Acupuncture originated in China at least 5,000 years ago. It gradually spread to Japan and Korea where those cultures developed their own styles. Although acupuncture is the most well-known of the Chinese medical practices, it is only one of many, known collectively as the Eight Branches of Classical Chinese Medicine. Some of the other practices include herbology, nutrition and meditation.
Acupuncture is the insertion of thin stainless steel needles through the skin at specific sites to regulate the body's energies. According to Traditional Chinese Medical Theory, qi, or energy, flows throughout the body in a network of channel and meridians. Acupuncture serves to harmonize and distribute the qi to areas of the body that contain blockages or deficiencies. Acupuncture activates the body’s immune system to address the imbalances/diseases.
Chinese medicine is holistic in nature. Its intention is to treat all aspects of the human being: the physical, the emotional and the spiritual. All of these are considered to be affected by the disease process and thus are part of the treatment. This leads to a more comprehensive healing and sense of well-being. It also encourages the patient to become active in their own healing process
During the treatment, the experience varies depending upon the nature of the condition. Some patient feel relaxed, others feel energized. Many patients will go to sleep, while others will enter into a meditative state. After the treatment, you should notice the peak effect of the acupuncture within 24 to 48 hours.
Conditions Commonly Treated With Acupuncture
| Gynecological |
Musculoskeletal |
- Fertility Enhancement
- Menopause
- Infertility
- PMS
- PCOS
- Fibroids
- Ovarian Cysts
- Irregular Cycle
- No Menstrual Cycle
- Heavy Menstrual Cycle
- Painful Menstrual Cycle
|
- Sports Injury
- Arthritis
- Back Pain
- Neck Pain
- Carpal Tunnel
- Pain Management
- Hip and Knee Pain
- Shoulder and Wrist Pain
- Enhancing Athletic Performance
- Muscle Cramps, Pain & Weakness
|
| Neurological |
Respiratory |
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Stroke
- Post-operative Pain
- Bladder Dysfunction
|
- Bronchitis
- Sinusitis
- Asthma
- Common Cold
- Smoking Addiction
|
| Emotional |
Digestive |
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Postpartum Depression
|
- Abdominal Pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Indigestion
- Hyperacidity
- IBS- Irritable Bowel
|
Miscellaneous |
- Facial Rejuvenation
- Weight Gain/Loss
- Hypothyroidism
- Imbalanced Hormones
- Side-effects from Chemo & Radiation
|
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Hypo/Hypertension
- Weak Immune System
- Anti-Aging
|
Chinese herbal medicine is a much older practice than acupuncture. It dates back more than 7,000 years ago. Not only is it older than acupuncture, it is viewed as a subtler, more refined and thus “higher” level of medicine. Skilled medical herbalists are held in the highest esteem in China.
There are thousands of herbs in the common Chinese pharmacopoeia. Each individual herb is designated to have certain inherent properties according to Chinese natural science theory. Herbs are categorized according to their Yin/Yang designation, their inherent flavor, temperature and the channels and organs to which they exert influence.
Chinese herbs are rarely prescribed individually. Instead, they are combined with other herbs into formulas. The idea is that by combining herbs, the practitioner may reduce the harshness of some herbs and/or increase the beneficial effects of others. It is a system of checks and balances.
Chinese herbs are prescribed in order extend the effects of the acupuncture treatment between patient visits. Not every patient will be prescribed an herbal formula. The practitioner will decide if herbs are necessary to attain the patient’s therapeutic goal.
