Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the use of ultra-thin needles to correct imbalances in the body.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the use of ultra-thin needles to correct imbalances in the body.
Having evolved over thousands of years, acupuncture is one of the oldest continually practiced medical modalities in the world. It is used to prevent and treat disease, relieve pain, balance mood, enhance athletic performance, increase fertility, improve overall health and wellness, and more. Its key elements are balancing yin and yang, boosting qi and jing, and supplementing yin and blood.
There are many different styles of acupuncture. Some are focused on pain and the musculature, some focus on certain areas of the body, and some even prevent and treat wrinkles.
The best approach for you will be based on your health goals and how you respond to treatment.
Each visit includes an intake, tongue, pulse, other diagnostics, and a ‘needle nap’. Other modalities may or may not be included based on your needs, like cupping or the heat lamp.
Although the terminology may seem unusual, it’s a very effective and drug free treatment that pairs well with other forms of medicine.
Why Choose Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a uniquely placed modality. It works well in combination with other types of therapies. It can also be as gentle or as firm as needed. Plus, it can impact you mentally as well as physically.
The ability to relieve stress at the same time as treating your back pain, for example, can double the impact of your treatment.
How Does Acupuncture work?
Traditional Chinese Medicine organizes the body into organ systems and channel systems. The channel system is the map of acupuncture points on the body. These channels also connect to the muscles and the organ itself.
Acupuncture points are a way to access the channel as well as the organ. The channels and the points often fall along the same path as the nervous system and the venous system.
In some ways, it can be thought of as the highways of the body. This is where acupuncture can influence the movement of blood, interrupt pain signals and more.
What Does That Mean?
Sometimes, the jargon used in Traditional Chinese Medicine can be confusing. But, the important thing is that you feel better!
In Western terms, acupuncture works by releasing endorphins, encouraging blood and lymph flow, releasing muscle spindle fibers, de-activating your fight or flight system, turning on the parasympathetic system, plus so much more.
In some ways, ‘science’ is just starting to catch up.
But What About The Needles?
Every needle is single use, sterile stainless steel. They are clean and safe.
They are also super thin, about the size of a cat’s whisker! It does NOT feel like getting a shot.
You might feel a pinch, a zing, a heaviness, or a sort of breathing sensation. This is good! It means we are doing our job and activating your nervous system. But, if these feelings are too intense, we can adjust them so that you are comfortable and able to relax.
What Is a Treatment Session Like?
We chat a lot more than you might be used to with other medical professionals. Sometimes, the small details yield the most important information for TCM diagnostics and pattern differentiation.
Your first visit is usually a little longer and follow up visits are about an hour.
Most people leave feeling very relaxed and even ‘blissed out’.
You can read more details here on what to expect and how to get the most out of your treatments.