Acupucture

Acupunture in Hand

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the most well-known modality of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The therapy involves the insertion of fine needles at specific points on the body. According to TCM theory, there is an intricate network of meridians that pass energy ("chi") throughout the body. By inserting needles at points along these meridians, the Acupuncturist can adjust the energy flow and thus alter one’s physiology.

Modern research suggests that acupuncture's effects can be explained as nervous and hormone system responses. Research in China has shown that in muscular disorders, acupuncture restores the muscle’s ability to contract and relax normally.

What is Involved?

Acupuncture Image

Acupuncture

Infrared Heat Therpay Image

Infrared Heat Therapy

Cupping Image

Cupping

Moxibustion Image

Moxibustion

A treatment will include questioning and examination by the acupuncturist where appropriate points are decided. Once the needles have been inserted, the patient will lie on the treatment table for 15-30 minutes. The session may include electric stimulation, infrared heat therapy, moxibustion (an herb is burned for localized application of heat), cupping (suction is used to relieve tight muscles), or tui na. The initial visit lasts about ninety minutes and follow-ups last an hour.

Is Acupuncture Safe?topback to top arrow

Acupuncture is very safe. Acupuncture needles are sterile, disposable, and are used only once before being discarded. Licensed Acupuncturists have at least three years of classroom and clinical training before they can sit for the national board exam and become certified. They are also required to be certified in Clean Needle Techniques.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

I understand that many people are uncomfortable with needles. Every effort is made to put patients at ease, and ensure that treatments are as comfortable as possible. While it is common to feel a slight prick when needles are inserted, patients may then feel sensations such as heaviness, warmth, tingling, or spreading. In some cases, patients don’t feel the needles at all. Most people find acupuncture very relaxing and many even fall asleep during a treatment.

What Can Acupuncture Treat?topback to top arrow

Acupuncture Face Image

The Following is the World Health Organization's now famous list of diseases that lend themselves to treatment by acupuncture. The inclusion of herbal remedies in a scope of practice may broaden the range of disorders that may be successfully treated.

Respiratory System
  • Acute Sinusitis
  • Acute Rhinitis
  • Common Cold
  • Acute Tonsillitis
  • Acute Bronchitis
  • Bronchial Asthma
Psychological
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • OCD
  • PTSD
  • Somatization Disorder
  • Hypersomnia
  • Insomnia
Gynecological
  • Infertility (Not WHO recognized. Clinical experience proves effective)
  • PMS
  • Dysmenorrhea
  • Menopause Syndrome
  • Benign Irregular
  • Menstruation
  • Benign Amenorrhea
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Musclulo-Skeletal
  • Muscle pain, swelling, stiffness and weakness
  • Localized traumatic injuries, sprains, strains, tendonitis, contractures
  • Arthritis
  • Fibromyaglia
  • Work and sport related injuries
  • Low back pain
  • Osteoarthritis
  • "Frozen Shoulder", "Tennis Elbow"
  • Sciatica
Neurological
  • Headache and Migraine
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia
  • Facial Palsy (early stage, within three to six months)
  • Paresis following stroke
  • Peripheral Neuropathies
  • Meniere's Disease
  • Nocturnal Enuresis
  • Cervicobrachial Syndrome
  • Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction
  • Intercostal Neuraglia
  • Disc problems
Gastrointestinal
  • Spasms of Esophagus and Cardia
  • Irritable Bowel and Colitis
  • Hiccough
  • Gastroptosis
  • Acute and Chronic Gastritis
  • Gastric Hyperacidity
  • Chronic Duodenal Ulcer (pain relief)
  • Acute Duodenal Ulcer (without complications)
  • Acute and Chronic Colitis
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Acute Bacillary Dysentery
  • Paralytic Ileus
Cardiovascular
  • Essential Hypertension
Eye, Ear, Nose and Mouth
  • Acute Conjunctivitis
  • Central RetinitisMyopia (in children)
  • Cataract (without complications)
  • Toothaches (post extraction pain)
  • Gingivitis
  • Acute and Chronic Pharyngitis
Other Disorders
  • Withdrawal from street pharmacological drugs
  • Appetite Supression
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