Acupuncture

          Acupuncture is based on the assumption that Qi (or life energy) courses through channels in the body,  just as streams and rivers ebb and flow across the surface of the earth. Every Organ Network has a corresponding set of channels. The acupuncture points are located in small depressions in the skin called gates where the channels come closest to the surface. With acupuncture, the gates of the body are opened and closed to adjust circulation in the channels and expel noxious influences from them.

          Thin, solid, disposable, sterile stainless steel acupuncture needles are inserted into acupuncture points to communicate from the outside to the inside of the body to influence to Qi. Acupuncture mobilizes Qi, body moisture levels, and blood to invigoration the proper functioning of muscles, nerves, blood vessels, glands, and organs.

What does acupuncture feel like?

          Insertion of the slender needles goes unnoticed by some, and to others feels like a small pinch followed by a sensation of tingling, numbness, ache, traveling warmth, or heaviness. Sometime people feel Qi moving at a distance from the point of needle insertion. Needles remain in place for twenty to forty minutes. Some notice a relief of symptoms or feel more energetic in the days that follow treatment. Most people are pleased to find that sessions are actually quite comfortable and even look forward to them.  After a treatment people generally feel very relaxed.

What can acupuncture treat:

          Acupuncture may be helpful for treating pain, stress reduction, withdrawal from addictions, post surgical recovery, chronic fatigue, and decreased immunity to disease. Some of the many conditions for which acupuncture treatments are considered appropriate are listed by the World Health Organization, and include:

Infections –colds and flu, bronchitis, hepatitis

Internal – hypoglycemia, asthma, high blood pressure, ulcers, colitis, indigestion,

          Hemorrhoids, diarrhea, constipation, diabetes

Eyes, ears, nose, and throat – deafness, ringing in the ears, earaches, poor eyesight, dizziness,

          Sinus infection, sore throat, hay fever

Dermatological – eczema, acne, herpes

Musculo-skeletal and neurologic – arthritis, neuralgia, sciatica, back pain, bursitis,

          Tendonitis, stiff neck, bee’s palsy, trigeminal neuralgia, headache, stroke, cerebral

          palsy, polio, sprains

Genito urinary and reproductive – impotence, infertility, pre menstrual syndrome, pelvic

          Inflammatory disease, vaginitis, irregular period or cramps, morning sickness Mental emotional – anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia

Other concurrent therapies, performed during or provided after, acupuncture may include:

Moxibustion – the dried leaf of mugwort is rolled into sticks or placed on the ends of needles, then burned as a warming therapy during treatment.

Oriental Nutrition – specific foods used to strengthen, rebuild, and balance the body.

Qi Gong – specific movements and breathing exercises used to improve health and vitality.

Electro-Acupuncture – acupuncture points are stimulated using a safe, gentle electrical current.

Acupressure-Tuina – A massage technique which stimulates the meridians, facilitating the flow of Qi.

Gwa Sha – a gentle scraping of the skin surface using a Gwa Sha tool to increase circulation of Qi and blood.

Cupping – creating a vacuum using glass or bamboo cups to increase warmth and circulation.