Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a manual therapy that involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into the body to achieve different therapeutic results.

Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical disorders including, but not limited to: pain relief, mental/emotional health, women’s health, respiratory disorders, and digestive disorders. 

Below are some of the conditions acupuncture can help with:

Allergies, Anxiety, Arthritis, Asthma, Autoimmune Disease, Back Pain, Breech Birth Presentation, Cancer Care (adjunct), Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Colds and Flus, Dental Pain, Depression, Diabetes, Digestive Disorders, Fertility, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, Hypertension, Hypotension, Induction of Labor, Insomnia, Knee pain, Menopause, Morning Sickness, Muscle Tension and Pain, Nausea and Vomiting, Neck Pain, Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Postoperative Pain, Pregnancy Care, Primary Dysmenorrhea, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Sciatica, Sprains, Stress, Stroke, Tennis Elbow, Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ), Tobacco Addiction, Weight Loss.

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture works by implementing traditional Chinese medicine theory, qi (energy) flows though energetic channels called meridians to cover the body, similar to nerves, veins, and arteries in western medicine. According to theory, acupuncture allows qi to flow to areas of deficiency and out of areas that are excess. In this way, it can regulate and restore the body into balance.

By promoting the body's own natural healing, we can enhance recuperative power and immunity, support physical and emotional health, and improve overall function.

What should I expect?

When you arrive to an acupuncture treatment, make sure to have a small meal beforehand, drink plenty of water, wear comfortable clothing, and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Before the session, each patient is evaluated using both modern and traditional diagnostic measures such as taking an extensive health intake and physical exams. Afterwards, a decision of point selection and treatment protocol is made depending on the individual’s presentation.

There can be several different sensations felt with the needle insertion. The needle is inserted painlessly and then the feeling of “De Qi” or the activation of qi can occur. This feeling can occur as heavy, temperature change, dull or achy, or an “electric” sensation. Acupuncture should not feel painful. The patient is able to relax and may even take a nap.