- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic Care
- Energy Balancing
- Fertility Acupuncture
- Herbal Therapy
- Life Coaching
- Massage Therapy
- Nutrition
- Physical Therapy
Acupuncture
Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture is a pillar of the ancient, holistic healing system of China. It is a traditional form of natural healing that has been in use for more than 2,500 years. Treatment with acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points along pathways of energy flow known as “meridians.” The stimulation of these selected treatment points reestablishes balance in the body to restore function and relieve discomfort and pain. By stimulating the healthy movement of energy within the body, the body’s innate intelligence allows for natural healing to take place.
Acupuncture points run along lines of communication within the body known as meridians. The acupuncture meridians are seen as flowing rivers that irrigate and nourish the various tissues of the body. A licensed acupuncturist selects the points that will help your condition and inserts very thin, hair-fine needles into these points. This is barely palpable to the patient and virtually painless. The needle triggers positive regulatory responses in the body, releasing hormones, relaxing muscles and regulating the nervous system, thereby initiating self-healing.
In addition to effectively treating many conditions, acupuncture excels in preventing illness by improving the overall functioning of the body’s immune and organ systems.
Acupuncture is helpful for:
- Treating existing illnesses and injuries.
- Preventing both recurrence of illnesses and new illness.
- Improving overall health.
Acupuncture and Modern Science
Although western science does not thoroughly understand the mechanism that makes acupuncture work, we have tangible proof of it at work during MRI radiography. Researchers have demonstrated that when needles are inserted at specific acupuncture points on the body, corresponding changes occur in the brain. In the West, acupuncture is most commonly known for its ability to relieve pain and decrease swelling, so the majority of research thus far has been done in this area. Acupuncture points are now believed to stimulate the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) to release pain-relieving chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord and brain. Acupuncture also stimulates other chemicals to be released, including hormones that influence the self-regulating system of the body.
Commonly Treated Conditions
One of acupuncture’s greatest assets is its ability to treat a myriad of conditions. It should be noted that acupuncture works on a systemic level, treating the root of a condition, not just the symptoms. This allows for a more comprehensive healing to occur – on the deepest levels.
Acupuncture is perhaps best known in the West for its use in the treatment of pain and has been shown to be effective for these and many other conditions:
- Arthritis Pain
- Asthma and Allergies
- Back, Neck & Shoulder Pain
- Carpal Tunnel Pain
- Digestive Pain – IBS, Colitis, Acid Reflux, Nausea
- Headache & Migraine
- Menstrual Pain & PMS
- Infertility & IVF Support
- Insomnia
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Depression & Anxiety
- Stress Reduction
- Muscle Pain
- Pain from Injury
- Post-Surgical Pain
- Sciatic Pain
- Shoulder Pain and Rotator Cuff Injury
- Repetitive Stress Injury Pain
- Menopause Syndrome
- Skin Conditions & Aging
- Smoking Cessation
Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine may include one or more modalities. Acupuncture is generally the primary form of treatment. In addition to acupuncture, other therapies may include moxibustion, cupping, gua sha, electro-stimulation or tuina massage.
The initial visit typically takes up to an hour and a half. This allows time for a thorough evaluation of your health history, primary and secondary complaints, Chinese Medicine diagnosis, and treatment. Follow up visits are approximately one hour in length.
Follow the links below to learn more about each of these modalities.
