Acupuncture

How does acupuncture work?

EASTERN PERSPECTIVE: The human body contains an energetically charged meridian system that is comprised of specific channels for various energies, which are linked with the body’s tissues, organs, and other pathways. Acupuncture involves the gentle insertion of thin needles (the size of a strand of hair) at specific points along the various meridians/channels creating stimulation and blood flow or “Qi”.

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE: The mechanism of action of acupuncture all boils down to physiology. When a needle enters the body, the body believes it is undergoing a micro-trauma, and therefore begins to mount an inflammatory response. During this response, the immune system sends red blood cells (to deliver iron and fresh nutrients to the cells, muscles and tissues), white blood cells (to fight potential invading microbes and/or combat infections) and fibroblasts (the building blocks of collagen to help plump up the skin and) to the needled area. Additionally, acupuncture is beneficial for musculoskeletal pain and tension by way of contractile fibers. When a muscle is injured, it involuntarily contracts to protect itself as a protective mechanism. When a needle is inserted into the contracted muscle, the contractile fibers will fire and contract one last time as a reflex and then the muscle has no choice but to relax and allow for the red and white blood cells and fibroblasts to come in, repair and rebuild as needed.

Conditions We Address With Acupuncture:

Acupuncture is the most well-known and studied for combating physical pain. Still, it can also address internal diseases such as gastrointestinal disorders, vascular conditions, neurological disorders, cardiovascular disease, psychological disorders, respiratory disorders, and even improve longevity.

  • Sports Injuries

  • Headaches

  • Infertility & Hormone Imbalance

  • Skin Issues

  • Tendonitis and Carpal Tunnel Arthritis

  • Cardiovascular Disease

  • Digestive Disorders

  • Respiratory Disorders

Commonly Asked Questions:

  • An acupuncturist will examine the patient and assess the patients condition by asking a series of questions and often looking at the patient’s tongue and checking their pulse. Sessions are administered in a comfortable room with soft lighting and relaxing music or other ambient noise.

    Patients may stay clothed or if they prefer a towel, only exposing the area that will have needles inserted (often arms, lower legs, abdomen, back or the head). The patient will lie down on their back, front, or side, depending on the planned protocol.

    The acupuncturist will use single-use, disposable, sterile needles. Sometimes the needles are heated with moxa or stimulated with electricity after insertion. The patient is then made comfortable with blankets to stay warm, heat lamps and pillows to support the body. Patients then relax between 20-45 minutes.

    The practitioner will then return and remove the needles, answering any questions the patient may have, and offering suggestions for the rest of the day (e.g., to drink plenty of water, eat specific foods, and generally try to have a restful day). Pain relief may be immediate, or it may occur later in the day or overnight. Best results are seen after 48 hours.

  • Acupuncture needles do not hurt when administered by a licensed practitioner. Because of the needle size (hair-thin metal), acupuncture should not induce a painful reaction, but more of a poke, or pricking sensation. Many patients fall asleep during the session.

  • The number of sessions needed depends on the individual. A person with a chronic condition may need one to two sessions a week over several months. An acute problem typically improves after 8 to 12 sessions. Many patients come for bimonthly or monthly maintenance to stay symptom-free after initial weekly check-ups.

  • Please view the pricing page.

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