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Acupuncture works on a mind-body level
Stress and disease often are due to a lack of physiological homeostasis, and can also be the initial causes themselves. In the practice of traditional acupuncture, such imbalances are thought of as "improper qi-dynamic." Stimulating points through needle insertion, heat application, massage, and meditation therapeutically alters the movements of qi to support disease prevention while improving the body's innate healing ability.
Qi encompasses all the functional processes of the body, including:
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WHY SHOULD SOMEONE GET ACUPUNCTURE?Many people seek out an acupuncturist in order to treat musculoskeletal
disorders, as well as for chronic pain and stress management. In 1979, the World Health Organization published a long list of the variety of conditions treated by acupuncture, including: anxiety, addiction disorder, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), numerous gynecological problems, early stages of cold and flu, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome, arthritis, asthma, and reflux disorder. DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT?Often needling can be painless and produces a sense of deep relaxation. A fun fact is that because they are so thin, about 35-40 acupuncture needles can fit into one hypodermic needle. Sometimes a person can feel a slight pinch upon insertion, but this sensation typically fades quickly. Occasionally a point will feel a strong dull ache after needling, this is a sign of therapeutic effect and often fades within minutes.
HOW CAN ACUPUNCTURE AFFECT PAIN?Due to the wide range of body systems affected by acupuncture, different bio-medically oriented theories exist which aim to explain the mechanisms by which therapeutic effects are achieved:
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WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM MY FIRST ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT?Your first acupuncture treatment you will go through a detailed medical history with your acupuncturist. This will take longer than future sessions. Your acupuncturist will explain the specifics of acupuncture techniques and associated services. You and your acupuncturist will discuss the initial assessment regarding duration of treatment and treatment goals. The cost of treatment includes acupuncture, or extra associated services (i.e. bodywork, moxa, and cupping), and is made up of a consultation fee plus an amount based on the duration of treatment.
WHAT EXTRA BODYWORK SERVICES DO YOU PROVIDE?In conjunction or in lieu of acupuncture, I perform many other therapeutic services, such as: heat therapy (moxibustion), herbal medicine, physical medicine (cupping, tuina, shiatsu, gua sha), exercise therapy (tai chi, Qigong, stretching), and dietary/lifestyle management.
HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?The course of treatment will always depend upon the individual and the presenting pattern, however most acute conditions should be resolved within 2-4 weeks while chronic disorders may take anywhere between 4-6 weeks and up to several years to resolve.
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