Treatments

About Acupuncture

Acupuncture consists of the gentle insertion and manipulation of very thin, sterile, disposable needles for a therapeutic effect on a range of primary health complaints and for the enhancement of well-being. In addition to acupuncture, Oriental Medicine Practitioners employ a range of therapeutic modalities, including Gua Sha, electric stim, phototherapy, cupping, ear acupuncture, prescribed exercises, and herbal medicine.

How Does it Work?
Oriental Medicine is based on an energetic system referred to as Qi (pronounced "chee"). Qi, together with Blood, flows throughout the body along channels, or meridians (like water flowing through streams and rivers). Each meridian corresponds with an internal organ system. When there is a disturbance in the flow, the resulting imbalance may cause a variety of symptoms including pain, digestive upset, insomnia, or any number of ailments.

From the Western medical perspective, Acupuncture can help tap the body’s own internal “pharmacy” to advance comfort and healing. Acupuncture helps move your body’s systems from a state of stress (sympathetic nervous system) to a state of rest (parasympathetic nervous system) creating a different balance in the action of neurotransmitters, endorphins, and other biochemical agents to promote better blood flow, reduction in pain, hormonal balance; improved immunity, metabolism etc. With the insertion of acupuncture needles (and/or with the use of other Oriental Medicine modalities such as herbs, cupping, phototherapy) the flow of Qi and Blood improves through these channels, thereby promoting corresponding internal organs to return to a more balanced state, and the body to return to more optimal physiological functioning.

Acupuncture's effects have been compared to rebooting a computer, refreshing your nervous system by accessing your parasympathetic nervous system, and tapping into your body's own internal pharmacy to rebalance the action of neurotransmitters, endorphins, other biochemical agents to promote better blood flow, a reduction in pain and stress, hormonal balance, detoxification, improved immunity, metabolism and more. It re-sets and optimizes the integration and performance of the body's interdependent networks and diverse organ systems, thereby boosting overall functioning and performance. Often feeling more relaxed and ease after a treatment session.

What Should I Expect on My Visits?

Initial visits are usually 75-85 minutes and follow-up visits are approximately 50-55 minutes. During the first visits, patients are asked to complete a patient information form and health history. It is helpful to bring information with you about previous diagnostic tests that are related to your condition and any medications or supplements you are currently taking. There will also be a brief physical exam.

Based on the information provided in this first interview and physical exam, a working diagnosis and treatment plan will be formulated. If appropriate, you may also receive dietary, herbal and lifestyle recommendations to enhance the effects of your treatments. Follow-up visits include treatment, briefer discussions and physical exams to update the working diagnosis and treatment plan.

What am I Likely to Experience During Acupuncture Treatments?

Before receiving treatment, you should have something light to eat. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Do not come under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs.

When needles are inserted, people report a variety of mild sensations, including heaviness at the point of insertion, tingling, warmth, dull aching, a light pinch, and/or a drawing sensation that dissipates quickly. The needles are left in for 20-35 minutes and then removed.

An Acupuncture session often consists of more than inserting needles. Other modalities such as Gua Sha, Cupping, e-stim, aromatherapy, phototherapy, herbal topicals are also often used with needles to move Qi and Blood within the Acupuncture meridians, rebalance energies for greater effect and desired results.

Overall, people begin to feel a deep sense of relaxation, and many even fall asleep during the treatment.