What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the most widely used holistic medicines throughout the world. In simplest terms, acupuncture is the practice of penetrating the skin with small needles at specific points on the body. This stimulates certain nerve endings of the body and can relieve a wide variety of health conditions.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture works by signaling the body to use its own natural process of self-healing. The way this is done is by stimulating one’s nerves at specific points on their body, also known as acupoints. This stimulation has the ability to release muscles, override brain signals and even affect hormonal imbalances.
In traditional Chinese medicine it is believed that acupuncture works though the balance of energy, often referred to as qi (pronounced: chi). Qi is said to flow through the body through pathways called meridians, and is broken up into two parts, yin and yang. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that illnesses are derived from the imbalance or blockage of one’s qi. Acupuncture solves this by relieving these blocks or imbalances, allowing the body to reach a healthy state of equilibrium.
Benefits of Acupuncture
Acupuncture is beneficial for a variety of reasons:
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If performed correctly, acupuncture is extremely safe.
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There are minimal side effects.
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It can effectively be combined with other treatments.
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It can control many different types of pain.
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Acupuncture is a great alternative for those whom pain medications are not suitable.
What Can Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture is most commonly used to treat chronic pain, however, it has the ability to treat or assist in a wide range of health conditions including:
Eye, Eat, Nose, Throat Disorders
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Sinustitis
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Sore Throat
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Hay Fever
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Earache
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Nerve Deafness
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Ringing in the Ears
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Dizziness
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Infected Mucus
Circulatory Disorders
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High Blood Pressure
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Angina Pectoris
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Arteriosclerosis
Gastrointestinal (G.I.) Disorders
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Intestinal Inflammation
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Spastic Colon
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Colitis
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Constipation
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Diarrhea
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Food Allergies
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Ulcers
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Gastritis
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Abdominal Bloating
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Hemorrhoids
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Metabolism Issues
Gynecological/Genitourinary Disorders
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Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
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Irregular, Heavy or Painful Menstruation
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Enometriosis
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Menopause
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Fibroids
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Chronic Bladder Infection
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Complications in Pregnancy
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Morning Sickness
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Kidney Stones
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Impotence
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Infertility in Men and Women
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Sexual Dysfunction
Addiction
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Tobacco smoking
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Drugs
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Alcohol
Emotional and Psychological Disorders
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Stress
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Insomnia
Musculoskeletal and Neurological Disorders
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Arthritis
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Neuralgia
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Sciatica
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Back Pain
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Bursitis
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Tendonitis
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Stiff Neck
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Bell's Palsy
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Trigeminal Neuralgia
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Headaches and Migraines
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Stroke
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Cerebral Palsy
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Polio
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Sprains
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Muscle Spasms
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Shingles
Acupuncture has also been shown to assist with:
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Chemotherapy/Radiation Side Effects
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Diabetes
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Dermatological Disorders
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Weight Loss
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Compromised Immune Systems
Respiratory Disorders
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Asthma
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Emphysema
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Bronchitis
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Colds and Flu
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Environmental Allergies
What to Expect During Your Visit
First, one of our licensed acupuncturists will give you an initial examination. Using our unique assessment tools, the acupuncturist will be able to recommend a proper treatment plan to address your particular condition.
To begin the acupuncture treatment, you lay comfortably on a treatment table while precise acupoints are stimulated on various areas of your body. Most people feel no or minimal discomfort as the fine needles are gently placed. The needles are usually retained between five and 30 minutes.