Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing practice that uses very fine metal needles to affect the body’s natural energy or Qi flow. One can liken the Qi flow to a dynamic blueprint that regulates and maintains all aspects of your body’s wellbeing.
Acupuncture is extremely safe and has very few side effects. Many people find it very relaxing and calming, as well as feeling energized and more balanced physically and mentally.
What are the benefits of acupuncture?
Acupuncture is used for a wide range of health issues. It can help treat your pain, anxiety, injuries, inflammation, insomnia, hormonal imbalance, digestive woes, and many chronic and acute illnesses (see a more complete list of conditions at the bottom of the page). While you generally feel the effects of acupuncture right away—especially its calming effects—lasting benefits can often take more sessions, especially in regards to chronic issues.
You are designed to heal. Acupuncture guides your body in the right direction and removes barriers and assists the flow of Qi (life force energy) so you can heal better and more effectively.
How does acupuncture work?
From the classical perspective acupuncture works with the body’s electrical (Qi) system. Over the course of millennia, healers have mapped the flow of energy (Qi) through a system of channels and specific acupuncture points that run on or just under the surface of the body through the fascia and connective tissues. When these channels become blocked, move in the wrong direction or deviate from their normal pathways, illness, pain and discomfort can be the result. Acupuncture needles create areas of lowered electrical resistance which we can use to correct the flow of energy through the body’s channel system (also known as acupuncture meridians). When the healthy flow of channel Qi is re-established, the body’s ability to heal is greatly enhanced.
A bio-medical explanation is that healing occurs when the needles tap into the nociceptor and proprioceptor areas of fascia. The brain receives strong signals to both release endorphins and gasotransmitters to restore blood circulation to the site of injury. Stimulating circulation, activating nerve pathways and releasing the body’s natural chemicals like feel-good endorphins and neurotransmitters can have a powerful effect.
Whichever explanation makes more sense to you, the result is the same, a sense of relaxation and balance as the body goes deep into parasympathetic mode resulting in highly improved health outcomes.
What can you expect during an acupuncture treatment?
The first thing to know about acupuncture is that it’s not supposed to be painful. Common sensations after needling include tingling, a dull ache or a feeling of pressure or heaviness. Most patients describe feeling relaxed and comfortable during their session. Many take a nap on the table.
During the treatment, you will lie down on a comfortable massage table while sterile, one-time-use needles are inserted at specific points. The needles will be left in your body while you rest for anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on your treatment plan and how much time you have. Heat lamps will often be used to keep you warm, comfortable and enhance your sense of relaxation. Chances are you’ll be napping by the time the needles are removed.
After treatment, you may feel sleepy and deeply relaxed. It’s also possible you’ll feel energized or a bit lightheaded. All are normal reactions. You’re likely to feel really good for the rest of the day. If you can make some time for the effects of your treatment to settle in, this can enhance its efficacy.
How many treatments do you need?
There is no one answer to this question. For some issues one treatment is sufficient, but for many and especially chronic and deep-rooted conditions, multiple treatments may be required. Every case is unique. I’ll give you a general idea of what to expect, but everybody has their own pace and rate of healing.
Some of the conditions that acupuncture can treat:
- Abdominal pain and distension
- Anxiety/Depression
- Cardiovascular issues
- Constipation/Diarrhea
- The Common Cold
- Flu, Sore throat
- Post covid Syndrome
- Cough/Bronchitis
- Allergies/Asthma
- Vertigo/Dizziness
- Headache/Migraine
- Hiccups
- Indigestion
- IBS
- Insomnia & Sleep Disorders
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
- Nausea
- Obesity
- Stroke Rehabilitation
- Gynecological Disorders
- Pre-Menstrual Syndrome
- Menopausal Discomfort
- Fatigue
- Tics & tremors
- Urinary Disorders
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Sinusitis
- Diabetes
- Thyroid issues
- High Blood Pressure
- Arthritis/Joint Problems
- Ulcers
- Hypoglycemia
- Infertility
- Vomiting
- Tinnitus
- Edema
- Epilepsy
- Side effects of Chemotherapy
- Urticaria (Hives)
- Pharmaceutical withdrawal
- Acne
- Rosacea
- Varicose Veins
- Skin Problems
- Tendonitis
- Bladder/Kidney problems
- Drug/Alcohol/Smoking Addiction
- Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Heart Problems/Palpitations
- Immune System Deficiency
- Paralysis/Numbness
- Rhinitis
- Sciatica
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Stress/Tension