How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture improves the body’s functions and promotes the natural self-healing process by stimulating specific anatomic sites--commonly referred to as acupuncture points, or acupoints. The most common method used to stimulate acupoints is the insertion of fine, sterile needles into the skin. Pressure, heat, or electrical stimulation may further enhance the effects. Other acupoint stimulation techniques include: manual massage, moxibustion or heat therapy, cupping, and the application of topical herbal medicines and linaments.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on an ancient philosophy that describes the universe, and the body, in terms of two opposing forces: yin and yang. When these forces are in balance, the body is healthy. Energy, called "qi" (pronounced "chee") flows along specific pathways, called meridians, throughout the body. This constant flow of energy keeps the yin and yang forces balanced.
However, if the flow of energy gets blocked, like water getting stuck behind a dam, the disruption can lead to pain, lack of function, or illness. Acupuncture therapy can release blocked qi in the body and stimulate function, evoking the body’s natural healing response through various physiological systems. Modern research has demonstrated acupuncture’s effects on the nervous system, endocrine and immune systems, cardiovascular system, and digestive system. By stimulating the body’s various systems, acupuncture can help to resolve pain, and improve sleep, digestive function, and sense of well-being.
Acupuncture improves the body’s functions and promotes the natural self-healing process by stimulating specific anatomic sites--commonly referred to as acupuncture points, or acupoints. The most common method used to stimulate acupoints is the insertion of fine, sterile needles into the skin. Pressure, heat, or electrical stimulation may further enhance the effects. Other acupoint stimulation techniques include: manual massage, moxibustion or heat therapy, cupping, and the application of topical herbal medicines and linaments.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on an ancient philosophy that describes the universe, and the body, in terms of two opposing forces: yin and yang. When these forces are in balance, the body is healthy. Energy, called "qi" (pronounced "chee") flows along specific pathways, called meridians, throughout the body. This constant flow of energy keeps the yin and yang forces balanced.
However, if the flow of energy gets blocked, like water getting stuck behind a dam, the disruption can lead to pain, lack of function, or illness. Acupuncture therapy can release blocked qi in the body and stimulate function, evoking the body’s natural healing response through various physiological systems. Modern research has demonstrated acupuncture’s effects on the nervous system, endocrine and immune systems, cardiovascular system, and digestive system. By stimulating the body’s various systems, acupuncture can help to resolve pain, and improve sleep, digestive function, and sense of well-being.
What happens during acupuncture treatment?
Filling intake form and Health consultant
Charles will give you an Intake form to fill and ask questions about your pain and how well you are functioning. Charles will also ask and check your overall health using Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis method such as taking pulse and looking at your tongue.
Body Exam prior to Treatment
Then Charles will look for the places (called points) on your body to access the qi that is blocked or not flowing right. Each of the points relates to certain health problems or body functions.
Acupuncture Treatment
Charles will look for landmarks on your body-using certain muscles or bones, for example-to find the points so that he or she can place the needles.
After the he finds the points, he will quickly tap very thin needles into your skin. He will probably place several needles. Some may be placed deeper than others, depending on what he believes is needed to restore the flow of qi.
In addition, Charles will use electric stimulator, especially for muscle & joint pain to enhance the treatment benefit with your agreement.
Every acupuncturist is different, but our treatment session lasts for an hour.
You may have several visits to complete your treatment.
Some people have ongoing visits.
Filling intake form and Health consultant
Charles will give you an Intake form to fill and ask questions about your pain and how well you are functioning. Charles will also ask and check your overall health using Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis method such as taking pulse and looking at your tongue.
Body Exam prior to Treatment
Then Charles will look for the places (called points) on your body to access the qi that is blocked or not flowing right. Each of the points relates to certain health problems or body functions.
Acupuncture Treatment
Charles will look for landmarks on your body-using certain muscles or bones, for example-to find the points so that he or she can place the needles.
After the he finds the points, he will quickly tap very thin needles into your skin. He will probably place several needles. Some may be placed deeper than others, depending on what he believes is needed to restore the flow of qi.
In addition, Charles will use electric stimulator, especially for muscle & joint pain to enhance the treatment benefit with your agreement.
Every acupuncturist is different, but our treatment session lasts for an hour.
You may have several visits to complete your treatment.
Some people have ongoing visits.
How many treatments will I need?
The frequency and number of treatments differ from person to person. Some people experience dramatic relief in the first treatment. For complex or long-standing chronic conditions, one to two treatments per week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required, usually eight to ten visits in total. An individualized treatment plan that includes the expected number of treatments will be discussed during your initial visit.
What conditions are commonly treated by acupuncture?
Hundreds of clinical studies on the benefits of acupuncture show that it successfully treats conditions ranging from musculoskeletal problems (back pain, neck pain, and others) to nausea, migraine headache, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and infertility.
The frequency and number of treatments differ from person to person. Some people experience dramatic relief in the first treatment. For complex or long-standing chronic conditions, one to two treatments per week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required, usually eight to ten visits in total. An individualized treatment plan that includes the expected number of treatments will be discussed during your initial visit.
What conditions are commonly treated by acupuncture?
Hundreds of clinical studies on the benefits of acupuncture show that it successfully treats conditions ranging from musculoskeletal problems (back pain, neck pain, and others) to nausea, migraine headache, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and infertility.
