What exactly is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the three branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Although ancient Chinese medicine is complex and foreign to many of us, its principles and methods can be easily understood. Acupuncture needles are used to stimulate points along the energy channels in our bodies. These specific channels or meridians as they are commonly referred to were discovered several thousand years ago by Chinese medical practitioners. When there is a deficiency of energy in our channels, an excess of energy in our channels, or a blockage of energy in our channels, we experience pain and/or poor health. Stimulating acupuncture points along these channels helps to bring the energy back into balance and thus provides a relief of symptoms.
Needles?! Is Acupuncture painful?
The acupuncture needles are very fine and flexible, about the same width as human hair or a piece of thread. We only use sterile, disposable needles. Upon insertion into the acupuncture point, the needle produces little to no sensation at all. Once the needle is inserted the patient will typically feel a tingling or a sensation of pressure which means that the needle is working. The process is not painful; in fact, most people find acupuncture to be extremely relaxing.
How do you know where to put the needles?
A thorough evaluation will be done on your initial visit including an examination, comprehensive medical review and discussion of your current complaints. Acupuncture diagnostic procedures also include pulse and tongue diagnoses to determine which channels need attention. All of this information will be combined and utilized to formulate a custom treatment plan including acupuncture, lifestyle/diet recommendations, and herbal medicine or vitamin supplementation as needed.
How long will my treatment last?
Once the needles have been inserted, you will lie comfortably for 25 minutes. Please allow 90 minutes for your first appointment and 60 minutes for follow-up visits. This will ensure enough time for your doctor to review your progress, make any adjustments to your treatment plan, and to answer any questions you may have.
Can Acupuncture help me?
Because acupuncture works to bring the body back into balance, it is successful at treating hundreds of symptoms and conditions. Some of the more commonly treated conditions are:
- Acid reflux
- Addictions
- Allergies
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- ADD/ADHD/Autism
- Bed Wetting
- Blood Pressure: high or low
- Bursitis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Circulation
- Colds/Flu
- Constipation
- Cough- chronic
- Cramps- legs and feet
- Depression/Anxiety
- Diarrhea
- Disc problems
- Dizziness/Vertigo
- Eczema
- Emphysema
- Fatigue- chronic
- Fibromyalgia
- Gall Bladder dysfunction
- Gynecological dysfunction
- Hay Fever
- Headaches
- Heart Problems
- Heart Burn
- Hemorrhoids
- Indigestion
- Infertility
- Insomnia
- Kidney Disease
- Liver Disease
- Migraines
- Pain: neck, back, hips, shoulders, knees, ankles
- PMS
- Prostate problems
- Psoriasis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Sciatica
- Shingles
- Sinus Issues
- Tennis Elbow
- Thyroid Conditions
- Ulcers
- Urinary Issues
- Whiplash