What is it?

Acupuncture is an integral component of a medical system called Traditional Chinese Medicine. This practice dates back thousands of years to ancient China, and is still used successfully all over the world.  It involves the insertion of hair-thin needles into carefully selected acupuncture points that are chosen based on patient symptomatology. These points are located on almost every part of the body, including the trunk, limbs, head and face. Our treatments are customized to each individual patient in order to stimulate healing and address the root cause of disease. Acupuncture is a holistic medicine that can treat an immense variety of diseases and symptoms that affect the physical body, as well as the mind. In addition to treating active disease states, acupuncture has been shown to effectively boost immunity and prevent disease. 

 

How does it work?

The insertion of acupuncture needles works by signaling the body to release endorphins, promote oxygen and blood flow throughout the body, and stimulate the immune system. In Chinese Medicine the body consists of many pathways that contain our life force energy, or “Qi”. When Qi is not flowing properly or is deficient, this can cause pain and disease. The acupuncture needles can regulate the flow of Qi throughout the body in order to maintain or produce homeostasis.  

 

Does it hurt?

In general, the sensation of having an acupuncture needle inserted is painless or very minute. The patient may feel a slightly prick, similar to the feeling of being flicked. Other common sensations include itching, a dull/achy feeling around the needle, and slight numbness. All of these sensations are positive signs that the body is responding well to treatment.

 

What conditions does it treat?

 

Mental-Emotional: 

Anxiety

Depression

Stress

Insomnia

PTSD

 

Pain

Upper Body: Back Pain, Neck Pain, Wrist Pain, Elbow Pain, Shoulder Pain, Hand Pain, Frozen Shoulder, Tennis Elbow

Lower Body: Hip Pain, Sciatica, Knee Pain, Ankle Pain, Foot Pain

General: Pain due to Rheumatoid Arthritis & Osteoarthritis, Sprains Tendonitis, Bursitis, Muscle Spasms 

 

Neurological and Musculo-Skeletal Disorders:

Headache & Migraine

Trigeminal Neuralgia

Bell's Palsy

Facial Paralysis

Post-stroke Pareses

Peripheral Neuropathies

Fibromyalgia

Meniere’s disease, Vertigo & Dizziness 

Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction

Bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis)

Intercostal Neuralgia 

Cervicobrachial Syndrome 

 

Respiratory System

Bronchitis 

Asthma

Emphysema 

Sinusitis

Rhinitis 

Common Cold, Flu

Tonsillitis 

Sore Throat 

 

Disorders of the Eye

Conjunctivitis 

Myopia 

Cataract

Central Retinitis 

Macular Degeneration

 

Disorders of the Mouth

Toothache 

Gingivitis 

Pharyngitis 

Cold Sores, Mouth Ulcers 

 

Gastrointestinal Disorders 

IBS

Colitis 

Crohn's Disease

Gastritis 

Gastroptosis

Ulcer  

Hiccup 

Esophageal spasm 

Dysentery

Spastic Colon

Hemorrhoids

Abdominal Bloating 

Abdominal Pain

Food Allergies

Chronic Diarrhea 

Constipation

Vomiting 

Paralytic Ileus 

 

Cardiovascular 

High Blood Pressure, Low Blood Pressure 

Angina Pectoris 

Arteriosclerosis 

Anemia 

 

Gynecological & Genitourinary 

Infertility 

Sexual Dysfunction

Kidney & Bladder Stones

Interstitial Cystitis 

UTI

Endometriosis

Menopause

Fibroids and Cysts

Heavy, Irregular, or Painful Menstruation

Induction of Labor, Breech Position

Pregnancy Complications

PMS

Morning Sickness 

 

Immune Disorders

Candida

Chronic Fatigue

HIV/AIDS

EBV

Lyme

Allergies

Lupus

Multiple Sclerosis 

Hepatitis 

 

Other

High Blood Pressure, Low Blood Pressure 

Allergies 

Adverse Reactions to Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy, Induced and Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting

Sexual Dysfunction in Men and Women 

Tobacco, Alcohol, and Drug dependence 

Dermatological Disorders

Diabetes

Weight Control 

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Is it safe?

Acupuncture is very safe when performed by a licensed acupuncturist. The beauty of acupuncture is that there are many benefits and very few possible side effects. The most commonly seen adverse effects are minor bruising and soreness around the insertion site, and bleeding.