Acupuncture can be defined as the insertion of dry needles into the skin at specific locations called acupuncture points. Acupuncture is performed by certified practitioners and physicians to treat certain medical disorders.  Depending on the training and experience of the practitioner and the problem being treated, acupuncture techniques may include electrical current through the needles (electro acupuncture) or heat (moxibustion) and pressure (acupressure).  Acupuncture began in China more than 2000 years ago.  It is now practiced throughout the world, particularly in China, Korea, and Japan.  In the United States, acupuncture started gaining popularity in the early 1970s.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

The basic idea behind acupuncture, according to ancient theory, is that energy flows within the human body and can be stimulated to create balance and health.  The energy flow (or vital force)— called qi and pronounced “chee”—moves throughout the body along 12 main channels known as meridians.  These meridians represent the major organs and functions of the body although they do not follow the exact pathways of nerves or blood flow.

The goal of acupuncture is to correct imbalances of flow and restore health through stimulation, generally by inserting needles through the skin at points along the meridians of the body.  Current acupuncture information lists up to 400 different acupuncture points for various health problems.

Scientists have attempted to explain the actual physical effects of acupuncture on the human body.  Some researchers suggest that pain relief happens when acupuncture needles stimulate nerves.  Another well accepted theory is that acupuncture releases pain-relieving chemicals, such as endorphins and serotonin.  Acupuncture may also be effective because it targets painful tender points, sometimes called trigger points.  Additionally, acupuncture may decrease pain-causing inflammation by stimulating the body’s pituitary gland to release cortisol, a hormone that is known to reduce inflammation.  Although the exact manner in which acupuncture works is unknown, the treatment appears helpful for certain medical illnesses in certain people at certain times.

DITI’s role in breast cancer and other breast disorders is to help in early detection and monitoring of abnormal physiology and the establishment of risk factors for the development or existence of cancer.  When used with other procedures the best possible evaluation of breast health is made.

An extremely valuable test to help in the early detection of breast disease.

Infrared Imaging can also be used as an aid for diagnosis and prognosis, as well as monitoring therapy progress, for other conditions and injuries, including:

• Back Injuries
• Breast Disease
• Arthritis
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Headache
• Disc Disease
• Nerve Damage
• Inflammatory Pain
• Unexplained Pain
• Skin Cancer
• Fibromyalgia
• Referred Pain Syndrome
• RSD (CRPS)
• Sprain/Strain
• Dental and TMJ
• Stroke Screening
• Arterial Inflammation
• Whiplash
• Vascular Disease
• Digestive Disorder
• Thyroid Conditions
• Endometriosis
• Lymphatic Drainage
• Gynecological & Women’s health