Acupuncture is the technique that treats diseases by inserting needles into specific point on human body. This may be done with or without the addition of gentle manipulation, heat, or electricity to further stimulate the points.
Acupuncture is a system of healthcare aimed at naturally promoting health and alleviating sickness through the stimulation of very specific anatomical points, known as acupuncture points, throughout the body. These points generally lie along meridians, or energy channels, that run through the body. It is believed that pain and sickness occur when these channels become blocked, and that these blockages can be removed through the stimulation of acupuncture points.
Acupuncture is a time tested therapy that was first developed in China thousands of years ago and is still very much a mainstream method of healthcare there and in many other parts of the world today. It is one of the most proven and well-known forms of alternative therapies, and many studies have been conducted demonstrating the safety and efficacy of acupuncture.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture regulates the blood and Qi through stimulating the acupuncture points. Acupuncture points locate on different meridians, which link the outside points on the body with the internal organs of the body. Therefore, by stimulating the acupuncture points on the surface of the body will have a positive effect on the functions of internal organs as well as the circulation of blood and Qi.
According to the modern study on acupuncture, there are a number of theories as to how exactly acupuncture works. One theory suggests that acupuncture can stimulate our body to produce endorphin which is a physical pain killer in our body. This offers an explanation as to why acupuncture could treat pain. Another theory speculates that acupuncture points are actually strategic conductors of electromagnetic signals throughout the body. Therefore, by stimulating points along these pathways will in turn influence neurotransmitter rates and reset the polarity of different parts of the body. Acupuncture is also believed to regulate the neuro-endocrine network, which will influence nerve transmission and hormone release. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.
Generally speaking, acupuncture can regulate blood and Qi, balance yin and yang, which will effectively adjust the excessiveness and deficiency of internal organs. Acupuncture can remove the blockage of meridians, which are always the reason for most pains.
Acupuncture in general is not painful for the needles are extremely thin. The normal feeling of acupuncture is tingling, numbness, heaviness and fullness around the needles or sometimes the feelings radiate along the meridian to other parts of the body. There may be some initial pain but it will subside almost immediately. Many patients experience a feeling of relaxation and renewed energy during an acupuncture treatment.
This is one of the hallmarks of acupuncture. Generally there are no side effects, but this is only true if the procedure is done by a skilled professional with years of training.
During a typical first visit, we will take a detailed health history, fully investigate your chief complaint, perform a physical exam, and determine a differential diagnosis for you. Based on this, an individualized initial treatment plan is designed and administered. This plan may include acupuncture as well as adjunctive techniques, such as cupping, massage, electro stimulation, gua sha, or heat therapy. The first visit may take 90 minutes and the follow up about 60 minutes.
The number of treatments needed varies from person to person and the condition being treated. Two to three treatments may be sufficient to treat an acute condition and a series of 8-15 may be needed to resolve a more chronic condition. It is important to have consistent treatments in order to resolve the problem.
Some patients feel better immediately after treatment. Some people feel energetic and a distinct sense of well being. But a small percentage of patients will have an increase or exacerbation of symptoms after the first treatment, and maybe even the second. This is usually a reaction from your body as what is termed a "healing crisis". Do not be discouraged by this! For most chronic conditions, it takes about 5 to 10 treatments before you can tell the difference.
Please do not come to your appointment when you are hungry or full.
Please do not over-exercise, or consume alcoholic beverages just before or after the treatment.
Please give yourself time to calm down before the treatment. We recommend about 10 minutes.
Please wear some loose and comfortable clothes.
Most chronic diseases need a series of sessions to see the effects, and it is important to catch up with your specific treatment schedule to get the best results.
Please bring a list of the medicines you are taking.
Please call us as soon as possible, if you need cancel your appointment!
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the burning of mugwort, a small, spongy herb, to facilitate healing. Moxibustion has been used throughout Asia for thousands of years; in fact, the actual Chinese character for acupuncture, translated literally, means "acupuncture-moxibustion." The purpose of moxibustion is to strengthen the blood, stimulate the flow of qi, and maintain general health.
Cupping therapy is the method of using glass or plastic cups to create localized pressure by a vacuum. The vacuum inside the cups improve the circulation the area. Another healing aspect of cupping therapy is through the release of toxins in your body. The suction from the cups can penetrate deep into your tissues causing the tissues to release toxins. It triggers the lymphatic system, clears the blood vessels, and stretches and activates the skin. Cupping therapy has been found in ancient records dating back 3500 years and it is still used today by many alternative medicine practitioners.
Scraping (Gua Sha) is a traditional Chinese medical treatment in which the skin is scraped to produce light bruising. Practitioners believe Gua sha releases unhealthy elements from injured areas and stimulates blood flow and healing.