What is Acupuncture
Acupuncture is member of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and literally means 'needle
piercing," the practice of inserting very fine needles into the skin to stimulate specific anatomic points
in the body (called acupoints) for therapeutic purposes. Acupuncture is a method of manipulating the energy (we call it Qi pronounced 'Chee') that floats along those meridians at specific points that have precise locations based on geography and anatomy of a human body.
Is acupuncture safe?
If performed by a qualified licensed practitioner, yes. The instruments used to penetrate the skin are disposable after a single use.
Does acupuncture hurt?
In most cases, acupuncture is painless. Acupuncture needles are very fine and flexible — about the diameter of a thick hair. Many people report a sense of relaxation and well-being during and after treatments.
Course of treatment.
Many health conditions can be alleviated after four to six treatments. However, conditions that have been present for a number of years require slow, steady progress. These more challenging situations may require up to 10 treatments.
What happens during an acupuncture session?
In the first session you will complete a comprehensive patient history and discuss your health concerns with the acupuncturist. He also may check your tongue and pulse to gain further insight into your condition. This information will help him develop an individualized treatment plan. Treatments generally last approximately 45-60 minutes.
Tai Chi/Qigong
Tai chi has been referred to as 'yoga in motion', it is a moving meditation, a powerful key to energy cultivation, relaxation, increased focus and concentration. It is an exercise system that combines slow, graceful movement with calm, regular breathing. Tai chi has many styles and uses in the world today – becoming very popular as a means of maintaining good health and feelings of relaxation and calmness.
Diet/Eastern Nutrition
Eastern nutrition is a way of using foods and its properties as healing medicinals. Eastern nutrition and Chinese Herbology view foods as medicinals by evaluating there properties such as tastes, temperatures, qualities and channel relationships. more on nutrition
Herbology
Herbal medicine is another family member of Chinese Medicine. The herbs are used in variety of forms to accommodate individual preference of you as a patient. We carry pill and tablet forms of major formulas that are prepared and ready to use.
Other Modalities:
Cupping
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), cupping is a method of applying acupressure by creating a vacuum by hot cups to the patient's skin. The therapy is used to relieve what is called "stagnation" in TCM terms, and is used in the treatment of respiratory diseases such as the common cold, pneumonia, and bronchitis. Cupping is also used to treat back, neck, shoulder, and other musculoskeletal pain. Its advocates claim it has other applications as well.
Moxibation
"Moxa," often used in conjunction with acupuncture, consists in burning of dried Chinese mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) on acupoints. "Direct Moxa" involves the pinching of clumps of the herb into cones that are placed on acupoints and lit until warm. Typically the burning cone is removed before burning the skin and is thought, after repeated use, to warm the body and increase circulation. Moxa can also be rolled into a cigar-shaped tube, lit, and held over an acupuncture point, or rolled into a ball and stuck onto the back end of an inserted needle for warming effect.
E-Stim
Electro-acupuncture, the application of a pulsating electrical current to acupuncture needles as a means of stimulating the acupoints, was developed in China as an extension of hand manipulation of acupuncture needles around 1934
