|
Acupuncture |
|
What is Acupuncture? - Acupuncture is a holistic health care modality that has been used in China for over 2,500 years and is widely used throughout Asia and Europe. Since the 1970's acupuncture has experienced a strong presence in the United States, with accredited schools and dedicated students making acupuncture accessible to the U.S. public.
In addition to acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) also incorporates the use of herbal medicine and Eastern nutrition, both of which contribute to a well versed and holistic approach to healing. Acupuncture involves the inserting of single-use, sterilized, fine needles into specific acupuncture point locations on the body to stimulate a specific physiological and energetic response. By using a system of diagnostic tools (pulse, tongue diagnosis, palpation, and questioning), the acupuncturist is able to determine a pattern of disharmony causing the patient's symptoms. In taking into consideration the person as a whole rather than isolating single symptoms, these diagnostic tools allow the acupuncturist to treat the underlying cause of a patient's symptoms, as well as the initial symptoms bringing a patient in. Many patients find acupuncture to be a very relaxing treatment. Initial appointments generally take about an hour and a half, while follow up appointments take about an hour. Your acupuncturist can help you to determine the number and frequency of treatments that may be most beneficial in addressing your symptoms.
Will Acupuncture hurt? - While Acupuncture does use needles, they are a small fraction of the size of a hospital needle. Sometimes you may experience a small prick upon insertion, but our Acupuncturists are trained with gentle techniques and excellent knowledge to make it a comfortable experience.
What does Acupuncture treat & who can Benefit?
According to the WHO (World Health Organization:
http://www.who.int/topics/traditional_medicine/en/) Acupuncture is an effective treatment for the following: headaches, gynecological issues, digestive issues (ie. IBS, nausea/vomiting), immune enhancing, pain (ie. sciatica, neck pain, low back pain), sprains, strains, stroke, dental pain, pre/post natal, emotional disorders (ie. anxiety, depression), amongst other things. See below for a little more on how Acupuncture can benefit pre/post natal women, sports injuries, and the immune system (ie. cold/flu, allergies).
___________________________________________________________
Sports Injuries
- Acupuncture is an incredibly powerful medicine in the area of sports medicine, helping to heal strains, sprains, breaks, pain, and inflammation in conjunction with biomedicine. It is not only an effective therapy in the reduction and alleviation of pain, but it also helps to improve functional abilities and quality of life.
Studies have shown that acupuncture releases endorphins from the brain which is part of what makes it particularly effective in pain management. - Acupuncture also functions to improve circulation and reduce inflammation, which allows the body to heal more quickly and completely. Coming in for acupuncture when you are already in physical therapy or even have a cast on is an effective way to heal more quickly and completely, fighting off any chronic pain or discomfort that might occur afterwards. Acupuncturists are now regularly being integrated in professional sports medical teams.
Conditions commonly treated include...
-Ankle sprains, shin splints, knee injuries, Achilles tendonitis, hamstring strains
-Iliotibial band friction syndrome, hip flexor strain, sacroiliac joint pain, chronic low back pain
-Lumbar disc degeneration and herniation
-Carpal tunnel syndrome, lateral/medial epicondylitis (tennis/golfers elbow), thoracic outlet syndrome
-Rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder, gastrocnemius/soleus strain
|
|
|
|
