How Does It Work?

The traditional explanation for how acupuncture works is as follows: The flow of “life energy” called “qi” (pronounced “chi”) runs throughout the body in muscle and organ channels (called meridians). Most acupuncture points are located along these meridians. We tap into these points to release channel blockages and to move the energy, thereby balancing and strengthening muscle and organ systems. Acupuncture works whether the patient believes in it or not… often better for the skeptics!

Acupuncture Regulates the Nervous System

Learn how acupuncture regulates the nervous system.

Benefits of Acupuncture

  • Increased circulation and healing allows acupuncture to work well for repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome and wrist tendinitis radiating to the neck.
  • Acupuncture releases pain-killing endorphins which also play a substantial role in maintaining serotonin and hormonal levels. This may be why acupuncture benefits back pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, depression, stress disorders and soft tissue injuries.
  • Post surgical treatment of elbows, knees and backs assists in the healing process. Acupuncture decreases the scar tissue by increasing the blood flow to the area.
  • Acupuncture breaks the cycle of muscle spasms encountered with severe and/or chronic muscle pain. Cervical pinched nerves, whiplash and sciatica respond well to acupuncture.

What should I expect?

Before each treatment, the acupuncturist will evaluate your health by asking you questions about how you feel. She may ask to see your tongue or feel your pulses. The color and texture of the tongue can show how the body is functioning. Your pulses show the strength and the balance of your organs. “Facial diagnosis” is often part of this evaluation. For example, darkness around the eyes is a kidney imbalance, a redness of the nose is a liver imbalance, and a yellowish coloring around the mouth is a spleen or frequently a hormonal imbalance.

Only disposable needles are used. Acupuncture needles are regulated and approved by the F.D.A. The needles are as fine as a human hair and are tapped in through a tiny tube. We cater to cowards with our gentle technique! Most patients do not feel anything except the relaxation of the treatment. They are left in for 25 minutes during which time the patient usually relaxes under a heat lamp while soft music plays. Many patients fall asleep due to the deep relaxation induced by the body’s release of endorphins.

The number and frequency of treatments will vary from patient to patient. Some symptoms are relieved after the first treatment, while others may take four to ten treatments to be relieved. Your body chemistry, your particular problem, and the length of time that you have been sick all play a part in this. To simply maintain good health, you may come in for a “tune-up” when the seasons change or monthly if you have a tendency towards health problems.

Our experience includes successful treatment of:

Low Back Strain/Sprain
Neck Strain/Sprain
Headaches & Migraines
Herniated, Bulging Discs
Muscle Pulls and Spasms
Sciatica
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Repetitive Stress Syndrome
Epicondylitis
Work Injuries
Whiplash
Sprained Ankles
Neuromas and Foot Pain
Heel Spurs
Strokes
Numbness, Bell’s Palsy
Wrist Tendinitis
Shoulder Tendinitis
Hip Bursitis
Knee Disorders & Arthritis
Scar Tissue
Post Surgical Pain
Undiagnosible Pain
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Menopause
Fibromyalgia
Chronic Pain
Stress and Depression
Chronic Fatigue, Insomnia
Allergies, Asthma
Abdominal Pain
Weight Loss
Summary
Article Name
How Does It Work?
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The traditional explanation for how acupuncture works is as follows: The flow of "life energy" called "qi" (pronounced "chi") runs throughout the body in muscle and organ channels (called meridians). Most acupuncture points are located along these meridians. We tap into these points to release channel blockages and to move the energy, thereby balancing and strengthening muscle and organ systems.
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