EXPLORE TREATMENT
CATEGORIES
CHINESE MEDICINE
COMPONENTS
01.
ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is the insertion of hair-thin, solid, filiform needles into specific points on the body in order to cause a physiological change. While the existence of acupuncture dates back to 250BC, modern research supports the use of acupuncture for a variety of conditions.
02.
HERBAL MEDICINE
Herbal medicine is the prescription of an individualized formula of herbal products to treat a specific condition. While chinese herbs have been used for centuries, many of the plants utilized are the whole form of substrates found in modern day pharmaceuticals.
03.
DIETARY THERAPY
Dietary therapy is the understanding that nutrition has a huge impact on overall health outcomes. Dietary therapy includes discussion of individualized food recommendations, beneficial food combinations, as well as timing of meals to best match the specific physiological needs of the individual.
04.
MASSAGE
Tui Na is a therapeutic massage style specific to chinese medicine that has been utilized for more than 5,000 years. It is generally used in chinese medicine treatments to enhance the effects of other modalities, such as acupuncture, cupping, and gua sha in relieving pain and balancing the body.
05.
EXERCISE + LIFESTYLE
Chinese medical theory has long understood the importance of exercise and breath work in maintaining health and restoring function. Tai Chi and Qi Gong are two movement methods used in chinese medicine. Practitioners may teach and advise specific practices as a take-home method for enhancing healthy function and decreasing pain along with other lifestyle modifications.
COMMON ACUPUNCTURE
QUESTIONS
How does acupuncture work?
Answer.
While research on the mechanisms of acupuncture continues today, there are several known mechanisms for acupuncture that differ based on the acupuncture technique and insertion location utilized. During motor point needling, the needle is placed at the site of muscle innervation by motor nerve from the spinal cord that activates the muscle. When a motor point is stimulated by an acupuncture needle, the motor nerve signals the muscle to return to neutral positioning from an excessively shortened or excessively lengthened position, which restores range of motion and reduces tightness and pain.
Acupuncture also affects prostaglandins, diverse hormone-like compounds that play keys roles in a variety of conditions from inflammatory processes and fevers to menstrual cramps and digestive health. Studies also indicate that acupuncture can induce analgesia through modulation of neurotransmission within the central nervous system.
What can
acupuncture treat?
Answer.
The World Health Organization lists 28 disorders for which there is sufficient research through controlled trials to indicate acupuncture as an effective treatment modality, and an additional 63 more conditions for which acupuncture is recommended because trials have indicated therapeutic effect, but for which further investigation is needed.
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT:
Adverse reactions to radiotherapy and or chemotherapy, allergic rhinitis, biliary colic, depression, dysentery, dysmenorrhea, epigastralgia (peptic ulcer, chronic gastritis), facial pain, headache, essential hypertension, primary hypotension, labor induction, knee pain, leukopenia, low back pain, malposition of the fetus, morning sickness, nausea and vomiting, neck pain, pain in dentistry, shoulder periarthritis, postoperative pain, renal colic, rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, sprain, stroke, tennis elbow, and more.
What training is required for acupuncturists?
Answer.
Acupuncturists must complete a master's or doctorate degree from an accredited institution, typically taking 4 to 6 years. These programs encompass comprehensive studies in acupuncture techniques, herbal medicine, anatomy, physiology, and diagnostic methods. Programs include clinical rotations in a variety of settings, including in-patient and out-patient care facilities.
National board-certification and state licensure exams are also required for all practicing acupuncturists.
How many treatments are needed to see results?
Answer.
The number of acupuncture treatments needed to see results can vary widely depending on several factors, including the condition being treated, its severity, and the individual's overall health. Generally, many people start to notice improvements within 3 to 6 sessions.
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