What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient medical therapy that uses extremely thin needles to simulate self-healing and promote health. It is safe, effective and painless and has been used for over 3000 years. Acupuncture is based on an energetic model that encourages your body's natural healing abilities.

 

How does acupuncture work?

By stimulating specific points on the body with thin needles to help the body restore healthy function, often resolving symptoms and easing or preventing disease. Acupuncture encourages your body's natural healing abilities. It strengthens and improves overall function, enhances recuperative power and immunity, and enables you to regain and enjoy physical and emotional health. Acupuncture produces results by re-establishing and ensuring continuous flow of vital life energy called Qi.

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What kinds of conditions does it help?

Acupuncture can be used in many areas of medicine and for both acute and chronic conditions. The World Health Organization and the National Institute of Health have determined that acupuncture is useful in the treatment of:

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   - Chronic and acute pain, including injuries, headaches, neck/shoulder/back pain, tendonitis, sciatica, etc.

   - Neurological disorders, including post-stroke recovery, Bell's palsy, Trigeminal Neuralgia, movement disorders, etc.

   - Upper respiratory disorders, including asthma, allergies, bronchitis, sinusitis, sore throat, colds, flu., etc.

   - Urinary and reproductive disorders, including cystitis, menstrual cramps, irregular or heavy periods, infertility, menopausal symptoms, etc.

   - Acupuncture can also treat addictions, immune function problems, eye and ear disorders, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and many other

    conditions.

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What can I expect?

After booking your first appointment you will receive an email containing a link to the initial intake and patient consent forms. You can complete these forms on your personal laptop or mobile device. Please complete the forms in their entirety and promptly. These forms must be completed prior to your first appointment. 

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During your initial visit we will discuss your health history and primary health concern. I will perform diagnostics, feel the pulses on your wrists, and look at your tongue. The pulses correspond to the twelve energy pathways of the body and the tongue is a map of the body; both reflect overall health. Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis, I will create a personalized treatment plan. A treatment plan usually consists of 8 to 12 weekly treatments. I recommend that you receive 2-3 treatments within the first 7-10 days, if possible. Some chronic conditions may require up to 20 or more treatments. Acute conditions may resolve within 3 to 6 treatments. Most patients see results after 1 to 2 treatments while others may not see results until after 3 to 6 treatments. Results vary. Your treatment plan can include herbal medicine and life style recommendations.

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We will discuss your progress during each visit. After you complete your treatment plan, we will discuss a wellness care plan to help you stay symptom free.  Your initial appointment will take 50 - 60 minutes, subsequent appointments will take 30 - 40 minutes. Wear loose clothing that rolls up to your knees and elbows. 

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During the treatment, you may feel energized, emotional, or a deep sense of relation and well-being. You might feel numbness, heaviness, tingling or a dull ache where the needle was inserted. All these reactions are a good sign and indicate that the treatment is working.

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