Acupuncture utilizes thin hair-like needles inserted in pivotal points along the bodies meridians. By inserting the needles strategically, the flow of the Qi is influenced and energy and nourishment are received. For optimal health the flow of Qi should be balanced and free flowing.
There is a common saying in Chinese Medicine that ‘where there is pain, there is stagnation’. Acute or chronic pain is an indication that there is something impeding proper movement and circulation within the system. Acupuncture works to remove obstructions within the body so it can return to a proper state of ‘flow’. Acupuncture has an effect on various systems within the body, releasing bound muscles, stimulating the nervous system, and modulating the endocrine system to alter the experience of pain and trigger the body’s natural healing capacity. Painful conditions that may benefit from acupuncture include Arthritis, Headaches and Migraines, Back Pain, Stiff Neck, Sciatica, Bursitis, Tendonitis, Neuralgia, Bell’s Palsy, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Cerebral Palsy, Sprains, Muscle Spasms, and Shingles.
For certain types of chronic pain, herbal medicine may be used as well, to nourish the body on a deeper level. Because the mind and body are deeply connected, physical and psychological pain often occur together, and acupuncture excels in its ability to positively affect both aspects of pain at the same time.
Chinese Medicine considers healthy, relaxed breathing to be central to the healthy functioning of the whole body. Respiratory disorders benefit from treatment with both acupuncture and herbal medicine, as well as cupping. These conditions include, but are not limited to, colds and flus, asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, sinusitis, and sore throat.
Allergies also respond well to treatment with acupuncture and herbs. These therapies help to modulate the body’s immune responses, reducing inflammation and changing overall patterns of reactivity to the environment. Seasonal allergies are often treated the season prior to allergic reactions, though allergies can benefit from treatment during any season. Food allergies and intolerances also respond well to treatment with acupuncture and herbs. Other types of allergic reactions, such as contact dermatitis, are also treated with herbs and acupuncture.
Respiratory health and breathing patterns affect the circulatory system, endocrine function, the health of the digestive system, and mental health. For this reason, the respiratory system may be treated as part of of treatment for other conditions as well. In particular, in Chinese Medicine breathing is understood to be integrally related to psychological health; the more relaxed and unconstrained the flow of breath is, the easier it is to cope with stress, experience spaciousness and contentment. For this reason, the art of deep, restful, nourishing breathing is considered vital for overall well being.
Chinese Medicine considers emotional health to be of central importance, and recognizes that emotional imbalances such as anxiety, stress, depression and PTSD can be the root-causes of other diseases.
Chinese Medicine’s emphasis on individualized treatment, which assesses each person’s individual pattern of imbalance, is especially appropriate for the treatment of emotional and psychological challenges. Each person is unique, and this is especially the case when it comes to our inner emotional world. Through a thorough diagnostic process, we seek to identify the root of emotional challenges. Once this imbalance has been identified, clients are treated with acupuncture and sometimes herbal medicine as well. We are trained in understanding herb-drug interactions, so if a client is currently taking prescription drugs to treat their anxiety, depression, or PTSD, we can assess whether herbs may still be appropriate and beneficial.
Stress
Life can be hectic, and for many Americans stress is a chronic state. The effects of stress go beyond our psychological functioning, affecting our respiratory, cardiovascular, and digestive health, and in the long run our overall longevity. Chinese Medicine considers a relaxed mind to be an essential aspect of having a healthy life.
Trauma
Trauma is stored in the body. In the case of PTSD, a traumatic event can imprint itself in the nervous system, creating patterns of unwanted automatic responses to triggering situations. Acupuncture works to soften and unwind these patterns, opening the possibility of freedom from painful somatic memories. Healing from trauma is a different process for everyone, and the time-frame is different for each individual based on how deeply patterns are stored in their system. Regardless of the time-frame, however, acupuncture can be of enormous--and in some cases essential--support in the process of recovery.
Because the body and the mind are deeply connected, emotional imbalances can have a major effect on the health of the entire system. For this reason, the state of one's emotions is always a consideration in the formulation of treatment, even for concerns that are more physical in nature.
Chinese Medicine considers the health of the digestive system to be the basis for the health of the entire body. For this reason, we understand that digestive problems often give rise to other challenges, such as fatigue, pain, anxiety and depression. By bringing the digestive system back into balance, we help to balance the body as a whole, promoting greater wellness and ease.
Treatments for digestive problems often include a thorough examination of diet and dietary counseling, as well as acupuncture. In some cases, we may prescribe herbal medicine to support digestion as well. Acupuncture, as well as Chinese Herbs and Dietary counseling, are very effective at treating many types of digestive disorders. These include (but are by no means limited to) indigestion, bloating, nausea and vomiting, acid reflux, inflammatory conditions such as Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis, Peptic ulcers, diarrhea, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome. In addition, Chinese Medicine can help to treat food allergies. It can also help to support emotional challenges related to eating, such as food-anxiety, as well as anorexia and bulimia.
