Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is focused on the effectiveness of channels, or meridians, to distribute energy in regular patterns throughout the body. These energy channels irrigate and nourish the tissues and organs. An obstruction in the movement of the energy is like a dam, obstructing the flow of blood, bodily fluids and metabolic waste, thereby creating imbalance in the body.
Needling the acupuncture points can influence the meridian by unblocking the obstructions and re-establishing a healthy flow. Since the meridians link with the organs, an acupuncture treatment improves the function of one’s internal organs. The improved energy flow produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities, promoting physical and emotional well-being.
Conditions
Common conditions treated with acupuncture:
- Headaches/Migraines
- Sports injuries (i.e. sprained ankle, strained groin)
- Whiplash injuries following a motor vehicle accident
- TMJ issues
- Anxiety/depression
- Shoulder and elbow injuries, including frozen shoulder, tennis elbow and tendonitis
- Neuropathies (numbness and tingling in arms or legs)
- Lower back pain, including disc herniations and sciatica
- Digestive problems, including IBS, constipation, Chron’s disease
- Infertility and female issues
- Nausea from cancer treatments
- Muscle spasms (neck, lower back, extremities)
- Knee pain
- Sinus problems
- Overall health and wellness
FAQ’s
Why did I sleep so well after my first treatment?
Acupuncture stimulates the brain to release more melatonin at night. In additions, endorphins are released which can induce a soothed and relaxed state. For this reason, acupuncture is incredibly effective in treating stress related conditions, anxiety, depression, and overall health and well-being.
Is acupuncture painful?
No. Most patients find acupuncture to be very relaxing and pain free. The sterile and disposable needles are solid with an extremely fine point. Acupuncture needles are very different from injection needles which are hollow and thicker in diameter. A beneficial comparison is that most acupuncture needles are so thin that you can fit ten of them inside the shaft of an injection needle. Some patients indicate a slight mosquito bite sensation as the needles are being inserted. Once inserted, you may experience a tingling or warmth in the area where the needle is being stimulated. Frequently patients fall asleep during their treatment.
I didn’t feel any different after acupuncture. Is it working?
Yes. Acupuncture treatments are cumulative, meaning every treatment builds on the previous treatment. Acupuncture is energy healing. When energy has been stagnate and not moving for a long period of time, it will take a few sessions to restore proper flow. Patients respond at different rates. We do our best to get results as quickly as possible. The doctor will make individualized treatment plans based on your condition and let you know what to expect following each treatment.
Treatment
A typical acupuncture treatment takes about 30 minutes. The needles, once inserted, will typically be left in place for 20 minutes.
Although some people will respond well to only one treatment, more are often necessary. The frequency and number of treatments are determined by the patient’s condition. Typically, we plan on at least 3-5 treatments, spaced out over a few weeks for most conditions.
Remember to drink extra water following your acupuncture treatment. The increase in water will help to detoxify and cleanse your body.
