WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is an effective form of health care that has evolved into a complete and holistic medicalsystem. Practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine have used this noninvasive medical system to diagnose and help millions of people get well and stay healthy.
An acupuncturist will place fine, sterile needles at specific points on the body. This activates the body's Qi and promotes natural healing by enhancing recuperative power, immunity, physical and emotional health. It is a safe, painless and effective way to treat a wide variety of medical problems.
WHAT WILL MY ACUPUNCTURIST DO?
During the initial exam a full health history will be taken. Questions will be asked regarding symptoms, health and lifestyle. Your acupuncturist will also check pulses and your tongue to create a complete and accurate diagnosis of the imbalances of Qi in the body.
DO THE NEEDLES HURT?
The sensation caused by an acupuncture needle varies. Some people feel a little pain as the needles are inserted, but most people feel no pain at all. The needles are tiny, just a little larger than a cat's whisker or human hair.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
The number of treatments willl vary from person to person. Some people experience immediate relief, others may take longer to achieve results. Chronic conditions usually take longer to resolve than acute ones. The frequency of treatment depends on a multiple factors: constitution, severity, chronic or acute condition and the quality and quantity of your Qi.
An acupuncturist may suggest one or two treatments per week, monthy visits for health maintenance or seasonal "tune ups".
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?
- Wear loose, comforable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points.
- Don't eat large meals just before or after your visit, but do not come on an empty stomach.
- Between visits, take notes of any changes that may have occurred, such as the alleviation of pain, pain moving to other areas, or changes in the frequency and type of problems.
- ·Avoid stressfull situations. Make time to relax and get plenty of rest.
WHAT CONDITIONS CAN ACUPUNCTURE TREAT?
Women’s Health
- Menstrual symptoms: (painful periods, irregular periods, no periods)
- Menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats, emotional wellness, fatigue)
- Infertility (alone or in conjunction with western fertility treatments such as In vitro fertilization)
- Morning sickness
Men’s Health
- Prostate issues (BPH, increased urination, painful urination, post-surgical rehab)
- Sexual function (Erectile dysfunction, libido, premature ejaculation)
- Infertility (improve sperm count, motility, morphology)
Mental/Emotional
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- post-traumatic stress disorder
Musculoskeletal
- Sports’ injuries
- Low Back Pain (sciatica, disc injuries, facet joint dysfunction)
- Arthritis (rheumatoid, psoriatic, and osteoarthritis)
- Knee pain (arthritis, ligamentous injuries, post-surgical rehab)
- Neck pain (cervicalgia)
- Tennis Elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Tendinitis
- Frozen shoulders
- Ankle sprains/strains
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Gastrointestinal
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome/IBS (diarrhea, constipation, cramping, pain)
- Crohn’s Disease
- Ulcerative Collitis
- Acid Reflux/Heartburn/gastro-esophageal reflux disease
- Nausea/vomiting
- Diarrhea/constipation
Head/Ears/Eyes/Nose/Throat
- Headaches (migraines, tension, sinus pain)
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- TMJD (jaw pain, temporo-mandibular joint dysfunction)
- Meniere’s Disease (dizziness, vertigo, issue with ears)
- Ear infections
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Bell’s palsy
- Dental pain
Respiratory
- Sinusitis
- Seasonal allergies
- Frequent colds and infections
- Cough
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
Other
- General well being
- Lifestyle balance
- Smoking cessation
- Weight control
Acupuncture is recoginized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) as effective in treating these conditions.
(WHO) – Diseases and Disorders That Can Be Treated With Acupuncture