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Acupuncture

Acupuncture

Medical Acupuncture combines 3000-year-old ancient traditional philosophy of western Chinese medicine with modern, evidence-based physiological and anatomical approaches of eastern medicine. In 1997, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) documented and publicized acupuncture’s safety and efficacy for treating a wide range of conditions.

 

Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on an ancient philosophy that describes the universe, and the body, in terms of two opposing forces: yin and yang. When these forces are in balance, the body is healthy. Energy, called "qi" (pronounced "chee") flows along specific pathways, called meridians, throughout the body. This constant flow of energy keeps the yin and yang forces balanced. However, if the flow of energy gets blocked, like water getting stuck behind a dam, the disruption can lead to pain, lack of function, or illness. Acupuncture therapy can release blocked qi in the body and stimulate function, evoking the body’s natural healing response through various physiological systems.

 

From a modern, eastern medicine approach, Acupuncture works through neurohormonal pathways. It improves the body function and promotes the natural self-healing process by stimulating specific anatomic sites - commonly referred to as acupuncture points, or acupoints with fine, sterile needles into the skin. Basically, the needle stimulates the nerve, which signals the brain, to release nerve growth factors, neural hormones such as beta-Endorphins and reduce pro-inflammatory protein markers in the body. This acts to increase pain thresholds and reduce pain and inflammation within the body. Most people feel no or minimal discomfort as the fine needles are gently placed. Heat, or electrical stimulation may be applied to further enhance the physiological effects. The needles are usually retained between five and 30 minutes. During and after treatment, people report that they feel very relaxed. The frequency and number of recommended treatments differ from person to person. Some people experience dramatic relief after the first treatment but usually it will take between 3-6 treatments before beneficial effects are observed and improvements in symptoms are felt. Hundreds of clinical studies have proven that acupuncture can successfully treat conditions ranging from musculoskeletal problems, nausea, migraine headache, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and infertility.

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Used on its own or as a complementary modality with your massage therapy treatment, acupuncture may be used to address

  • Pain syndromes including Fibromyalgia & Dysmenorrhea

  • TMJ syndrome

  • Facial pain including Trigeminal Neuralgia & Toothache

  • Allergic Rhinitis, Sinusitis & Hay Fever

  • Musculoskeletal pain including acute or chronic knee, neck, back pain

  • Migraine & Headache

  • Arthritis pain & swelling associated with OA, RA & Gouty Arthritis

  • Tendonitis & Bursitis including Tennis & Golfers Elbow

  • Postoperative pain & swelling

  • Sciatica

  • Sprain & Strains

  • Stroke recovery

  • General sense of relaxation and wellbeing

Bridget R. Smith

I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.

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