The web of acupuncture consists of many threads from the past and present. I hope to explain some aspects of this web so you can confidently use this therapy to complement your health. I'm Jolinda Rockett and I would like to introduce you to acupuncture and tell you about my practice in Camden, Maine.

The results of centuries of experience and study have met modern developments. Through formal studies and information shared among practitioners internationally, we now understand acupuncture as an important complement to total health care. Acupuncturists are also advancing approaches to "difficult" and "untreatable" diseases.

HARMONY AND MY PAINFUL TOE

The ultimate goal of acupuncture is to bring the individual into harmony with natural laws. As we become separated from natural rhythms, we become uneasy. Discomfort or disease may follow.

Your toe hurts? Or is some other part of your body not functioning? Acupuncture can ease your pain or discomfort while setting you on a course toward healing and balance. You get relief and harmony. Not bad.

Versatility. Since acupuncture affects a person in many different dimensions, various types of disease may be addressed. The World Health Organization cited acupuncture's effectiveness in over forty-three conditions, including:

allergies asthma back pain carpal tunnel syndrome colds and flu constipation depression gynecological disorders

headache insomnia pre-menstrual syndrome sciatica sports injuries tendonitis shingles stress

The 1997 NIH (National Institute of Health ) Consensus Conference on Acupuncture stated "The data in support of acupuncture are as strong as those for many accepted Western medical therapies." And "One of the advantages of acupuncture is that the incidence of adverse effects is substantially lower than that of many drugs or other accepted medical procedures used for the same conditions."

Also, patients who are being helped with traditional prescribed medications and surgery find acupuncture very useful to augment their treatments. Many post surgical pains can be treated as soon as the symptoms begin. Acupuncture is also used to reduce drug-induced side effects including those from chemotherapy.