what is acupuncture
Acupuncture and TCM is an ancient form of medicine that has been used for more than 3000 years. Acupuncture is one of the most widely used medicines around the world. Acupuncture treats the root of the problem, not just the symptoms to promote longer lasting results. Single use sterile needles are used on specific points on the body that work with the nervous, endocrine and musculoskeletal systems to assist in achieving pain relief, balance and homeostasis within the body.
what does acupuncture
treat
The World Health Organization (WHO) published a list of diseases and conditions effectively treated by acupuncture in controlled clinical trials. Acupuncture treats a wide range of disorders including, but not limited to those listed below.
Cardiovascular Disorders
Essential hypertension
Disorders of The Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat
Acute conjunctivitis
Central retinitis
Myopia (in children)
Cataracts (without complications) Toothaches, post extraction pain Gingivitis
Acute and chronic pharyngitis
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Spasms of esophagus and cardia Irritable bowel and colitis Hiccough
Gastroptosis
Acute and chronic gastritis
Gastric hyperacidity
Chronic duodenal ulcer (pain relief)
Acute duodenal ulcer (without complication) Acute and chronic colitis
Constipation
Diarrhea
Acute bacillary dysentery
Paralytic ileus
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Muscle pain, swelling, stiffness and weakness
Localized traumatic injuries, sprains, strains, tendonitis, contractures Arthritis
Fibromyalgia
Work and sports related injuries
Low back pain
Osteoarthritis
“Frozen shoulder”, “tennis elbow”
Sciatica
Neurological Disorders
Headache and migraine
Trigeminal neuralgia
Facial palsy (early stage, within 3 to 6 months) Paresis following stroke
Peripheral neuropathies
Meniere’s Disease
Nocturnal enuresis
Cervicobrachial syndrome
Neurogenic bladder dysfunction
Intercostal neuralgia
Disc problems
Gynecological Disorders
Infertility (Not WHO recognized. Clinical experience proves effective.) PMS
Dysmenorrhea
Menopause syndrome
Benign irregular menstruation Benign amenorrhea
Psychological Disorders
Depression
Anxiety
OCD
PTSD
Somatization disorder Hypersomnia Insomnia
Respiratory System Disorders
Acute sinusitis
Acute rhinitis
Common cold
Acute tonsillitis
Acute bronchitis
Bronchial asthma
Disorders of the Eye, Ear, Nose & Mouth Acute conjunctivitis
Central retinitis
Myopia (in children)
Cataract (without complications) Toothaches, post extraction pain Gingivitis
Acute and chronic pharyngitis
Other Disorders
Withdrawal from street and pharmacological drugs Appetite suppression
does acupuncture hurt
While not completely painless, it’s not like getting a shot at your doctor’s office. Acupuncture needles are much thinner than a standard hypodermic needle. About 40 acupuncture needles can fit in the head of a hypodermic needle. The most common sensation is a slightly heavy feeling with a calming effect. Most patients fall asleep on the treatment table.
how often should I come
That all depends. In the beginning it is suggested to come one to two times a week. Depending on your condition you may need to come in more often than with other conditions. Acute conditions usually take fewer treatments to see results. When dealing with a chronic condition it may take longer to see results. Remember when you spread out Acupuncture treatments too far apart it’s like starting from square one. Consistently is key.
what's the difference between Acupuncture and
Dry Needling
Becoming an Acupuncturist requires a 4 years Masters Program. In addition to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory Acupuncturist have a strong Bio-medical focus as well. They take courses in : Anatomy and Physiology, Biochemistry, and Pharmacology. Most practitioners who perform Dry needling have very little training. Often certification for Dry Needling is done online and requires as little as 30 hours with no needle technique training.
