Your body is inter-connected by pathways through which Qi and other vital substances flow. Acupuncture works by inserting fine needles into specific points on these pathways and with different methods of needle manipulation, the body is given messages to activate its own healing and stabilizing mechanisms.

Needle insertion goes unnoticed by most, while others may feel a sensation of tingling, traveling warmth, or heaviness around the needle. Clear communication between patient and practitioner is crucial. Once the patient is rested on the table, he/she will be asked to relax with eyes closed and focus on deep breathing. With each needle insertion, the patient is asked to clearly explain what is being felt. There is zero tolerance for discomfort.

For children under seven years of age, a needle will be inserted and manipulated for 10 - 30 seconds, and withdrawn before moving on to the next point(s). For older children and/or adults, the needles stay in place for 20 - 40 minutes. The treatments are very comfortable and most patients fall asleep due to its relaxing affect.

An acupuncturist views the body as a whole and is focused on discovering the CAUSE of an imbalance. Improving the overall well-being of an individual rather than treating a single specific symptom is what sets Chinese Medicine apart from conventional medicine.

What Acupuncture Treats

Acupuncture is suitable for all ages. It improves physical and mental well-being. Some highly effective areas for acupuncture include:

• ANY type of pain/numbness/tingling
• sport injuries, joint aches
• arthritis
• asthma
• common cold/flu
• chronic cough
• dizziness
• edema
• low energy, stress
• sleeping problems
• anxiety, depression
• male/female infertility
• difficulty in pregnancy, menstruation, menopause
• headaches/migraines
• addictions - quit smoking, drugs, alcohol
• weight loss/gain
• digestive problems
• chronic constipation/diarrhea
• urinary disorders
• immune boosting, preventative care
• organ rejuvenation
• acne
• anti-aging

Other modalities used along with Acupuncture:

Cupping

Cupping is a method of stimulating acupuncture points and pathways by applying suction through a glass jar, in which a partial vacuum has been created. This technique brings fresh blood to the area and therefore improves the circulation. Cupping is used for back and shoulder pain, menstrual disorders, epigastric pain, headaches, migraines, asthma, acute sprains, and rheumatic conditions.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion involves burning a medicinal herb (Mugwort) over acu-points. The special heat at specific points can be used to calm emotions and to treat conditions such as pain, spasms, digestion difficulties, and menstrual difficulties. Moxibustion increases red and white cell counts, stimulates hormonal production and improves blood circulation. It is also excellent for irregular uterine bleeding and breech babies.

Tui Na

Tui Na (pronounced Tway na) is Chinese massage. Tui Na uses rhythmic compression along energy channels of the body and directly affects the flow of energy by holding and pressing the body at acupressure points. It also includes a variety of techniques that manipulate and lubricate the joints. It is often used in conjunction with acupuncture to enhance the effects of the treatment.

Gua Sha

"Gua" means to scrap and "Sha" means to create rash like redness on skin. Therefore it is a technique where a body part (particularly the neck, shoulders or back) is scraped with a round-edged instrument to release the stagnant energy, pathogenic factors and blood from under the skin. This action promotes better fluid movement and waste release from and below the skin. In many cases immediate relief is obtained from pain, stiffness, fever, chills, and nausea. Gua Sha is valuable in the prevention and treatment of acute infectious illness, upper respiratory and digestive problems.