Acupuncture is probably best known for pain management. However, acupuncture can also treat a wide range of both acute and chronic conditions, such as colds and flus, allergies and asthma, depression, insomnia, hypertension, diabetes, infertility, thyroid conditions, etc. For chronic conditions, acupuncture is often times used in conjunction with diet and lifestyle changes. 

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Acupuncture needles are single use, sterile, solid, and hair-thin. By placing the needles at certain points along the meridians, we can assist the body in restoring the proper balance and flow of Qi. The result of routine therapy is a strong resilient body with calm, balanced energy.

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How does acupuncture work?

In the theories of traditional Chinese medicine, disease occurs when there’s an imbalance or stagnation in the body. For example, imbalance of Yin and Yang gives rise to excessive heat or cold. When somebody is deficient in Yin, Yang is in relative excess and the person will feel hot. This is very typical of a menopausal woman. When somebody is deficient in Yang, then Yin is in relative excess and the person will feel cold. This is typical of a hypothyroid person.

Acupuncture needles inserted at certain acupuncture points tonify deficiencies and reduce excesses. It restores health to a person by bringing the body back to balance, and by opening up the meridians to allow smooth flow of Qi and blood. For a menopausal woman with Yin deficiency, needling at certain points can nourish the Yin, balance Yin and Yang, and therefore reduce symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. For a patient with low back pain, acupuncture can reduce the stagnation (inflammation) in the local area and therefore reduce the pain.

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Adjunctive Therapy: Cupping

Cupping is a therapy designed to stimulate the flow of blood and Qi within the superficial muscle layers. It is used for sore muscles, tension, neck pain and detoxification. In this therapy, small glass “cups” are placed over specific areas on your body. A vacuum is created under the cup using heat or suction. The cups may be slid or moved slowly over the affected area or they may be left in place. *After the treatment there may be slight redness or bruising; but this is no cause for alarm, and will not be painful. It will generally dissipate within a few days to a week.