Acupuncture differs from what's often called "Western medicine." You may be unfamiliar with what we do, and that's okay! Here's the lowdown.
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine is a system
of healing dating back at least 3,000 years. It is much older
than what we know as western medicine, and has changed very little,
unlike western medicine which changes constantly.
Acupuncture uses sterile, single-use needles,
about the size of a strand of hair. These needles are inserted
into strategic points at various depths within the body,
to meet with the body’s qi and encourage the most optimum qi flow.
In TCM, whenever there is pain or illness, qi isn’t flowing properly.
Acupuncture gently balances this qi flow, and works
to make the body as healthy as possible.
Ahhh, the existential question of this
medicine that is equally simple and incredibly
complex! Basically, qi is everything...
it is the invisible life energy force that circulates
along with blood inside our bodies. Qi gives us energy,
keeps our bodies working, helps digest food and helps
our organ systems function properly.
Most people have a
deficiency or blockage of qi in at least one area/organ
system of the body. This happens from a multitude of
reasons-could be overwork taxation to eating too much
fast food, or even something a person was born with.
Often this is seen in conditions like asthma or Crohn’s
that can commonly affect entire families/generations.
Ever had “acupuncture” from your Chiropractor, Physical Therapist, or even your MD? Was it relatively
ineffective?
That’s because many of these practitioners falsely claim they do acupuncture, but what they are really doing is called “Dry Needling” and it is not acupuncture at all. Even if I don’t get the pleasure of treating you, please ensure anyone who
puts needles in your body is a Licensed Acupuncturist, or LAc. If they do not have these credentials, proceed at your own risk, and don’t say I didn’t warn ya! :)
Acupuncture treatments frequently last between 75-120 minutes.
During this time, we will have a conversation about your current health
and create plans for your continued care.
Needling will then take place, followed by a period of resting time with the needles in.
This resting time is where all the magic happens!
Your treatment may include a combination of needling and cupping (gua sha), or
solely needles. Most commonly, people leave a treatment feeling relief and contentment.
An initial treatment takes closer to 120 minutes,
so as to get a thorough picture of your body and
how to best treat you. Each subsequent treatment usually
lasts around 90 minutes. Acupuncture works best when
given a jump start right out of the gate. Generally,
it takes a minimum of 4 treatments (once a week for a month)
to ensure our treatment plan is on the right track.
Each person and body responds differently to acupuncture,
with most people feeling some sort of relief with each treatment.
However, acu is not a one-time process.
The more you are able to work on it,
the better your results will be!