An Ancient Healing Technique for Modern Ailments
Are you seeking relief from chronic pain and stress? Acupuncture’s transformative benefits may be key to your healing. Acupuncture is a foundational traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy. It involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to promote healing, balance, and overall well-being. The World Health Organization identifies over 50 conditions acupuncture treats.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years. It involves inserting small, sterile needles into specific points on the body. These acupuncture points are grouped along certain pathways or meridians that cross the body. When these meridians and points are blocked, health is disrupted, resulting in illness or pain. When these points are stimulated with acupuncture needles, energy, or Qi (pronounced “chee”) is allowed to flow freely and health is restored.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture is rooted in the belief that health and well-being depend on the balanced flow of Qi throughout the body. According to TCM, disruptions or imbalances in this energy flow can lead to physical or emotional issues. Acupuncture influences the nervous system and releases “feel good” endorphins from the brain. This makes acupuncture particularly effective in pain control. It improves circulation allowing the body to heal itself more quickly. And it aims to restore equilibrium by addressing blockages in the flow of Qi along the meridians.
Acupuncture Benefits
- Pain relief
- Increased energy levels
- Stress reduction
- Improved immune function
- Enhanced mental clarity
- Allergy reduction
- Improved digestion
- Restorative sleep
- Emotional balance
- Improved blood sugar, cholesterol, & triglycerides
What Conditions Does Acupuncture Treat?
- Severe and Chronic Pain
- Auto Injuries
- Sports Injuries
- Migraine & Headaches
- Herniated Disc
- Sciatica
- Arthritis / Bursitis / Tendinitis
- Knee pain
- Foot pain
- Shoulder pain
- Wrist pain
- Allergies
- Sinusitis
- Asthma
- Stress / Depression / Anxiety
- Poor Blood Circulation
- Insomnia
- Palpitation
- Chronic Digestive Disorder
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stroke / Hemiplegia
- Facial Paralysis
- Impotence
- Chronic Fatigue
- Fibromyalgia
- Menopause
- Infertility
- Quit Smoking
- Weight Control
Journey to BalanceWhat to Expect at Your Acupuncture Visit
Begin with an initial consultation with one of our functional medicine practitioners. During this visit, we will discuss your health goals, medical history, lab results, and current health status. We determine a tailored treatment plan and if you would be a good candidate for acupuncture.
An assessment with an acupuncturist is a bit different from other practitioners. Methods such as tongue and pulse diagnosis are used to assess the body differently.
Acupuncture therapy often involves multiple sessions. During the session, your acupuncturist will insert very thin needles into specific points on your body and head/ears. The process is typically quick and relatively painless. The needles remain in place for about 30 to 45 minutes.
Traditional Chinese Medicine involves other modalities beyond acupuncture. Treatments such as herbal medicine, cupping (suction cups on the skin to promote blood flow), moxibustion (burning dried mugwort leaves), and electrostimulation may also be incorporated into your treatment plan.
After the session, you may feel a sense of relaxation and well-being. Your acupuncturist may offer advice on self-care practices to support your treatment outcomes.
AcupunctureFAQ
Acupuncture is generally not painful. Most people experience only a mild, brief sensation when the needles are inserted, often describing it as a tingling or dull ache. Acupuncture needles are very thin and designed to be inserted with precision, minimizing tissue damage and pain. Additionally, the needles are quickly inserted often at points in the body where nerves are less sensitive. This helps reduce discomfort.
Yes. Acupuncture needles are sterile and single-use, minimizing the risk of infection. Acupuncture needles are never reused. The needles are not inserted deep. Our licensed acupuncturist has a wealth of experience to bring you the very best care.
No. Acupuncture involves using needles on specific points defined by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Acupressure applies pressure to acupuncture points, without using needles. Dry needling is a technique used by physical therapists and other healthcare practitioners. It involves inserting thin needles into muscles to relieve pain. These muscle trigger points are generally different from acupuncture points.
Qi is the Chinese philosophy that there is an inherent flow of life energy in everyone. When Qi is blocked or stagnant, disease results. This concept may seem foreign or metaphysical to those used to conventional Western medicine. There are studies supporting anatomical evidence of acupuncture points, meridians, and Qi.