- Make sure to eat something light an hour or two before appointment
- If possible, avoid caffeine two hours before treatment
- Wear or bring loose, comfortable clothing
- Pregnant (or think you may be)
- Taking blood thinners
- On medication for high/low blood pressure
- Under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
Acupuncture originated in China over 2,000 years ago. It was developed to restore health and well-being by inserting fine needles into specific areas of the body. There are a system of points in the body that are linked together by a network of “meridians”. Problems occur when there is a blockage of energy (Qi) flow through the body. When body systems work together properly, they are in the state of homeostasis or "balance." When they lose this state of balance, they are considered to be in a state of disease. This approach is used to treat patterns of disharmony by attempting to modify activity of these systems.
Acupuncture treats the body as a whole; treating not only the signs and symptoms the patient is experiencing [branch], but also the underlying cause of the ailment [root]. The treatments are also based on strengthening the body's resilience, thus encouraging the body to heal itself. During the course of your treatments, you will likely notice that as the condition you originally came in for improves, other aspects of your health or symptoms may concurrently be relieved. This happens because we are treating the "root" of your body’s health imbalance.
Relieves Pain - Studies have shown that there are a higher level of endorphins (endogenous opiates) in cerebral spinal fluid following an acupuncture treatment [endorphins are similar to narcotics used for pain relief, but produced by cells in your body].
Improves Circulation [Blood Flow] - Acupuncture stimulation improves blood flow to the skin, muscles, brain and the internal organs.
Reduces Inflammation & Swelling/Speed Healing Process - Recent studies have shown that the anti-inflammatory actions of acupuncture are mediated via the reflexive central inhibition of the innate immune system. ACTH [adrenocorticotrophic hormone] and cortisol are also influenced by acupuncture, which contribute to the anti-inflammatory and stress relieving effects.
Musculoskeletal Disorders + Pain Management:
- headache/migraine
- upper + lower back pain
- sciatica
- shoulder + knee pain
- osteoarthritis
- tendonitis
- fibromyalgia
- chronic pain (of any kind)
- acute injury (sprains + strains)
- toothache + post-extraction pain
Reproductive + Genitourinary Disorders:
- infertility (men + women)
- oliguria + polyuria
- urinary tract infection/cystitis
- nocturnal enuresis - "bedwetting" (primary + secondary)
- menstrual irregularity (dysmenorrhea + amenorrhea)
- premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- impotence
- low libido
Eye Disorders:
- acute conjunctivitis
- central retinitis
- myopia (in children)
- cataracts (without complications)
Mental/Emotional Disorders:
- insomnia
- stress
- anxiety
- depression
Other:
- anesthesia
- hypertension (high blood pressure)
- hypotension (low blood pressure)
- chronic fatigue syndrome
- gingivitis
- pharyngitis
- and many more...
Neurological Disorders:
- trigeminal neuralgia
- bell’s palsy
- neuropathy/radiculopathy
- paralysis/post-stroke recovery
- meniere’s disease
- neurogenic bladder dysfunction
- intercostal neuralgia
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- chronic fatigue syndrome
- multiple sclerosis
- parkinson's disease
Respiratory Disorders:
- bronchial asthma
- allergies
- acute sinusitis + rhinitis
- common cold
- acute tonsilitis
- acute bronchitis
Gastrointestinal/Digestive Disorders:
- nausea
- vomiting
- hiccough
- indigestion
- gastritis
- diarrhea (acute + chronic)
- constipation
- acid regurgitation
- irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- colitis
- gastritis
- bacillary dysentery
- duodenal ulcer (pain relief)
Addiction:
- substance abuse
- eating disorders
- drug dependence
- smoking
Accessory Techniques
These techniques may also be used as part your treatment:
Electro-acupuncture ("e-stim"): Small electrical currents (millicurrent) are sometimes added to the acupuncture needles to create a pronounced effect. The sensation is typically one of "tapping," or "pulsing" where you will feel a painless movement of the muscle near the stimulated needle. It is typically used in musculoskeletal pain or stasis of varying types. Microcurrent stimulation is effective in treating acute injuries and may also help in the treatment of insomnia, anxiety and depression. Microcurrent is similar to the body’s own electrical impulses and is generally applied with very little or without any sensation.
Moxibustion: Moxibustion an ancient Chinese medicine technique which involves the burning of artemesia vulgaris (a.k.a. mugwort) to facilitate healing. Moxibustion is used to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of Qi and maintain general health. The sensation that moxa produces is a pleasant warmth that penetrates deep into the skin. The burning of moxa is used to treat many conditions: expels cold conditions, increases circulation, stimulates menstruation, ease menstrual cramps, treat infertility, treat bronchial asthma, treat arthritis and many more. There are several different types of moxa - all of which are used depending upon various conditions (environment and patient), techniques used and the preference of the practitioner.
Cupping: Cupping is another ancient technique that applies glass suction cups to particular regions of the body to remove stagnation, release congestion and relieve pain. Toxins are brought to the surface to be released through the open pores. The increased blood flow into the area of cupping also allows the area to heal more quickly. Cupping has been found to activate the lymphatic system, clear blockages and help activate and clear the veins, arteries and capillaries. Cupping may also be used to treat respiratory conditions (common cold, bronchitis, asthma) and gastrointestinal disorders.
Gua Sha: Gua Sha is a technique which involves scraping the skin with a smooth surface (typically a ceramic spoon, lid, coin or special tool) in areas where there is congestion or pain. It promotes healthy circulation to the area, relieves pain and tension, and restores proper function to the muscles. It is typically used in the case of the common cold, head and ear congestion and general muscle pain.
Tui Na: "Tui Na" literally translates to "push pull" and is type of medical massage. Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tui Na incorporates techniques that are similar to massage, chiropractic, osteopathic and physical therapy. Tui Na uses a variety of hand techniques and passive and active stretching to correct anatomical musculoskeletal conditions, neuromuscular patterns and increase circulation at different areas of the body.