Acupuncture
"When you touch one thing with deep awareness, you touch everything." — Lao Tzu
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture originated in China over 2,000 years ago and is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world. It's the most important part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is a method of encouraging the body's inner life energy flow (Qi) to improve body function or heal diseases by inserting and manipulating several very fine sterile needles in some specific meridian points on the body. Besides traditional acupuncture, practitioners may also use electro acupuncture (a form of acupuncture where a small electric current is passed between pairs of acupuncture needles), and needle moxa technique (ignited moxa stick is attached to the tip of needle to stimulate acupuncture point by mild heat) to enhance the therapeutic effect.
What can be treated with Acupuncture?
Pain management, Fertility Support, Allergies, Arthritis, Addiction, Digestive problems, Sports injury, Women's healthcare, Stroke rehabilitation, IBS, Sleeplessness, Spine problems, PMS, Auto Vehicle Injuries, Worker's Injury, Back and disk problems, Anxiety/Stress/Depression, Fibromyalgia, Lyme Disease, MS, Parkinson's disease, etc.
How does acupuncture work?
According to Chinese medicine, Qi (the vital energy) flows throughout the body along pathways called "meridians." If there is an obstruction along a meridian, say, between the spleen and stomach, the resulting backup of energy could result in infertility problems. The connection between the backup and the infertility problems wouldn't make sense according to Western medicine, but it makes perfect sense when the body is seen as a whole, as circuits of energy flowing through the body. This is but one example. Pain and illness usually result when this flow of energy is obstructed. By stimulating the flow of Qi at those precise points, acupuncture helps restore normal functionality and balance among the different parts of the body. Acupuncture allows the Qi to flow freely through the body, leading to greater vitality, energy and feelings of well-being. The flow of Qi enables the body to heal quicker because Qi is a healing force that looks for and flows to the areas of pain, while preventing illnesses and enhancing the immune system. That free-flowing Qi decreases anxiety and augments the capacity for work, pleasure and creativity. Of course, when a person's Qi is not in balance and not flowing smoothly through the body, it is natural to see a buildup of physical illnesses and various areas of pain. Acupuncture awakens and invigorates Qi. Thus, acupuncture not only heals illnesses; it enables patients to live a longer, healthier life.
Does Acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are fine as a hair and most patients agree that it's painless and sometimes feels comfortable. The needle is not inserted into inflamed or tight muscles, but rather into distal points to release this pain. The sensitivity varies among individuals.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes, FDA approved acupuncture needles are used. They are sterile, non-toxic, and disposable needles. They are used once, and then discarded into a special container.
How long does each session last?
For the first appointment, plan on spending one and a half hours for a thorough discussion about your health, diagnosis and the first treatment. Follow-up sessions take about 1 hour.