Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese Medical Therapy using very fine, thin stainless steel needles into the body at specific points, which have been proven effective in the treatment of specific disorders. These points have been mapped out by the Chinese over the past 3,000 years. Recently, their locations have been confirmed by electromagnetic research.

Traditionally, acupuncture is based on the ancient Chinese theories of the flow of Qi (energy) through channels known as meridians which transverse the body similar, but not identical to, the nervous and circulatory systems. According to this theory, acupuncture regulates the flow of Qi by shunting it to those areas where it is deficient and releasing it from where it is in excess. Thus acupuncture regulates and restores the harmonious energetic balance of the body. The Chinese believe that the body is similar to a garden, and that in order to keep its energy flow in a healthy state, it must be both cultivated & pruned. One of the most important concepts in the treatment of the body in Chinese Medicine is that you cannot treat just the symptom, but you must treat the root of the problem in order to truly heal the body. Acupuncture sets the scene for the body to heal itself.

Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems. Here are a few imbalances acupuncture and Chinese medicine have been effective at treating:

Each individual is unique and the treatments are created tailored to each patient’s needs. Some people may experience improvement after only a couple of treatments, while others will take longer. During your consultation I will be able to give you an idea of what your treatment program will be. After the 2nd treatment, this becomes much more clear. Often times, on the path to recovery, several issues may arise, and these will also need to be treated. Acute conditions that are short in duration may only require 2-3 treatments to have a curative effect. Chronic conditions that are years in duration take longer to resolve. That doesn’t mean that you won’t have any benefit from a couple of treatments, it just means that it takes some more time to correct the underlying cause of the problem.

Yes. This clinic only uses pre-sterilized, individually packaged, single-use, disposable needles. The certification of Acupuncturists includes a Clean Needle Test as part of every national board exam in America.

In general, acupuncture is painless. If there is any discomfort it is usually mild. However, if the correct stimulus of the needles is achieved, the patient should feel some heaviness, distention, tingling, or electric sensation either around the needle or up and down the affected energy pathway or meridian.

• Wear loose and comfortable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points.
• Don’t eat large meals just before or after your visit. However, you should eat a light meal prior to treatment.
• Refrain from overexertion or the use of alcohol for up to 24 hours after your first visit.
• After your treatment, avoid stressful situations. Make time to relax. A warm bath or shower is helpful. Also, be sure to get plenty of rest and drink plenty of water.
• Between visits, make notes of any changes in your body that may have occurred. Like the alleviation of pain or pain moving to a different area, changes in the frequency and/or type of problem, etc… This information will be important to share with your acupuncturist.