Acupuncture

How does acupuncture work? 

Oriental medicine (OM) uses a vital force called “qi” which moves through and influences the body along specific channels.  Acupuncture stimulates points in the body where qi accumulates, thus causing changes in the energetics and functions of the body. We use needles to reach deeper areas where the qi is stronger.  This ensures a better therapeutic result. Your practitioner will advise you as to the best options available to fit your particular case.

Acupuncture is applicable to any condition, since the OM system treats patterns of imbalance based on signs and symptoms, rather than strictly defined diseases.  Some disorders TCM is reliably effective in treating include:  pain syndromes, stress, sequelae of strokes, certain skin disorders, allergies, GERD, constipation and other GI disorders, dysmennorhea, insomnia, and many other types of biomedical diagnoses.

Are there any side effects?

Acupuncture needles are very fine, and the needling sensation is no stronger than mild electric tingling or a dull ache.  This is usually only felt for a few seconds after needles are placed, and once the needles are removed (20-30 minutes later) the patient should have minimal or no unusual feeling at all. After needles are removed, there may be slight bruising around an insertion point. During and after acupuncture the patient may feel faint due to lowered blood sugar or blood pressure. Protocols are in place to deal with these more common hazards, and their threat is minimal.  This is the extent of side effects in the vast majority of cases; other less common dangers are discussed in the patient consent form.

Does it work with science-based treatment?

OM is an excellent complementary modality for many western treatments.  An excellent example of this is the use of OM as adjuvant therapy for chemotherapy. Acupuncture and herbs strongly support an immune system weakened by the main therapy, and ease nausea and other side effects.  Acupuncture used with pain syndromes can help decrease the need for pain medication.  There are many other similar examples; you are welcome to ask us about these applications.

What other OM modalities are available besides acupuncture? 

OM comprises an entire medical system with quite a variety of modalities.  We employ TENS units for mild electric stimulation, cupping (application to the skin of small glass cups with suction), tui na (Chinese medical bodywork), moxibustion (a warming therapy using a hot coal of herbs held close to the skin), and of course herbal formulas. OM theory also has a lot to say regarding lifestyle and daily habits, for example diet and exercise.  All our needles are single-use, sterile packaged, ultra-thin and high quality.