese medicine sees and treats the person as a connected whole, not as isolated symptoms or as a disease. Thus, it does not allow aggressive treatment of one symptom or part of the body while forgetting the effects on the whole person!

With acupuncture, the body's inherent healing powers are awakened. The goal of acupuncture is to stimulate the body to heal itself.

Patients usually discover an overall increase in well-being, particularly relief of tension and increase of vitality. Symptoms for which the patient was not seeking treatment and perhaps failed to report often disappear as well. In some instances, there will be a brief and temporary worsening of symptoms, followed by a reduction or disappearance of symptoms. This reaction is normal and positive, showing that the root of the problem is being purged from the body.

Acupuncture needles are very safe! At Northridge Acupuncture, we use sterilized, disposable needles that are individually sealed, used once, and safely discarded. The area to be treated is first cleansed with alcohol or iodine nap, making a sterile field for the needles to enter.

Pain management • Irregular menstruation • Neck back pain • Menopause • Sciatica • Infertility • Arthritis • Fertility Treatment • Prostate Enlargement • Uterine fibroid • Allergies • Tinnitus • Diabetes • Acne • Fatigue • Urticaria • Depression • Wrinkle reduction • Insomnia • Beauty & Rejuvenation • Gastritis • Strengthening the immune system for cancer • TMJ

Frequency and number depend on how long the person's condition existed before starting acupuncture, whether or not the patient has had long-term drug therapy and/or surgery, and on the overall depth of the problem. Coming for treatment in the beginning stages of illness and having avoided more intrusive methods reduce the length of the treatment period. Also, patients differ in their responsiveness to acupuncture.

As each needle is inserted, the acupuncturist will rotate or otherwise manipulate the needle in order to elicit one of these responses: numbness, soreness, pressure, heaviness, or tightness around the point or a darting, electrical-like impulse from the point extending along the energy pathway. This acupuncture sensation is directly related to the healing result. If no response is achieved, it means that the energy has not yet moved to the point or to its pathway. Therefore, the desired result will not take place.

Once each point has achieved sensation, the patient is asked to rest for a period with the needles in place. During this quiet phase, patients often fall asleep, and then awaken feeling deeply relaxed and refreshed. Acupuncture relaxes the nervous system, which is why most people enjoy receiving treatment.

In China, “acupuncture” has a broader meaning than its English translation implies. First, acupuncture is part of a comprehensive medical science that includes herbal therapy, dietary adjustments, and exercise, all of which are utilized at Northridge Acupuncture. Patient education, too, is an important part of any treatment at the center. Self-care and self-knowledge are significantly factors in maintaining long-term health.

When you come for acupuncture, Dr.Lu may employ massage, cupping (a suction technique), or moxa (heat application), or numerous other modalities that amplify and expedite healing. Herbal medicines are frequently given so that treatment goals are supported between visits. When indicated, a combination of different treatment methods brings superior results. In addition, by reducing the total number of visits required, it proves more economical.