Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
The ancient art and science of acupuncture spans more than 3,000 years. At its root, the Taoist concept of balance between opposites in the Universe – Yin and Yang – represented by the Tai, Chi symbol. In traditional Chinese Medicine, also known as TCM, the stimulation of the 365 acupuncture points located along the 12 Meridians affects the flow of Qi. Where there is stasis or stagnation, unblocking occurs, and where there is deficiency, Qi is strengthened in order to promote proper blood flow and the nourishment of the internal organs. The Organs (Heart, Lungs, Kidneys, Liver, etc.) are responsible for not only carrying out their physiological jobs (pump blood, exchange oxygen, regulate fluid metabolism, and detoxify the blood) in TCM, but have an energetic influence on our emotions (Joy, Grief, Feat, and Anger). As a result, the physical and emotional health of the individual is properly supported and balanced, and, in combination with proper activity and diet, one achieves good health and longevity!
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We exclusively use Japanese style, single-use, sterile acupuncture needles from Seirin for painless and safe insertion. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine are safe, effective, and drug-free options for pain relief and other non-emergency conditions.
We specialize in Acupuncture for:
• Autoimmune Disease
• Chronic Fatigue
• Colds & Flu
• Family Practice
• Fertility
• Gastro Intestinal & Digestive
• Headache & Migraine
• Insomnia & Sleep
• Men's Health
• ObGyn
• Pain – Musculoskeletal
• Psychological & Emotional
• Sports Medicine
• Stress, Anxiety and Depression
• Women's Health
Acupuncture is a stimulus therapy. What does it stimulate? The simple answer: Our Central Nervous System (CNS). The effect of Acupuncture stimulation of the CNS is biphasic. The initial phase activates the sympathetic branch of the nervous system. After 15-20 minutes of Acupuncture stimulation, sympathetic tone increases. This biphasic effect on the Central Nervous System re-establishes or resets the balance between the Sympathetic (Yang) and Parasympathetic (Yin) branches of the CNS. A balanced CNS is critical to how we respond to stress, regulate cortisol levels in the blood, and maintain proper endocrine function.
Why Acupuncture Works
Balances the Central Nervous System:
Acupuncture is a stimulus therapy. What does it stimulate? The simple answer: our central nervous system (CNS). The effect of Acupuncture stimulation of the CNS is biphasic. The initial phase activates the sympathetic branch of the nervous system. After 15-20 minutes of Acupuncture stimulation, sympathetic tone decreases and parasympathetic tone increases. This biphasic effect on the central nervous system (CNS) re-establishes or resets the balance between the sympathetic (Yang) and parasympathetic (Yin) branches of the CNS. A balanced CNS is critical to how we respond to stress, regulate cortisol levels in the blood, and maintain proper endocrine function.
Changes in Brain Neurochemistry:
Acupuncture therapy increases the activity of a number of neurotransmitters - proteins your brain synthesizes - which profoundly affect our perception of pain, can alter or change our mood, and sense of well being. For example, Acupuncture stimulation causes the release of endogenous opoids (Endorphins, Enkaphalins, Dynorphins, etc). These are chemical analogues to morphine and are powerful pain modulating substances. In addition, Acupuncture stimulation is associated with the increased release or activity of serotonin, a neurotransmitter often targeted in depression. As a result, patients often feel a reduction in pain and sense of calm and well being following Acupuncture treatment.
Local Effects on Muscles:
Most people have experienced muscle tightness, 'knots', etc and subsequent pain. Muscle is composed of a number of different fibers, and the fibers work like a 'zipper' as they contract and relax. Sometimes muscles stop 'un-zipping' and remain in this contracted state - often due to an initial injury or micro-injuries. Acupuncture stimulates the fascial layer of muscle tissue and promotes a gentle, wave-like contraction/relaxation of the muscle. Net effect: the muscle fibers 'reset' and unzip.
Acupressure & Cupping Therapy
Without the use of needles, acupressure and cupping therapy may be great alternatives to acupuncture treatment. An acupressure treatment uses the pressure along the Meridians of the body in order to remove energy blockages. Cupping is a technique using small glass jars as suction devices. The cups are generally applied to the back and placed over acupuncture points or moved along the back meridians.
