Acupuncture is a safe, effective science for restoring a healthy balance throughout the body.
According to theory, Qi (chi) is the vital life energy present in all living organisms. It’s the principal force that governs the body’s circulation, metabolism, transportation, elimination, cleansing, purging and healing.
Qi circulates in the body along 14 energy pathways, called meridians. These meridians are linked to specific internal organs and systems. There are more than a thousand points along these pathways that can be stimulated to enhance the flow of Qi.
In the course of a treatment, slender needles, heat, pressure, or a combination of these tools are used to stimulate specific points along the pathways. The idea is to ‘unblock’ those paths so that the body can use its core energy to relieve pain and begin to heal.
Much like the flow of a river, when debris falls in the pathway, the river runs more slowly. If the riverbed is completely blocked, the flow stops. The water turns stagnant.
By opening these pathways of energy, we allow the body’s vital energy to reach and replenish weakened organs, rid itself of toxins, and restore its natural balance.
Acupuncture can be supplemented with other alternative treatments, such as electro-acupuncture, cupping and moxibustion, to restore health.
What a treatment feels like
What you’ve heard is true: acupuncture is relatively painless. We use safe, sterile, disposable needles. These very fine needles are inserted under the skin to redirect energy or unblock the pathway.
Sensations during treatment can vary from being hardly noticeable to a tingling or heavy feeling. While you rest in a quiet, comfortable room, listening to music, the needles do their work. You might even fall asleep. In the course of your treatment, we often supplement acupuncture with massage. Patients usually feel a profound sense of rest.
Can acupuncture cause bruising?
It doesn’t normally happen, but once in awhile the needle causes a bruise. It usually starts out like a normal bruise and then turn’s a green color. It is not painful, just ugly to look at 😉
How many acupuncture treatments will I need?
The amount of acupuncture a person requires really depends on what we are treating and how long this problem has been here.
For acute pain and/or injury, I would usually recommend acupuncture twice a week for 2 weeks and then asses the healing response.
For more chronic conditions, for example, pain, hormonal headaches, anxiety, I would recommend acupuncture once per week for about 8 weeks.
For infertility, I recommend acupuncture treatments, once per week for about 12 weeks.
For health and wellbeing, I usually suggest to use acupuncture once per month, or when ever you feel like you need a tune up.