Tiny Needles, Big Relief.
A Q&A with Dr. Ming Liu, GingerChi’s licensed acupuncturist
Tiny Needles, Big Relief.
Ever wanted to try acupuncture, but just don’t know how and where to start?
We sat down with TCM physician Dr. Ming Liu, GingerChi’s licensed acupuncturist to help answer all your questions.
Q: So, Dr. Liu....what exactly is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is part of the ancient practice of Traditional Chinese medicine. It has been well studied, approved and improved by many scientific researches.
The human body has more than 1,000 acupuncture points connected by pathways or meridians as a network. These pathways create a Chi-energy flow through the body that is responsible for overall health. By applying acupuncture to certain points, it improves the flow of Chi, thereby improving health.
Studies have shown that acupuncture is effective for a variety of conditions and in the last 40 years, it becomes well accepted by the conventional “Western” medicine and has found increased popularity in the United States to treat a variety of ailments.
Q: What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
TCM is a unique body of medical knowledge, originating and practiced in Asia as an integral part of mainstream medicine.
This 3000 years old system is the only other systematic body
of current medical knowledge (other than Western Medicine) that is widely studied and practiced all over the world today.
TCM has its own theory, diagnostic and treatment techniques. From tongue and pulse analysis to acupuncture and herbology. TCM takes on a holistic view of the individual, emphasizing the importance of the dynamic bio-energy known as Chi, and focuses on regulating the functions of all the organs.
Q: Why do people come for Acupuncture?
People most often seek acupuncture treatment for relief of pain related suffering and disorders such as migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, PMS; sport injuries, like tennis elbow, spring ankle; degenerative arthritis pain in the back, hip, and knee; chronic pain by inflammatory disorders like fibromyalgia, Lyme disease. People seek acupuncture for many other healthy concerns, such as mental stress, sleeping disorder, allergy, infertility, and so on.
Q: How does Acupuncture affect the body?
Acupuncture helps to improve the Chi and blood circulation, stimulate the central nervous system. This, in turn, releases chemicals known as neurohormone into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemicals regulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.
Acupuncture reopens the meridians, reduce stagnation and controls inflammation.
Q: What does Acupuncture feel like?
Most people report feeling “nothing” or minimal pain as the needle is inserted.
A needle is inserted to a point that produces a sensation of pressure, warmness, numbness or ache, depending to the body condition and the treatment necessity.
Some people report acupuncture makes them feel energized. Others say they feel relaxed.
Q: Is Acupuncture safe and effective?
Yes, on both counts. Acupuncture is quite safe and effective.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) approved acupuncture as a scientific and safe method for the management of many disease and symptoms, alone or in combination with conventional therapies.
At Gingerchi, we use FDA approved sterilized and disposable thin needles.
Q: Any Dos & Don’ts on the day of my treatment?
To get the most of your treatments, certain precautions should be taken:
A snack such as salad and/or soup is advised.
Hope that helped :-)
If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask.
Remember – Dr Liu is available 6 days a week at the GingerChi holistic spa here in New York City.
Come by and say hi!
To see more treatments that we offer, please visit here.
About Dr Ming Liu, MS., L,Ac
Dr. Ming Liu was trained for 8 years in both conventional (Western) Medicine and Traditional Medicine. He has more than 35 years of clinical experience of the Natural and Integrated Medicine.
Dr. Ming Liu specializes in pain and stress management, arthritis, sports and occupational disorders, gastrointestinal problems, allergies and asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome and depression, male and female disorders.
