Acupuncture
Acupuncture
Overview
This highly effective system of medical care is based on natural laws, which govern the movement of vital life-giving energy, both in nature and in the body. This energy, called "chi", moves through the body in precise channels supporting functions of the body, mind, and spirit. When the chi is moving disharmoniously, imbalance begins to surface in the form of specific symptoms. To address the underlying cause of a condition, these symptoms are viewed in relationship to the totality of a person. The gentle insertion of hair thin needles at specific points along the channels of chi energy help restore harmony. In the presence of this subtle yet profound intervention, symptoms often resolve and patients frequently experience renewed vitality.
Does acupuncture hurt?
The sensations that patients experience during acupuncture range from nothing at all to a brief ache or heaviness in the area being needled. Some points are more sensitive than others. By and large patients describe the sensations as fleeting and the treatment experience as deeply relaxing.
Why would I see an acupuncturist?
Many patients begin acupuncture treatment to find relief from a wide range of physical conditions. Many who are not experiencing ailments also seek treatment to maximize their wellness and maintain balance. The greatest reason to begin acupuncture treatment is to cultivate vitality and radiant health and to stimulate the tremendous healing power of the body, mind and spirit.
Are the needles safe?
Yes. Sterile disposable needles are used. They are used once and then disposed of immediately.
Are there different styles of acupuncture?
There are many styles of acupuncture. The primary distinction exists within the diagnostic process and the corresponding treatment planning process. To learn more about the distinction between various forms of acupuncture, please feel free to contact us.
Do I have to be ill to benefit from acupuncture?
Absolutely not. Many patients come for regular treatments to achieve increased effectiveness and enjoyment in life. Acupuncture can also be a powerful preventative measure to keep patients healthy throughout the year.
How frequently do I need to come to benefit from treatment?
The frequency of treatments varies with each individual. Please feel free to call us to discuss your concerns and a possible plan of treatment.
Acupuncture Modality
Head Acupuncture
The more general acupuncture therapy is often called body acupuncture. In scalp acupuncture, very short, fine needles are placed on the scalp to achieve the desired therapeutic effects on different parts of the body. This technique has yielded outstanding results for thousands of patients, and has become recognized worldwide as one of the most effective methods for the treatment of a wide variety of difficult-to-manage medical conditions.
Ear (auricular) Acupuncture
Auricular acupuncture is one of the more widely used microsystems within Eastern medicine. Microsystems use one aspect of the body – for example, the ears, hands or feet – to treat conditions that are present anywhere in the body. Auricular acupuncture may be used as a primary mode of treatment or in conjunction with other treatments such as body acupuncture, bodywork, or herbal medicine.
Electro-Stimulation Acupuncture
Electro-acupuncture — the application of a pulsating electrical current to acupuncture needles as a means of stimulating the acupoints — was developed in China around 1934 as an extension of the hand manipulation of acupuncture needles. The procedure for electro-acupuncture is to insert the acupuncture needle as would normally be done, attain the “chi reaction” by hand manipulation, and then attach an electrode to the needle to provide continued stimulation. This technique is usally applied in pain control treatment.
