Acupuncture

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Acupuncture improves the body’s functions and promotes the natural self-healing process by stimulating specific anatomic sites--commonly referred to as acupuncture points, or acupoints. The most common method used to stimulate acupoints is the insertion of fine, sterile needles into the skin. Pressure, heat, or electrical stimulation may further enhance the effects.

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Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on an ancient philosophy that describes the universe, and the body, in terms of two opposing forces: yin and yang. When these forces are in balance, the body is healthy. Energy, called "qi" (pronounced "chee") flows along specific pathways, called meridians, throughout the body. This constant flow of energy keeps the yin and yang forces balanced. However, if the flow of energy gets blocked, like water getting stuck behind a dam, the disruption can lead to pain, lack of function, or illness. Acupuncture therapy can release blocked qi in the body and stimulate function, evoking the body’s natural healing response through various physiological systems. Modern research has demonstrated acupuncture’s effects on the nervous system, endocrine and immune systems, cardiovascular system, and digestive system. By stimulating the body’s various systems, acupuncture can help to resolve pain, and improve sleep, digestive function, and sense of well-being.

 

Medical Acupuncture is based on meridian channel pathways and points are chosen based on area of pain and blockage of energy. Medical Acupuncture helps with pain management, inflammation, and trigger points. Traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture can also help conditions that medical acupuncture is beneficial, however, can also influence conditions of infertility, auricular acupuncture for addictions such as smoking, and can also help with weight loss. Naturopathic Doctors are trained in this area of TCM acupuncture

 

Traditional Chinese Medicine 

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How does Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine work and what can they treat?

 

Acupuncture is a medicine dating back over 5000 years ago to ancient China.  This medical model is based on the premise that the body is an interrelated system of energetic pathways.  These pathways flow throughout the entire body and are all connected to each other at some level.  The energy running along these pathways is called Qi, or ‘vital energy’.  When the body is in balance, the Qi runs smoothly and nourishes every part of the body.  When the body falls out of balance due to either: stress, overwork, poor dietary choices/habits, injury, climactic influences, etc., the energetic pathways no longer run in smooth succession.  Instead the body becomes imbalanced, and one will feel unwell, out-of-sorts, have pain, sleeping disorders, digestive disturbances, headaches, menstrual issues, and the list goes on.  Basically, Acupuncture can treat almost any case that doesn’t require emergency medical services or acute surgery.  Examples of conditions that Chinese Medicine can treat include:

 

-Gastrointestinal disorders (such as abdominal pain, constipation, IBS or acid reflux)

-Gynecological disorders such as (menstrual cramps, infertility and menopausal symptoms)

-Musculoskeletal disorders (such as neck and back pain, sciatica, tennis elbow and frozen shoulder).

-Headaches, migraines and hypertension

-Anxiety, insomnia and restless sleep

-General health and wellbeing

-Addictions such as smoking and food addiction

 

By placing tiny, thin stainless steel needles into strategic areas on the body where the meridians run superficially, a well-trained Traditional Chinese Medicine Practioner is able to help re-balance the body and therefore diminish or rid one of their ailments be it physical or emotional.  When the body is flowing smoothly, so does one’s mind and health!

 

What can I expect during a visit and how many treatments are needed?

 

You first visit will be 90 minutes as Acupuncture diagnosis requires a very detailed intake. You will be asked questions about all of the systems in your body, your tongue will be looked at, and your pulse will be checked. This helps to formulate a diagnosis and treatment plan that works specifically for you.  Once this is completed, you will lie on the table and the treatment will be performed.  Once the needles are in, you are left in the room to relax with soft music for 20-30 minutes.

All follow-up treatments are 60 minutes in length.  The amount of treatment needed usually depends on the severity of and length of time that you have been feeling unwell.  If your condition is relatively new and mild, often only a few sessions are necessary.  For chronic and severe cases, long-term treatment is the most beneficial.

Is only Acupuncture used? Are there any other treatments performed?

 

Acupuncture is normally the main method of treatment, but there are many other forms of treatment modalities that can be used or combined with the Acupuncture.  I am trained to practice: Chinese Herbology, Cupping Therapy (using suction cups to increase circulation), Moxibustion (a hot cigar-looking stick with a warming herb rolled inside; it is burned and then put over the skin to heat certain points), Tui Na (Chinese therapeutic massage), Electro-Acupuncture (placing tiny clips on certain needles and having them stimulated with a very gentle electric current), Chinese Dietary Therapy, and Gua Sha (‘scraping’ the skin to increase circulation and relieve pain).  I also have my 1st degree of Reiki training.

 

What is Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture?

 

Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture is the gentle placement of tiny, thin needles into the body and face to bring out your most radiant, natural beauty.  It works by rebalancing the body to a state of health, which in turn, reflects on the face.  The only side effects tend to be better sleep, increased energy, better digestion, and much more!  Please ask front desk for an information handout to find out more.

 

What if I am seeing another therapist of sorts?

 

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology is a medicine all of itself.  However, this is not to say that acupuncture can be, and at times should be, combined with other therapies.  At Complete Integrative Care we are patient-focused.  Since we have so many highly skilled therapists working under one roof, we are able to give the best care possible to each patient.  If I feel that a patient would benefit from another therapy more than Acupuncture, or would work even better alongside my therapies, then I refer the patient on.  We have found that the healing time for many patients has been much faster at our clinic than just on our own, as we can tailor our care to each individuals needs.  It is recommended that you always have regular check-ups with your doctor to have the most well-rounded health care possible.

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Cosmetic Acupuncture-is purported to improve skin and act as an anti-aging treatment in part by stimulating the production of collagen (a protein that acts as a major component of your skin).  It’s said to naturally help make the skin look younger, smoother, and all-around healthier.  Usually 10-12 sessions are recommended to see improvement. 

 

Reiki-a healing technique based on the principle that the therapist can channel energy into the patient by means of touch, to activate the natural healing processes of the patient's body and restore physical and emotional well-being. 

 

Herbal Medicine-Herbal medicine uses plants and natural substances for therapy or medicinal purposes.  This can comprise of herbal teas, decoctions or patent pills. 

 

TDP Lamp-With the functions of promoting, metabolism, regulating physiological deficiency, diminishing inflammation and easing pain, the TDP Lamp has proven to be extraordinarily effective in treating numerous ailments such as muscular soreness and pain, soft tissue injuries, arthritis and various skin conditions.  

 

Gua Sha-is the practice of using a tool to apply pressure and scrape the skin to relieve pain, promote blood flow and relieve tension.  

Moxibustion-is a form of heat therapy in which dried plant materials called "moxa" are burned on or very near the surface of the skin.  The intention is to warm and invigorate the flow of Qi in the body and dispel certain pathogenic influences. 

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Electroacupuncture-Electroacupuncture is a form of acupuncture where a small electric current is passed between pairs of acupuncture needles.  According to some acupuncturists, this practice augments the use of regular acupuncture, can restore health and well-being, and is particularly good for treating pain.  

 

Cupping-is an ancient form of Chinese medicine in which a therapist puts special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. People get it for many purposes, including to help with pain, inflammation, blood circulation, relaxation and well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage. 

 

Tui Na-is a form a Chinese medical massage used largely in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries or pain.  When muscles contract, they can compress the vessels preventing a sufficient supply of blood.

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