What is Acupuncture and How Does it Work?

Acupuncture is an ancient, relaxing process utilized to promote natural healing and to improve physiological functioning. Acupuncture is performed by a trained and licensed acupuncturist who inserts ultra-fine needles at very precise points along the body in a process that is largely painless.

The classical Chinese explanation of acupuncture is that channels of energy run in patterns through the body and over its surface; these channels are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these channels is like a dam that backs up in these conduits of the body, observed by the presence of pain or physiological dysfunction. These channels can be “unblocked” when your acupuncturist needles these points.

The modern scientific explanation is that acupuncture stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals and compounds in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain which trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones to influence the body’s internal regulating system.

Acupuncture is utilized for a wide range of medical conditions, including:

 

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DIGESTIVE DISORDERS

Acid Reflux • Colitis • Constipation • Crohn’s Disease • Diarrhea • Food Allergies • Gastritis • GERD • Hyperacidity • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), IBS-C, IBS-D • Nausea/Vomiting and Nausea from Chemotherapy • Peptic Ulcer • Spastic Colon • Ulcers

RESPIRATORY DISORDERS

Allergies • Asthma • Bronchiectasis • Bronchitis • Cold & Flu • Chronic Cough • Emphysema • Recurrent Chest Infections • Sinusitis • Sore Throat

PAIN, NEUROLOGICAL, AND MUSCULAR DISORDERS

Arthritis (all forms) • Ankylosing Spondylitis • Cervical Spondylitis • Bell’s Palsy • Degenerative Disc Disease • Facial Tics • Fibromyalgia • Frozen Shoulder • Golf Elbow • Headaches • Herniated Discs • Knee pain • Low Back Pain • Migraines • Multiple Sclerosis (MS) • Neck Pain • Osteoarthritis • Pinched Nerves • Plantar Fasciitis • Post-operative Pain • Progressive Supranuclear Palsy • Radiculopathy • Rib Neuritis (Intercostal Neuralgia) • Rotator Cuff Injury • Sacroiliac Joint Pain (SI joint pain) • Sciatica • Sever’s Disease • Spinal Stenosis • Tendonitis • Tennis Elbow • Tension Headache • Trigeminal Neuralgia • Vertigo • Whiplash

URINARY, MENSTRUAL, AND REPRODUCTIVE DISORDERS

Amenorrhea • Dysmenorrhea • Endometriosis • Erectile Dysfunction (ED) • Infertility • Incontinence • Menopause • Nocturia (Nighttime Urination) • Painful Periods • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) • Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) • Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS) • Stress Incontinence • Urinary Tract Infections (Recurrent UTIs) • Uterine Cramping • Yeast Infections

CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS

Heart disease • Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar) • Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) • Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure)

MENTAL HEALTH

Anxiety • Depression • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) • Insomnia • Stress

 

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Acupuncture is particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to soft tissue and muscular pain, as well as tension and emotional stress.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

Our needles are hair-thin, solid, and made from surgical stainless steel. People experience acupuncture differently, but most feel no or minimal pain as the needles are inserted. Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt. Most people find the appointment very relaxing. In fact, you may even fall asleep during your treatment!

Is Acupuncture Safe?

Yes. We use only pre-packaged, sterilized and disposable acupuncture needles made of surgical stainless steel.