Acupuncture
Acupuncture is used for balancing the flow of energy or life force, known as chi or qi (chee), which flows through pathways (meridians) in your body. Each meridian connects to a specific organ, or group of organs, that governs particular bodily functions. Illness results in the body when there is to much or to little qi resulting in blocked or stagnant qi.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of tiny hairlike sterile needles into specific points or gateways on the body which increase energy flow and decrease stagnation promoting healing and a well balanced state. This stimulation can boost your body’s immune system and its ability to act as a natural painkiller, increases nerve conduction and blood flow, reduces inflammation and releases endorphins for pain. Commonly, acupuncture is used to treat acute and chronic pain but, it also treats stress, anxiety, depression, allergies, common cold, insomnia, diabetes, hypertension, Bell’s palsy, TMJ, menopause, and more. Other uses are stroke recovery, pre & post operative care, hospice, and as disease and injury prevention.
Time & Frequequency
A typical treatment plan is 8-12 visits one to three times a week. The number of treatments a patient requires depends on the complexity of the issue, if it is acute or chronic, and overall health. Acute issues require fewer treatments while chronic conditions may require 1-3 treatments a week for several months to achieve optimal results. Committing to following a treatment plan allows enough time for the body to heal and results in a better and more lasting outcome for the patient.
Auricular (ear) Acupuncture
There is a whole world on the ear and all of the 12 main meridians run in, around, or thru it. When specific acupuncture points are stimulated on the ear a signal is sent to the brain to that area on the body. This type of acupuncture is used to treat smoking, addiction, weight loss, and even in times of war on the battlefield. It can be used alone or in addition to any acupuncture treatment.
Scalp Acupuncture
Scalp acupuncture or neuroacupuncture, is done by inserting acupuncture needles into loose areolar tissue layer of the scalp to stimulate the brain neurons of the underlying area. Just like the ear the scalp can be used alone or with body acupuncture to achieve the best results.
Acupuncture Point Injection Therapy (APIT) or Biopuncture
Acupuncture Point Injection Therapy (APIT) or biopuncture is the injection of homeopathic substances, like Traumeel, or vitamin B12 into acupuncture points to manage pain, muscle spasm, inflammation, arthritis, fatigue, and vitamin deficiency. Like acupuncture, fine needles are inserted into acupuncture points or trigger points just under the skin or into muscles. A healing process is created by stimulating those acupuncture points with natural substances and affecting the body on a deeper level to promote healing. This treatment modality is added to acupuncture sessions for optimal healing.
Ear Seeds
Ear seeds are made of a chinese herb called a vaccaria seed and held in place by an adhesive bandage. Your acupuncturist will place the seeds on specific acupuncture points on the ear, then you squeeze those seeds to stimulate those points extending and enhansing the acupuncture treatment. They stay in place for 3-5 days, peel them off to remove, & throw away. You can sleep and shower with them and they are a compliment to any treatment.