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What is acupuncture?

 

Acupuncture is the 5000 year-old practice involving the insertion sterile, ultra-thin needles into points on the body in order to restore balance to the body, mind, and spirit. It does this through the regulation of the nervous system, hormones, and blood circulation, and functions of the organs. In scientific terms according to the research, acupuncture works by stimulating "the local segmental effect, somatoautonomic reflex, immune system regulation, neurotransmitter modulation, the neuroendocrine effect, and the functional connectivity neural network" (doi: 10.1155/2019/2909632).

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Does acupuncture hurt?

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Acupuncture needles are typically about the width of a human hair, so getting a treatment feels nothing like getting a shot or having your blood drawn. Sometimes there can be a small sensation as the needles are inserted, but most of the time they are completely painless. My goal is to help you feel better and more relaxed. I use the smallest needles possible with a gentle technique. I check in with patients during and after insertion so that anything that does feel at all uncomfortable can be adjusted. I believe there is no need for suffering in an acupuncture treatment. 

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What should I expect after a treatment?

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Most people feel very relaxed and calm after a treatment. They typically report less pain, a more optimistic outlook, more energy, and better sleep. Some people like to plan to have time to rest and relax after in order to maximize the effects of the treatment. Nourishing food and lots of water are always recommended.  

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What does acupuncture treat?

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This is a partial list of conditions which the World Health Organization recognizes can be treated with acupuncture. 

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Neurologic and Musculoskeletal Disorders

  • Headache and Migraine

  • Trigeminal Neuralgias

  • Facial Palsy (early stage, i.e., within 3-6 months)

  • Pareses Following a Stroke

  • Peripheral Neuropathies

  • Sequelae of Poliomyelitis (early stage, i.e., within 6 months)

  • Meniere’s Disease

  • Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction

  • Nocturnal Enuresis (bedwetting)

  • Intercostal Neuralgia

  • Cervicobrachial Syndrome

  • Frozen Shoulder

  • Sciatica

  • Low Back Pain

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Back and Knee Pain

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Chronic Fatigue

  • Sports Injuries and Pains

Reproductive & Gynecological Conditions

  • Premenstrual Syndrome

  • Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps)

  • Spotting and Excessive Bleeding

  • Amenorrhea (Loss of Menstrual Period)

  • Impotence

  • Infertility

  • Incontinence

  • Prostatis

Gastrointestinal Disorders

  • Spasms of esophagus

  • Hiccough

  • Gastroptosis

  • Acute and Chronic Gastritis

  • Gastric Hyperacidity

  • Chronic Duodenal Ulcer (pain relief)

  • Acute Duodenal Ulcer (without complications)

  • Acute and Chronic Colitis

  • Acute Bacillary Dysentery

  • Constipation

  • Diarrhea

  • Paralytic Ileus

Mental Emotional Problems

  • Stress

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Insomnia

Upper Respiratory System

  • Acute sinusitis

  • Acute rhinitis

  • Common Cold and Flu

  • Acute tonsillitis

  • Respiratory System

  • Acute bronchitis

  • Bronchial asthma (Most effective in children and uncomplicated conditions.)

Eye Disorders

  • Acute conjunctivitis

  • Central Retinitis Myopia (in children)

  • Cataracts (without complications)

Mouth Disorders

  • Toothache

  • Post Extraction Pain

  • Gingivitis

  • Acute and Chronic Pharyngitis​​

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NIH, Acupuncture, Nov. 3–5, 1997, Vol. 15, No. 52. World Health Organization. Viewpoint on Acupuncture. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization, 1979.

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