Acupuncture + TCM for General Health

What is Acupuncture, and What Does it Do?

Acupuncture is part of a system of medicine that originated in China more than 3000 years ago. Acupuncture is the insertion of tiny hair thin needles placed on specific anatomic points that restores the body's energy flow so that a perfect equilibrium and balance can exist. When the energy flow is restored blood and qi circulate and this allows the body to what it naturally is drawn to do, that is come back to balance and heal it's self.

What are Qi and Meridians?

Qi (pronounced chee) or vital energy, flows through specific pathways in the body that follow distinct channels called Meridians.

Meridian based acupuncture is founded on an understanding of the body as a dynamic system able to regulate itself.  When the body is in optimal health Qi and Blood flow with ease through the meridian system. However, life keeps throwing more and more challenges at us and it is difficult to maintain this natural balance. Each time we experience a physical injury or stress no matter how slight, our muscles tense.  This can happen over and over again creating our own tension patterns. Over time if these tension patterns are not released the flow of energy gets blocked, like water getting stuck behind a dam.  The disruption can lead to pain, numbness, lack of function, or illness.  Acupuncture can release blocked energy in the body and stimulate function, evoking the body’s natural healing response through various physiological systems.  Modern research has demonstrated acupuncture’s effects on the nervous system, endocrine and immune systems, cardiovascular system, and digestive system.  By stimulating the body’s various systems, acupuncture can help to resolve pain, and improve sleep, digestive function, and sense of well-being.

Does Acupuncture Hurt? 

The insertion is relatively painless, some needles are not felt at all while others bring a slight pricking sensation, though this sensation dissipates very quickly. Be assured your acupuncturist will adjust any needles so the discomfort is minimal. Overall acupuncture is a pleasant experience. After the needles are in and the patient is comfortable and warm, it is common for people to feel so relaxed that they have a nap.

How Often Should I Go?

The frequency and number of treatments differ from person to person. Some people experience dramatic relief in the first treatment. For complex or long-standing chronic conditions, one to two treatments per week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required, usually eight to ten visits in total.  After a thorough consultation and initial treatment, your acupuncturist will work out a treatment plan with you.

What Does Acupuncture Treat?

The World Health Organization (WHO) currently recognizes more than 40 conditions that can be treated with acupuncture. However, it is important to remember that acupuncture treats the whole person, not just the condition. Even if your condition is not listed below, you may still benefit from acupuncture.

Pain is one of the most common and well known conditions that respond quickly to acupuncture treatments. It includes Back Pain (lower, middle or upper), Dental Pain, Facial Pain, Headache, Joint pain, Menstrual Pain, Migraines, Neck Pain, Post-operative Pain, etc.

Other commonly treated conditions recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) include:

• Addiction
• Adverse reactions to radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy
• Arthritis 
• Allergies
• Anxiety
• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Bell’s Palsy
• Common Cold
• Crohn’s Disease, Colitis
• Depression
• Digestive Disorders
• Eye Disorders
• Frozen Shoulder
• Fibromyalgia
• Hypertension
• Hypotension

• Infertility
• Insomnia
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Menopausal Syndromes
• Menstrual Disorders
• Migraine Headaches
• Morning Sickness
• Nausea and Vomiting
• PMS
• Repetitive Stress Injury
• Sciatica
• Sinusitis
• Stress
• Stroke and/or Stroke Prevention
• Sprains
• Tendonitis
• Tennis Elbow
• TMJ
• Urinary Disorders