What is Acupuncture?
When going to see an acupuncturist, you can expect to have a memorable experience of relaxation and relief. Your acupuncturist will first make sure that you have all your questions answered and that you are comfortable and ready to experience acupuncture. Checking your pulse, looking at your tongue, and asking health related questions allows your acupuncturist to work with you to improve energy and boost wellness. Once you are ready, small thin needles are placed in specific points on the body that relate to your current health goals. Most people find that the needles are barely noticeable during the treatment. Acupuncture is most effective when you can relax and be still for about 20-40 minutes. Your acupuncturist may also add other therapies during the visit as well, such as specialty massage, cupping, or acupressure.
How can acupuncture benefit my health?
Acupuncture is a therapy that is being used more and more in the United States, especially as more studies show that acupuncture can be as effective or even more effective than traditional prescription drugs for chronic pain and other ailments. Acupuncture reduces stress, poor circulation, and inflammation, all of which can negatively affect your health. Modern research has confirmed that different locations on the body affect different functions in the body, and acupuncture uses that approach to reduce pain, increase relaxation, and promote good health.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture increases blood flow to speed healing, reduces inflammation, and stimulates other hormonal changes such as increasing the body’s natural pain modulators (endorphins). The basic philosophy in Chinese medicine is where there is flow there is no pain, where there is pain there is no flow. Acupuncture assists in the free flow of circulation and helps to keep your body in balance. Acupuncture is most effective when your provider is able to build trust and encourage communication with you, so that you can relax and truly utilize the powerful peace of mind that an acupuncture session can give.
What Conditions May Benefit From Acupuncture?
Studies have shown that acupuncture is an effective treatment alone or in combination with conventional therapies to treat the following:
- Recovery from accidents and sports injuries
- Allergies, such as hayfever and sinusitis
- Spinal and joint Pain, due to conditions such as disc degeneration, herniated discs, ankylosing spondylitis, post surgery pain
- Muscle spasms, strains, and sprains
- TMJ, Headaches, and Migraines
- Sciatica, Frozen Shoulder, issues with range of motion or limited use of limbs
- Digestion conditions such as gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome and hemorrhoids
- Emotional conditions such as nxiety, depression, nervousness and neurosis
- Fatigue and Insomnia
- Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, COPD, Emphysema
- Gynecologic conditions such as menstrual pain and infertility
- Tendonitis, Knee pain, Plantar Fasciitis
- Nausea and vomiting, acid reflux, GERD
- Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus
- Supportive therapy during cancer treatment
- Pain, such as joint pain, post surgery pain, and chronic pain
- Parkinson's disease
- Stroke, Bell’s Palsy, Traumatic Brain Injury
- Sports performance and peak wellness
- Peripheral neuropathy and Neuralgia
- Hot flashes and Night Sweats
- Stress management
- Tobacco use