Acupuncture is a modality of Chinese medicine, dating back more then 2,000 years ago. It involves the insertion of very thin, filiform needles into the skin at strategic points on the body.

Speaking from the perspective of Chinese medicine, there are meridians or channels throughout the entire body. These meridians also relate to internal organs. There is energy - Qi - flowing through these meridians. For a person to be at optimal health this energy needs to be balanced and free flowing at all times, creating a state of homeostasis. "Dis-ease" presents when somewhere within the meridian system there is an occlusion or block. The insertion of needles into specific acupuncture points allows for the occlusion to become open and for the energy to be free flowing and back to a state of homeostasis.

There have been many theories from a western medical perspective to also explain how acupuncture works:

1. Through augmentation, acupuncture has the ability to treat disorders involving the immune system by raising levels of triglycerides, white blood counts, antibody levels, prostaglandins, and gamma globulins.

2. Certain neurotransmitter levels, including serotonin and noradrenaline, are affected by acupuncture treatment. This maybe the reason for successful treatment of depression and mood disorders. This also explains why patients feel calm and relaxed after treatments.

3. "Gate Control" - This theory states taht pain signals must move through a number of high-traffic "gates" as they move from the injured area through the spinal cord and to the brain. Our nerves can only handle a small amount of stimulation at a time. Acupuncture creates stimulation to disrupt the neurotransmission of the pain signals from reaching the brain.

4. Acupuncture stimulates secretion of endorphins, which are the body's own natural pain killers. Endorphins have ben found to be a thousand times stronger than morphine, this is most likely why acupuncture has been effective in the treatment of pain conditions.

5. Acupuncture increases circulation and effects the constricting or dilating of the blood vessels through releasing vasodilators (histamine).

Eastern medicine is it's own system of medicine that has been used to treat all types of conditions for many hundreds of years. Currently pain conditions and pain management is what acupuncture is most broadly known for. What most people don't know is that acupuncture is also effective for digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, insomnia, mental health disorders, allergies/immune system conditions, headaches, and adverse effects of chemotherapy and radiation.

The World Health Organization (WHO) lists over 40 conditions that acupuncture treatments have been proven effective for. There are also a multitude of conditions which it names as effectively treated with acupuncture, but they are still gathering evidence for. Please click the link below to read about all of the conditions on the WHO website.

https://www.acupuncture.org.uk/public-content/public-traditional-acupuncture/4026-who-list-of-conditions.html

Simply stated: YES. Like in hospitals, acupuncturists only use sterile, disposable needles. Acupuncture has fewer potential side effects than most medications. If side effects happen to occur they are very minor.

"I'm scared of needles!" This is the number one thing we hear in regards to people's overall concern about acupuncture. Generally after someone's first treatment with acupuncture, they often say that the treatment itself was very different from what they were imaging and wasn't intimidating in the slightest.

Generally speaking, the first association in the mind that involves needles is the usage of needles used in western medical settings. Those needles are hollow and have a very large gauge in comparison to acupuncture needles. Acupuncture needles are not hollow, and are as thin as a single strand of hair.

Occasionally there are sensations that are experienced when the needles are inserted, however most people would not call these sensations painful. Often times people feel nothing when the needles are inserted. Other times people may experience a heaviness, pressing sensation, or slight tingling at the insertion site. These sensations tend to dissipate within seconds.

During the inital intake and treatment you should expect to be in the office for about 90 minutes. We will start by discussing what brings you in for treatment, followed by a full health intake. At this point, I will look at your tongue and check your pulses, both of these are widely used diagnostic tools in Chinese medicine. The report of findings will be presented to you at this time, as well as a proposed treatment plan.

Then.....the acupuncture starts. Since so many points are able to be found distally, you do not need to undress. Once the needles are inserted, you will be able to relax on a comfortable treatment table for another 30-40 minute, most people take this time as an opportunity for a nap.

Every case is unique, as well as the treatment series that is prescribed. To get the best idea of what treatments will be like for your particular case we suggest calling to schedule a consultation.

In general when dealing with an acute condition a 6-8 treament series is suggested. Chronic conditions tend to take longer to treat, especially taking into consideration how long you've had the condition. For most chronic conditions a 10-12 treatment series is recommended.

Acupuncture works on a cumulative effect, each treatment gaining momentum from the previous. You can never have treatments too close together, but you can have them too far apart. When starting treatment it is suggested to have multiple treatments close together, possibly 2 times a week for the first 1-2 weeks of treatment.

We encourage all our clients to continue with monthly tune-up teatments to help maintain health and balance and to help prevent future dis-eases.