Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture:

Acupuncture has been effective for 3,000 years. It is the placement of needles on specific points on the body that allow for a drug free, safe alternative to drugs or surgery in most cases. Acupuncture can treat a number of issues that cause imbalance in the body expressed as pain, headaches, diabetes and other auto immune diseases.

Acupuncture is rooted in the belief that the body is capable of healing itself, this is done by the flow of Qi or energy. This energy travels through a meridian highway that connects all organ systems in the body and much like a highway there can be disruptions in the flow due to a number of reasons. In the body those disruptions are caused by stress, injury, pathogens, proper nutrition or lack of proper nutrition or lack of sleep.

Acupuncture opens these meridian channels, allowing the free flow of energy. If the energy is weak, acupuncture can build up energy by aiding the body into releasing endorphins, and other chemicals to trigger proper flow of energy, resulting in reduced inflammation and pain, improved digestion, improve sleep, and improved resilience.

Acupuncture looks at the body as a whole. This ecosystem you call a body is affected by our spiritual, emotional, physical, social, and environmental dimensions to name a few. Every thought, everything put in or taken out of the body, invasion, or injury all effect our homeostasis, much like dominos tipping over, one effects the other, leading to pain, digestive issues, emotional strain, and poor health.

Acupuncture achieves these results by using thin, one time use needles inserted into specific points on specific meridians based on the patients’ individual symptoms. You could think of these needles as antennas or conduits connecting organs and important systems like the circulatory, or endocrine system allowing communications to the whole body. On occasion herbs or diet recommendations are added as part of the treatment, this can facilitate faster longer lasting results.

Once the body is back in balance your acupuncturist will make recommendations that will help you continue to stay healthy, these recommendations will include:

• Lifestyle: Sleep, exercise, diet, and avoiding things that affect the body in a negative way, such as smoking, alcohol use, or fast foods.
• Genetics: Inherited traits influence your body’s ability to manage challenges like inflammation and healing; the results are influenced by lifestyle and other factors.
• Trauma: Physical and emotional injuries can have long lasting effects on the body.
• Emotional Health: Chronic stress, grief and worry can impact digestion, immunity and sleep.

How to Prepare for Treatment:

• Dress in comfortable clothes.
• Eat before treatment, but nothing that will change the color of the tongue.
• If your appointment is in the morning avoid stimulants such as caffeine.
• Only take your prescribed medications and nothing else.
• Give yourself plenty of time to arrive to your appointment.
• Be prepared with concerns, questions and goals for treatment.

During your initial intake you will be asked about your health history, and a detailed account for each symptom. You will be asked about bowel movements, sleep patterns, and other systems not usually asked during a western intake. We look at your individual symptoms in order to personalize your treatment.

After Treatment:

• You may feel sleepy, if this happens, go with it.
• Stay hydrated, when we move Qi we also stir up toxins, so urination is important.
• If an area worked on feels uncomfortable, applying heat and ice can help.
• If prescribed herbal medicine you should consult with your primary care doctor for any conflicts with prescribed medications, never take on an empty stomach, take with plenty of clean water and if there are any side effects discontinue taking them.
• When you get relief from symptoms don’t assume you’re healed, often people will re-injure an area because they got relief, give it time.
• Follow through is the best way to stay healthy, if you don’t understand recommendations, ask for clarification.

Scientific Theories of Acupuncture

Modern research offers several explanations as to the effectiveness of acupuncture:

• Neurotransmitter Theory: During treatment neurotransmitters are released affecting the immune response.
• Autonomic Nervous System Theory: Acupuncture stimulates the release of chemicals in the body such as norepinephrine, acetylcholine and several types of opioids, this causes reduced pain and improved organ function.
• Vascular-Interstitial Theory: Acupuncture affects the electrical system allowing the transfer of energy and material to injured areas.
• Blood Chemistry Theory: Acupuncture can raise and lower peripheral blood components thereby regulating homeostasis.
• Gate Control Theory: Receptor sites on cell walls can be inhibited to reduce pain stimuli.

What Can Acupuncture Treat:

• Pain & Inflammation: Arthritis, migraines, back, neck and shoulder pain, sciatica, joint pain, carpal tunnel, and tennis elbow, menstruation pain.
• Digestive Health: IBS, nausea, colitis, constipation, indigestion, bloating, reflux.
• Mental Health: Stress, anxiety, PTSD, depression, seasonal disorders, emotional balance.
• Respiratory & Immunity: Asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, colds, flus.
• Women’s Health: Menopause, PMS, fertility, morning sickness and aid in breech and delivery.
• Men’s Health: Prostate health, reproductive and functional issues.
• Children’s Health: Allergies, digestive issues, respiratory, sleep issues, emotional issues.
• Neurological and Nerve Issues: Headaches, facial palsy, sciatica, stroke recovery.
• Endocrine & Adrenals: Fatigue, mood, metabolism, temperature regulation, sleep, blood pressure, growth and development.
• Recovery & Support: Post surgery, addiction, cancer support, weight loss.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is acupuncture safe?
Yes! Treatment is performed by a licensed, well-trained provider. Needles are one time use and sterile to prevent infection or cross contamination. There is minimal invasiveness to treatment, and side effects are rare and may include soreness, itching, or bruising at the needle site. These effects are temporary.

Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are as thin as a human hair making treatment comfortable. You may feel a pinch at first, but most feel no discomfort at all. Once needles are placed, feeling a tingling, heaviness, itching, warmth or cold at the insertion site is normal — this is a sign the point was needed.

How many treatments will it take?
This is determined by the individual’s condition. Acute conditions usually require frequent sessions to achieve fast relief, while chronic conditions may need longer care for lasting results.

What training do acupuncturists have?
Acupuncturists undergo over four years of training which includes clinical training and passing a rigorous national board exam to meet state licensing. They are also required to take yearly continuing education classes as part of the state’s licensing requirements.