WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?

Acupuncture is an ancient healing modality that has been around for over 3,000 years. Originating in China, this effective method of treatment focuses on treating the roots of all disorders and allowing the body to return to a natural state of balance. It works by moving energies through the electro-chemical system of the body, hence, will regulate organ function by creating short circuits with extremely fine, one time use, sterile disposable surgical stainless steel metal needles.

Acupuncture can increase circulation, decrease inflammation, and reduce pain. It can flip the switch and move a patient’s mode of being from fight or flight to that of rest and recovery.

Nine out of ten patients feel different after the first treatment. For many the effects are obvious. One of the best things that acupuncture treats is stress. A typical treatment may last from 20 to 60 minutes. The treatments are usually very relaxing and some patients use this time to catch a stress relieving nap.

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine are an ancient and highly effective form of health care. It is to promote and restore overall health and for the prevention of diseases. It includes Acupuncture, Moxibustion, herbal therapy, dietary guidelines, medical massage, qi gong, and other adjunctive therapies.

Qi (pronounced chee), is the Chinese word to describe the vital energy that flows through the entire body. It is fundamental energy that is responsible for moving, protecting, and healing the body.  If Qi becomes disrupted or stuck in an area, people begin to experience discomfort or pain. Acupuncture can help unblock areas of the body where Qi has become stagnant, help increase vital Qi within the body, and balance Qi in areas of the body.

Qi moves through the body through energetic pathways called meridians.  These meridians connect organs and tissues to one another to help support and nourish one another. Think of meridians like rivers of energy flowing through the body.  Where these rivers flow they bring nourishment, healing and life. When a river becomes blocked, one area becomes stagnant while another area begins to experience a lack of vitality due to the lack of Qi flowing to it.

A blockage of Qi within the body can occur for multiple reasons. Stress, a traumatic injury, and emotional distress can all cause Qi to become blocked in a certain area of the body. Normally the body can bounce back from a blockage and heal itself.  The longer the blockage has existed within the body, the longer and harder it becomes to unblock and the body begins to experience disease and pain because it can no longer compensate for the strain the blockage is causing.

An acupuncturist uses thin sterile needles, Chinese massage, oriental medicine, and energetic exercises to help the flow of Qi become unblocked and return to a normal state of flow. Once the flow has reestablished itself it can once again nourish the cells, tissues, organs and systems it supports.

First a full diagnosis must be performed. This can consist of pulse and tongue diagnosis, questions, or hara diagnosis (palpation). Once diagnosis is complete, the practitioner can choose the appropriate points selections and herbal formula to match the disease pattern.

With Traditional formulas, patients must report back to the Acupuncture Physician the results of the herbal therapy every 1-4 weeks. Adjustments can then be made to ensure the patient reaches the goal of mental, physical, emotional and spiritual balance.