About Acupuncture
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. Acupuncture is an ancient art of healing which involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific points on the body. Its history is over 5,000 years in the Orient.
How does acupuncture work?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is based on a philosophical and an energetic model, while western medicine is based on science and a biochemical model. Over thousands of years practitioners have discovered a system of cyclic energy flowing in the human body along specific pathways called meridians.
Each meridian is related with an internal organ and particular physiological system.
The organ’s energy is called “Qi”, and it can become obstructed, deficient, excessive,
yin, or yang. Acupuncture brings the body’s qi back into balance.
What does acupuncture treat?
Both the National Institutes for Health and The World Health Organization recognize Traditional Chinese Medicine’s ability to treat a host of commonly occurring conditions. These include:
Addictions (alcohol, nicotine, other drugs) |
Gynecological disorders (irregular menstruation, menopause, PMS) |
Allergies/Asthma |
Infertility |
Anemia |
Insomnia |
Anxiety/Depression |
Knee pain |
Arthritis/Joint problems |
Neck and Shoulder pain |
Back pain |
Numbness/Poor circulation |
Bladder/Kidney problems |
Sciatica |
Common colds/Flu |
Sinusitis |
Constipation/diarrhea |
Sexual dysfunction/ Impotence |
Cough/Bronchitis |
Skin problems |
Fatigue |
Stress/Tension |
Gastritis |
Tendonitis |
Headache/Migraines |
TMJ |
High blood pressure |
Ulcers/indigestion |
Immune system deficiency |
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How many treatments are needed?
- Chronic case: depends on its severity and how long you’ve had the condition
- Acute case: 1~5 treatments
Are there side effects?
Generally not. Occasionally the original symptoms may worsen for a few days but that is part of the healing process. Some other possible side effects: change in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns, or an emotional state may be triggered. These should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work.
Most people fall into a deep relaxation, and sometimes fall asleep. After the session they often feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
Is acupuncture covered by health insurance?
Some insurance companies currently cover acupuncture costs. Please contact your insurance company to see if you have coverage for acupuncture. We will give you a receipt that you can submit for reimbursement.
