What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a form of health care that originated in China thousands of years ago. It can be used to treat a wide variety of ailments, as well as prevent future maladies. Fine, sterile needles are used at specific points on the body to increase energy flow and promote healing. It is a very safe, effective and painless way to assist the body's healing abilities.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
There are so many people that put off doing acupuncture because they are afraid that it will be a painful experience. There are numerous patients who come in for their first treatment and leave stating "I put this off because I was afraid it would hurt, but now I wish I had tried this sooner!". At Inner Health Acupuncture we always keep the patients comfort in mind. Acupuncture needles are very fine and designed to be as painless as possible. When the needles are inserted you might feel a slight sensation or nothing at all. During the treatment, you may feel a slight sensation of tingling or movement around the needles, but the treatment should never be painful. Also, communication is always open with the practitioner and patient. We are here to help you feel better!
What Happens During an Acupuncture Treatment?
Acupuncture treatments are molded to create the most healing for each individual. An Acupuncturist will do a thorough intake and exam to determine the best treatment to suit your needs. She or he will ask questions about your main complaint, your symptoms and lifestyle and also about your general health. Your acupuncturist will also feel your pulse and look at your tongue as a diagnostic tool. Any questions or concerns you may have will also be answered during this time. The acupuncturist will then use all of the information gathered to form their treatment plan and to formulate which points they will be using. During the treatment, communication should always be open to how you are feeling. A typical acupuncture treatment lasts between 30 minutes to an hour in length.
There are other techniques that may be used during an acupuncture treatment. If any other modalities will be used, the practitioner will explain further what will be taking place and how the treatment will benefit the condition. The following are just a few examples of additional techniques that may be used:
Cupping
Cupping is a therapy most often used for muscle spasm, respitory issues or digestive issues. Plastic or glass cups are placed over sections of the body and a suction is formed to promote circulation. There are different techniques that can be used with cupping and there are different conditions and constitutions that may effect the way cupping is preformed, or if it is a viable option for the individual.
Electric Stimulation
Low level electric stimulation can be used along with regular acupuncture treatments to help decrease muscle spasms, decrease pain reception, or to stimulate acupuncture points.
Shonishin
This is a techniques very often used with small children or the elderly. Instead of using needles, small tools are used to stimulate channels and points along acupuncture meridians. Most people find that children usually look forward to treatments and are very often relaxed during and after treatments.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is often referred to simply as Moxa. It is a chinese herb 'mugwart' that can be used with treatments and burned above the skin. It is often used to decrease swelling in an affected area and increase circulation.
Massage
Massage is used to promote qi flow and circulation after treatments. Light body work may be incorporated into treatments to facilitate better range of motion and increase the effectiveness of the treatments
Herbal Supplements and Nutrition
In many cases, the types of foods and/or supplements we put into our systems can either benefit healing or impede it. An acupuncturist may speak to you about nutritional options or supplements that could improve overall health.
What Does Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture is accepted by the World Health Organization to treat a variety of health issues. The following is a list of conditions that acupuncture is able to help:
Acupuncture is a form of health care that originated in China thousands of years ago. It can be used to treat a wide variety of ailments, as well as prevent future maladies. Fine, sterile needles are used at specific points on the body to increase energy flow and promote healing. It is a very safe, effective and painless way to assist the body's healing abilities.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
There are so many people that put off doing acupuncture because they are afraid that it will be a painful experience. There are numerous patients who come in for their first treatment and leave stating "I put this off because I was afraid it would hurt, but now I wish I had tried this sooner!". At Inner Health Acupuncture we always keep the patients comfort in mind. Acupuncture needles are very fine and designed to be as painless as possible. When the needles are inserted you might feel a slight sensation or nothing at all. During the treatment, you may feel a slight sensation of tingling or movement around the needles, but the treatment should never be painful. Also, communication is always open with the practitioner and patient. We are here to help you feel better!
What Happens During an Acupuncture Treatment?
Acupuncture treatments are molded to create the most healing for each individual. An Acupuncturist will do a thorough intake and exam to determine the best treatment to suit your needs. She or he will ask questions about your main complaint, your symptoms and lifestyle and also about your general health. Your acupuncturist will also feel your pulse and look at your tongue as a diagnostic tool. Any questions or concerns you may have will also be answered during this time. The acupuncturist will then use all of the information gathered to form their treatment plan and to formulate which points they will be using. During the treatment, communication should always be open to how you are feeling. A typical acupuncture treatment lasts between 30 minutes to an hour in length.
There are other techniques that may be used during an acupuncture treatment. If any other modalities will be used, the practitioner will explain further what will be taking place and how the treatment will benefit the condition. The following are just a few examples of additional techniques that may be used:
Cupping
Cupping is a therapy most often used for muscle spasm, respitory issues or digestive issues. Plastic or glass cups are placed over sections of the body and a suction is formed to promote circulation. There are different techniques that can be used with cupping and there are different conditions and constitutions that may effect the way cupping is preformed, or if it is a viable option for the individual.
Electric Stimulation
Low level electric stimulation can be used along with regular acupuncture treatments to help decrease muscle spasms, decrease pain reception, or to stimulate acupuncture points.
Shonishin
This is a techniques very often used with small children or the elderly. Instead of using needles, small tools are used to stimulate channels and points along acupuncture meridians. Most people find that children usually look forward to treatments and are very often relaxed during and after treatments.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion is often referred to simply as Moxa. It is a chinese herb 'mugwart' that can be used with treatments and burned above the skin. It is often used to decrease swelling in an affected area and increase circulation.
Massage
Massage is used to promote qi flow and circulation after treatments. Light body work may be incorporated into treatments to facilitate better range of motion and increase the effectiveness of the treatments
Herbal Supplements and Nutrition
In many cases, the types of foods and/or supplements we put into our systems can either benefit healing or impede it. An acupuncturist may speak to you about nutritional options or supplements that could improve overall health.
What Does Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture is accepted by the World Health Organization to treat a variety of health issues. The following is a list of conditions that acupuncture is able to help:
Digestive Issues
Abdminal Pain Constipation Diarrhea Gastritis - Acute/Chronic IBS Nausea/ Vomiting Fatigue Hypertension Mental Health Anxiety Depression Stress Other Mental Health Addiction - Drug, Alcohol, Smoking |
Neurological
Bell's Palsy Dizziness/ Vertigo Facial Paralysis Headache/ Migraines Tics/ Tremors Pain/ Arthritis Carpal Tunnel Headaches Knee Pain Lower Back Pain Neck Pain Osteoarthritis Post-Operative Pain Rheumatoid Arthritis Sciatica Shoulder Pain Tennis Elbow |
Respiratory
Allergies Asthma Bronchitis Cough Hay Fever Reproductive/ Menstrual Fertility Issues - Men/ Women Labor Induction Menopause Menstrual Issues Morning Sickness PMS |