While in most western culture, acupuncture is considered new or alternative medicine, it has actually been around for over 5,000 years. Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles on the body’s surface. It can be used with heat, herbs and electrical stimulus. These needles influence the physiological functioning of the body by improving the energy force running through it. That energy force is commonly known as Qi (pronounced chee). Health is influenced by the flow of Qi. While acupuncture is not a known practice in western medicine, 1 in 3 Americans use some form of alternative medicine. 1 In 2002, 62% of American’s reported using Acupuncture, herbal medicine or alternative treatment. In 2005 that number grew to 71%. 2 Why? Because it works.
Timbre Success Stories
"Acupuncture reduced the side effects of my chemotherapy..." “I was undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer and my first chemo treatment was horrible. After that, I started going to Carly Kirby, founder, RN, BSN and Diplomate of Oriental Medicine and Herbology at Timbre, for acupuncture before and after my chemo. The acupuncture and moxa treatments helped my nausea and helped me relax and to actually sleep. The difference between with and without acupuncture during this time was amazing. She also provided nutritional supplements that greatly improved my immune system during this time…Carly’s combination and knowledge of eastern and western medicine was such a valuable resource to me. I trust her direction and am so thankful for her help.”
~~ Ali Webster, 35, school teacher, wife and mother
"Acupuncture has improved my quality of life—even life with fibromyalgia..." “I have suffered with pain associated with fibromyalgia for over 15 years. Acupuncture helps me with the fibro a great deal. I have a lot less pain and tightness. Overall, I feel better and sleep better.”
~~ Claire Danos
What does acupuncture feel like? Many clients describe their acupuncture experience as heavy, but not painful. One client has this to say about her treatment, “Yes, you can feel the needles, but it is not painful. Once the needles are in, you feel heaviness deep within the body, like stretching inside.” Carly says, “That feeling is a sign that the Qi is flowing or being manipulated inside the body.”
Are there different kinds of Acupuncturists? Yes. There are a variety of different training and certifications for acupuncturists available. You will find the staff at Timbre highly qualified, degreed and certified professionals. We encourage you to seek out a Nationally Board Certified Acupuncturist.
What kind of training do certified Acupuncturists have? According to the Acupuncture Association of Colorado, to become an acupuncturist, a student attends a graduate school program in Traditional Chinese Medicine for three to four years. Most acupuncture schools require 3,000 or more hours of training before graduation. Once the training has been completed, graduates sit for the national exam given by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), which is the only National Board examination certifying Acupuncturists in the United States. 3
A minimum of 3,000 hours of Chinese Medical Education and supervised clinical internship and training, plus graduation from an Accredited Acupuncture School is needed to sit for this exam. An acupuncturist, after passing the NCCAOM is awarded the title “Diplomate of Oriental Medicine of the NCCAOM” (Dipl.OM.) — a very distinguished honor.
Sources: 1. World Almanac & Book of Facts, Annual 2004, pg. 530. 2. The Futurist, July-August 2005 issue. 3. www.acucol.com/aboutacu.htm
While in most western culture, acupuncture is considered new or alternative medicine, it has actually been around for over 5,000 years. Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles on the body’s surface. It can be used with heat, herbs and electrical stimulus. These needles influence the physiological functioning of the body by improving the energy force running through it. That energy force is commonly known as Qi (pronounced chee). Health is influenced by the flow of Qi. While acupuncture is not a known practice in western medicine, 1 in 3 Americans use some form of alternative medicine. 1 In 2002, 62% of American’s reported using Acupuncture, herbal medicine or alternative treatment. In 2005 that number grew to 71%. 2 Why? Because it works.