Acupuncture
What we do
Ear acupuncture
Ear acupuncture involves placing acupuncture needles into specific points around the ear. Your ear is a hologram of the whole body so that treatments in your ear aid the problem areas in other parts of the body.
Acupuncture treatment
During an acupuncture treatment, your acupuncturist inserts very thin needles into specific spots on your body
Cupping
Cupping involves the placement of a suction cup on the body to release muscle tension and stress to provide overall healing throughout the body.
Moxibustion
By heating particular points on the body with rolled up herbs it releases blockages to the flow of energy in the body.
Acupuncture is so much more than just inserting fine needles in the body.
Acupuncture is based on the holistic concepts of unity between man and nature under the guidance and nature of channels and acupuncture points. The holistic concept of harmony between man and nature, which stems from ancient Chinese philosophy views the individual as a component part of the universe and explains life experience of yin and yang.
In the natural world, yin represents the earth, the moon, and the night, while yang represents the sky or heaven, the sun and the day. In the human body upward movement represents yang, whereas stability and downward movements represent yin. Yin and yang governs nature, as well as the body’s interior, therefore if the yin/yang balance between the external environment and the body, or inside the body, subset disease results.
The theory of acupuncture holds that the human body is a microcosm, each part connected through channels. Through long-term practice, points have been discovered on the channels, gradually developing into a systematic theory, of twelve channels corresponding to the twelve months, and 365 points corresponding to the 365 days of the year. This theory embodies the dynamic relationship between heaven, man, and earth.
For instance, if a patient has a toothache on the left side, it can be treated on a point on the right hand. The principle of selecting points on the lower body for diseases on the upper body, or selecting points on the right side for diseases on the left, reflects clearly acupuncture’s holistic view of the human body as an integral whole.
Acupuncture is so much more than just inserting fine needles in the body.
Acupuncture is based on the holistic concepts of unity between man and nature under the guidance and nature of channels and acupuncture points. The holistic concept of harmony between man and nature, which stems from ancient Chinese philosophy views the individual as a component part of the universe and explains life experience of yin and yang.
In the natural world, yin represents the earth, the moon, and the night, while yang represents the sky or heaven, the sun and the day. In the human body upward movement represents yang, whereas stability and downward movements represent yin. Yin and yang governs nature, as well as the body’s interior, therefore if the yin/yang balance between the external environment and the body, or inside the body, subset disease results.
The theory of acupuncture holds that the human body is a microcosm, each part connected through channels. Through long-term practice, points have been discovered on the channels, gradually developing into a systematic theory, of twelve channels corresponding to the twelve months, and 365 points corresponding to the 365 days of the year. This theory embodies the dynamic relationship between heaven, man, and earth.
For instance, if a patient has a toothache on the left side, it can be treated on a point on the right hand. The principle of selecting points on the lower body for diseases on the upper body, or selecting points on the right side for diseases on the left, reflects clearly acupuncture’s holistic view of the human body as an integral whole.
How Acupuncture Works
Acupuncture is a therapeutic practice that can be approached from both Western medical and Chinese traditional perspectives. In Western medical acupuncture, it is used following a medical diagnosis. The procedure involves stimulating sensory nerves beneath the skin and in the muscles using fine needles.
The stimulation of these nerves triggers the body to produce natural substances, including pain-relieving endorphins. These substances play a crucial role in the beneficial effects that many people experience with acupuncture. Essentially, the treatment prompts the body’s own healing mechanisms, offering relief from pain and other conditions.
For optimal results, a course of acupuncture is usually recommended, as it may require several sessions for noticeable improvements to occur. The cumulative effect of multiple sessions can lead to better outcomes and sustained relief.
On the other hand, traditional acupuncture is rooted in a belief system that involves the flow of an energy force called “Qi” throughout the body’s channels known as meridians. According to this perspective, illness and discomfort occur when the flow of Qi is disrupted or blocked along these meridians. Acupuncture aims to restore the balance of Qi by inserting needles at specific points along the meridians to regulate the flow of energy and promote overall well-being.
By bridging these two perspectives, acupuncture offers a holistic approach to health, addressing both physical and energetic aspects of the body. It can be seen as a way to harmonize the body’s natural processes and encourage a sense of well-being, often yielding positive outcomes in various health conditions. Whether you approach acupuncture from a Western medical or traditional standpoint, it remains a widely recognized and respected therapy with the potential to enhance overall health and alleviate specific ailments.
Acupuncture Safety and Regulation
In the United States, the practice of acupuncture is regulated by state, and practitioners must meet certain standards to obtain a license. Requirements for licensure vary somewhat by state, but typically involve completing an approved educational program and passing a national certification exam.
To ensure patient safety, acupuncturists use sterile, single-use, disposable needles, which reduces the risk of infection. The acupuncturist should also follow clean needle technique, which involves cleaning the skin before needle insertion, and disposing of used needles in a safe manner.
It is important to discuss your health history and any current health conditions with your acupuncturist before treatment. This will help them determine if acupuncture is an appropriate treatment for you and to develop a treatment plan that is safe and effective for your specific needs.
Further, while acupuncture is generally safe, there are certain individuals who may be at greater risk of complications. For example, those with a bleeding disorder or who are taking blood thinners may be at risk for excessive bleeding or bruising. Pregnant women should also be cautious, as certain acupuncture points can stimulate labor.
Finally, it is important to continue regular check-ins with your acupuncturist and other healthcare providers throughout your treatment to ensure that the acupuncture is having the desired effect and not causing unwanted side effects.
Acupuncture Safety and Regulation
In the United States, the practice of acupuncture is regulated by state, and practitioners must meet certain standards to obtain a license. Requirements for licensure vary somewhat by state, but typically involve completing an approved educational program and passing a national certification exam.
To ensure patient safety, acupuncturists use sterile, single-use, disposable needles, which reduces the risk of infection. The acupuncturist should also follow clean needle technique, which involves cleaning the skin before needle insertion, and disposing of used needles in a safe manner.
It is important to discuss your health history and any current health conditions with your acupuncturist before treatment. This will help them determine if acupuncture is an appropriate treatment for you and to develop a treatment plan that is safe and effective for your specific needs.
Further, while acupuncture is generally safe, there are certain individuals who may be at greater risk of complications. For example, those with a bleeding disorder or who are taking blood thinners may be at risk for excessive bleeding or bruising. Pregnant women should also be cautious, as certain acupuncture points can stimulate labor.
Finally, it is important to continue regular check-ins with your acupuncturist and other healthcare providers throughout your treatment to ensure that the acupuncture is having the desired effect and not causing unwanted side effects.