ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture is a component of Traditional Chinese Medicine that also includes cupping, moxibustion, and healing herbs. Acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years dating back to 1600-1100 BC, where sharpened stones or bones were used to treat. 

An exam is performed, which differs from a Western medical exam, where pulses are taken and the tongue is examined. This gives the doctor valuable information on the condition of your body and aids in providing a treatment plan. Acupuncture not only treats pain, but also conditions such as anxiety/depression, digestion, insomnia, only to name a few.

Acupuncture works by stimulating the body’s natural ability to heal itself. The body consists of energy (Qi) pathways that circulate throughout your body. Each of these pathways are related to a certain organ. If one of these pathways is blocked, dysfunction of the corresponding organ is seen or pain is experienced. Very thin needles are placed at strategic points to unblock these pathways so healing can occur. 

Acupuncture is safe and has no side-effects. There is no pain involved, only a slight sensation similar to being touched by a pencil tip. For those who are sensitive to needles, there are other methods to stimulate the acupuncture points, such as cold laser. 

Treatments last from 30-45 minutes, depending on the condition.  

Please make sure your practitioner is NCCAOM certified, as other professionals can partake in 2-3 weekend courses and can practice this art without studying the theory and principles that make acupuncture effective. The patient that says “acupuncture doesn’t work on me” may have been worked on by someone who wasn't NCCAOM certified. ACUPUNCTURE WORKS ON EVERYONE, if done properly.