Acupuncture

Balance and Healing Through Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional treatment method that uses fine, sterilized, stainless-steel needles gently inserted into the skin to stimulate specific acupuncture points. This practice encourages the body to heal itself and activates various physiological responses. Scientific research has found that the insertion of fine needles into acupuncture points engages the same internal pathways as the parasympathetic nervous system, putting our body into a state of rest and digest. These pathways also trigger the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins, which decrease pain responses and promote a sense of well-being.

Summary and Benefits: Acupuncture helps balance the body’s energy (Qi) and stimulates the nervous, circulatory, and immune systems. One of the primary benefits of acupuncture is its ability to reduce pain and inflammation. By targeting specific points, acupuncture modulates pain pathways and decreases the body’s inflammatory responses, making it effective for chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, migraines, and fibromyalgia. The insertion of needles enhances blood circulation, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to tissues, aiding in their repair and regeneration, and removing toxins and waste products from the body.

Additionally, acupuncture stimulates the body’s immune system, enhancing its ability to fight off infections and illnesses. It also regulates the release of cortisol and other stress hormones, thereby reducing chronic inflammation and improving conditions such as asthma, allergies, and autoimmune disorders. Acupuncture can influence the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which plays a significant role in managing stress, hormonal balance, and overall homeostasis. Regular acupuncture sessions can boost the immune system, enhance energy levels, and improve sleep quality. By addressing the root causes of health issues and restoring balance to the body’s systems, acupuncture supports long-term health and vitality.

Cupping Therapy Cupping therapy involves placing small glass or plastic cups on the skin with vacuum suction. The cups may remain stationary or be moved around (known as running cupping). This method enhances blood circulation and alleviates areas of congestion or stagnation in the body. Cupping is highly effective for myofascial release, easing deep muscle tension, and stimulating the lymphatic system to expel toxins from the body.

Moxibustion Moxibustion is a warming technique that uses the burning of dried mugwort herbs (moxa) over acupuncture points or on top of needles to introduce heat into these points, thereby enhancing healing, boosting blood production, and increasing energy. 

Commonly Treated Conditions:

• Pain Conditions: Musculoskeletal pain (back, neck, knee, shoulder, elbow, etc.), arthritis, migraines, headaches, sports injuries, fibromyalgia, TMJ, post-operative recovery, nervous system disorders.
• Chronic Illness and Autoimmune Conditions: Chronic fatigue syndrome, Covid Long Haulers, Mold Illness, Lyme Disease, EBV, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune disorders.
• Women’s Health: Infertility, PMS, menstrual irregularities, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), menopause, hormonal imbalances.
• Pregnancy: Morning sickness, body pain, cervical ripening, labor induction support, postpartum issues, breech baby, placenta previa.
• Mental/Emotional Health: Depression, anxiety, insomnia, sleep disturbances, stress.
• Respiratory Disorders: Asthma, allergies, sinus problems.
• Gastrointestinal Disorders: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), food allergies, ulcers, gastritis, acid reflux, indigestion, constipation/diarrhea.
• Men’s Health: ED, incontinence, reproductive disorders, prostate problems.

Procedure: During an acupuncture session, the practitioner inserts fine needles into specific acupuncture points based on the patient’s condition. The needles are typically left in place for about 25-30 minutes while the patient rests. Most patients report minimal to no discomfort during needle insertion.