Traditional Chinese medicine--which incorporates acupuncture, cupping, Gua Sha, and the application of medicinal herbs--has evolved over the past 5,000 years into a comprehensive form of alternative healthcare that has helped billions of people address not only their symptoms, but the root causes of their conditions.
We often notice that stress and digestive issues can manifest into physical ailments. This is why acupuncture and chiropractic treatments complement each other so well.
Safe and effective, traditional Chinese medicine activates the body’s Qi (pronounced “chee”), which in turn promotes its natural self-healing abilities.
We often notice that stress and digestive issues can manifest into physical ailments. This is why acupuncture and chiropractic treatments complement each other so well.
Safe and effective, traditional Chinese medicine activates the body’s Qi (pronounced “chee”), which in turn promotes its natural self-healing abilities.
how does acupuncture work?
Traditional Chinese medicine makes use of the body's Qi, also known as vital energy, which flows throughout the body. Qi is comparable to the electrical signals that constantly bounce between our brain and the cells of our body. In a healthy body, Qi provides us vitality and allows us to function, but when Qi becomes blocked, it often manifests in a variety of physical symptoms. Using needles, acupuncture unblocks the Qi and allows this vital energy to flow smoothly, increasing the body's self-healing abilities.
does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture uses slim, sterile, one-time-use needles much more thin than needles used to draw blood. The sensations from acupuncture needles vary from an initial prick and then nothing at all to a mild tingling or numbness to a heaviness or deep ache or occasionally an electric pulsation. Once the needles are removed, most people feel no pain, though they may feel some tenderness. These sensations are related to the activation of your Qi and are considered healthy reactions.
what is a typical acupuncture treatment like?
During your initial treatment, you will be asked some questions about your health and daily living. Then you will be given a thorough examination to determine your diagnosis. Now it's your turn to relax. You lie down while acupuncture needles are placed at several locations on your body. The needles will remain in place for approximately 25-30 minutes, during which time we suggest that you enjoy the dim light, soothing music, and warmth from the heat lamp. When the time is up, the needles are removed. You may feel tired or light-headed or you may feel even more clear and alert. Some may not feel much at all. We want you to feel comfortable, so please let us know if you have any questions.
how can i achieve the best treatment results?
To achieve the best results, we recommend you eat something light before your acupuncture treatment but not a large or heavy meal. Try not to eat or drink anything that will discolor your tongue, as we examine it as part of our diagnosis. Avoid vigorous activities, alcohol, and drugs before and after your treatments. Please wear comfortable, loose clothing to your appointment so as to make acupuncture points easier to access. Come to your appointment with an open mind, allowing your body to embrace your acupuncture treatment.
how many acupuncture treatments will I need?
The number of recommended treatments varies by person, depending on your condition and the length of time you've already lived with the issue. While it is not uncommon for people to feel immediate relief, others may take weeks or months. Acute conditions tend to resolve more quickly than chronic ones. Typically, we'll want to see you a couple times per week for the first two weeks and then re-evaluate you to determine the future course of treatments.
what does cupping involve?
Cupping is a Chinese medical treatment that is used to stimulate blood flow and Qi within the superficial muscle layers in order to remove toxins from the body. It is most often used to relieve sore muscles, tension, aches and pains, and common colds. The treatment involves placing a small glass or plastic cup will be placed over an affected area for 5-10 minutes, thereby creating a vacuum under the cup using heat or suction. After a cupping treatment, you will have red and/or purple suction marks that should dissipate within a day or two. Do not be alarmed by these marks as they are your body's normal reaction to the cupping.
what is gua sha?
Gua Sha is a Chinese medical therapy used to release muscle tension and tightness. It is also used to help relieve common colds. Using a special tool, we scrape and rub the skin to release toxins to the surface. You may have some red or purple marks as a result. These are normal and should dissipate within a day or two.
what are the benefits of chinese herbs?
Used to strengthen the body's immune system and promote self-healing, Chinese herbs can be a very powerful and effective complement to acupuncture. Chinese herbs used for chronic conditions that require daily treatment have a longer-lasting effect.
what are some common conditions that chinese medicine can treat?
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO), here is a partial list of conditions that have been effectively treated by the above techniques: neck and back pain, joint and muscle pain, headaches and migraines, colds and flu, vertigo and dizziness, PMS, menopause, gynecological disorders, infertility, digestive disorders, fatigue, depression, anxiety, stress, addictions, asthma and bronchial disorders, and neuralgia. Again, this is only a partial list. If you are suffering from something not listed, please reach out to us with any questions.