Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine that has been around for centuries. It is safe for babies, children and adults of all ages. The technique utilizes not only thread-like needles, but also laser therapy (in case you have a phobia of needles), specialized cups, and physical touch to move and change energy flow or “Qi” along certain pathways or meridians in the body. The belief is all encompassing, meaning it considers the relationships between the mind, body, spirit and emotions and how they work together as a whole. Therefore, although the presenting symptoms are used in diagnosis, the patient is treated as a whole entity, allowing for balance of all aspects within the body. This includes balancing hot/cold, movement/stagnation, dampness and dryness and many other aspects that are influenced by our genes, diet, & lifestyle. Only when the entire body is fully and completely balanced are we able to function at optimal levels.
It works by stimulating certain pressure points beneath the skin’s surface which inturn has an effect on the brain causing the release of hormones. This can cause endorphins to be released leading to: increase in mood, relaxation, and less pain. Other points release hormones that aid in fertility or to induce labor. Certain points can also be stimulated to trigger certain responses of the body, such as increasing blood flow (balancing movement in the body), or reducing fever (balancing heat within the body). While acupuncture focuses on smooth energy flow, chiropractic care focuses on stimulating the nervous system and together they can be a powerful tool for restoring full functionality within the body!
Much research has been done on acupuncture, including one of the largest studies to date involving nearly 18,000 participants with chronic pain. It was found that acupuncture is indeed effective for treating such pain and is a very reasonable form of alternative medicine. The World Health Organization and National Institute of Health say acupuncture is an effective treatment for many acute and chronic conditions and provides preventative care as well. The following conditions may benefit from acupuncture (Note: Conditions are not limited to those listed below!):
Muscle & Joints: Arthritis, back & neck pain, bursitis, fibromyalgia, joint pain, sciatica, pain in any area of the body, sports injuries, sprains/strains, TMJ, tendonitis
Digestion: Increased/decreased appetite, food sensitivities and allergies, peptic ulcers, constipation, diarrhea, colitis, Crohn’s disease, ingestion, IBS, nausea, vomiting, gastritis, morning sickness
Reproductive Health: Endometriosis, infertility, menstrual problems, menopause, PMS, prostate problems, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections, vaginitis.
Respiratory/Ear-Nose-Throat: Allergies, asthma, bronchitis, common colds, emphysema, eye diseases/vision issues, flu, hearing loss, vertigo, sore throat, laryngitis, sinusitis
Emotional: Anxiety, depression, insomnia, stress, mania.
Nervous System: Bell’s palsy, dizziness, headaches, migraines, neuralgia, stroke, paralysis, tics & tremors
Heart & Blood: Angina pectoris, atherosclerosis, anemia, hypertension, palpitations, coronary heart disease.
Skin: Acne, eczema, herpes, hives, shingles
Other: Chronic or acute pain, diabetes, fatigue, hemorrhoids, hypoglycemia, hepatitis, immune deficiencies, weight loss, thyroid conditions, smoking/alcohol/drug addictions
Set up an acupuncture consultation today at the front desk or on our website!