Acupuncture Therapy
Acupuncture therapy is a major aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In the TCM system of medicine, yin and yang represent two opposing but inseparable forces present in nature, as well as a delicate balance within the human body. When the body is out of balance, we experience a wide range of symptoms from general discomfort, to emotional upset, to pronounced syndromes, etc.... Acupuncture serves to restore this imbalance by restoring the flow of Qi (Vital Energy) along pathways known as meridians.
There are 12 meridians that connect with specific organs, and 8 secondary meridians known as “Extraordinary”. There are more than 2,000 points located on these meridians, many of which have specific functions that not only target our physical structures but also our mental and spiritual aspects, to restore and create a holistic balance within the body.
The amount of treatments one may need depends on the condition and length of time a person has been experiencing the problem. I believe that you should get an overall sense if this treatment is right for you after the first treatment. A course of treatment is roughly between 6-12 sessions but vary case to case. Acupuncture therapy is also a very good preventative medicine that could be used on a regular basis as a means of health management to buffer the affects of stress and other cumulative factors that affect our overall health and happiness.
You will probably be surprised to find out the wide variety of conditions that acupuncture can treat. Though the most common reason in the Western world to visit an acupuncturist is for pain relief, there are hundreds of conditions that a qualified Acupuncturist can treat effectively. The World Health Organization lists 40 conditions, which may effectively be treated by Chinese medical methods. These include:
Infections: Colds and Flu, Bronchitis, Hepatitis
Internal: Hypoglycemia, Asthma, High Blood Pressure, Ulcers, Colitis, Indigestion, Hemorrhoids, Diarrhea, Constipation, Diabetes
Ears, Eyes, Nose, Throat: Deafness, Ringing in Ears, Earaches, Poor Eyesight, Dizziness, Sinus Infection, Sore Throat, Hay Fever
Dermatological: Eczema, Acne, Herpes
Musculo-Skeletal & Neurological: Arthritis, Neuralgia, Sciatica, Back Pain, Bursitis, Tendonitis, Stiff Neck, Bell's Palsy, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Headache, Stroke, Cerebral Palsy, Polio, Sprains
Genito-Urinary & Reproductive: Impotence, Infertility, Pre-Menstrual Syndrome, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Vaginitis, Irregular Period, Cramps, Morning Sickness
Mental-Emotional: Anxiety, Stress, Depression, Insomnia
Adjunct therapies:
Moxibustion is a treatment often used for pain that occurs with arthritis. Moxa is actually an herb that when it's heated will help to improve the flow of blood and qi to alleviate pain. This is often used for severe menstrual cramps and digestive disturbances. This treatment is very relaxing and effective.
Cupping and Gua Sha therapy are often used for painful conditions in the back and shoulders. Cupping and gua sha both work to remove stagnation that is causing pain and improve blood flow to muscles and interstitial tissues. Both of these treatments are very comfortable for the patient.
Herbal therapy is very effective at treating both acute and chronic conditions. Through thousands of years, Eastern traditions have developed formulas that are both safe, natural, and effective at alleviating many conditions. Herbs can be taken in raw form (where you cook them up yourself)pill, or powder form. We are very excited to be working with one of the first herbal pharmacies in the city. All herbal formulas are customized for optimal effects.