FAQs
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient practice of healing. It involves the insertion of very fine needles through the skin at specific points along meridians. Points are chosen by the practitioner based on the individual’s presentation. The combination of points chosen adjusts the movement of energy in the body which activates the immune and organ systems to facilitate healing.
Cupping
What other treatment modalities are included under the umbrella of acupuncture treatment?
Moxa: a warming technique that uses burning mugwort at specific points or body areas. Moxa can be applied directly to acupuncture points or used over larger body areas.
Estim (electrical stimulation): the use of electrical current attached to acupuncture needles. This can help to stimulate muscle contraction, muscle release, and facilitate the release of certain neurotransmitters.
Cupping: the use of plastic or glass cups and vacuum force to pull skin/muscles into the cup. This influences the flow of blood in the area.
Ear Seeds: vaccaria seeds or small metal balls taped to specific areas of the ear. They provide continuous stimulation to ear acupuncture points.
Gua Sha: a scraping technique used to influence blood flow in the area of application.
Moxa
What is Chinese Herbal Medicine?
Chinese Herbal Medicine is the use of herbs, usually multiple herbs prepared as a formula, topically or internally. Internal herbs can be taken as pills, granules dissolved in hot water, or raw herb formulas. These formulas are generally based on classical formulas which have been in use for hundreds or even thousands of years and are modified to best fit the individual. When prescribed by a trained Chinese herbalist, these formulas are safe with minimal side effects.
Herbs
Should I be taking herbs?
Chinese herbal formulas are great as a compliment to acupuncture or as a stand-alone treatment. Chinese herbal formulas should always be prescribed by a trained Chinese herbalist in order to maintain safety, minimize side effects, and maximize efficacy. Because the body is always changing, an effective formula one week might not be applicable the next. Chinese herbal formulas can be very effective when prescribed appropriately.
Gua Sha
What does acupuncture treat?
Johns Hopkins lists the following conditions as benefitting from acupuncture:
Digestive: gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, hepatitis, hemorrhoids
Emotional: anxiety, depression, insomnia, nervousness, neurosis
Eye-Ear-Throat: rhinitis, sinusitis, sore throat
Gynecological: menstrual pain, infertility
Musculoskeletal: arthritis, back pain, muscle cramping, muscle pain and weakness, neck pain, sciatica
Neurological: headaches, migraines, neurogenic bladder dysfunction, Parkinson's disease, postoperative pain, stroke
Respiratory: allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchitis
Miscellaneous: irritable bladder, prostatitis, male infertility, some forms of impotence, addiction
Herbs
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is considered to be safe when practiced by a well-trained, licensed practitioner using sterile, single-use needles.