What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a keystone of traditional Chinese medicine and has been used for over 2,000 years for treating pain and relieving stress. Today, it is used to help treat or support patients with: Allergies, Anxiety, Arthritis, Chronic pain (such as headaches, back pain, neck pain), Depression, Insomnia, Joint pain (including TMJ), Menstrual pain, Migraines, Nausea, Sciatica, Sinus congestion, Stress and anxiety, Tinnitus, Weight loss, and more...

What does a treatment involve?

Initially an acupuncturist will examine you to evaluate your concerns and determine what type of treatment is specific to you. The acupuncturist will then inset hair thin needles into the skin. The needles are so thin most don't even realize that they've been inserted. If people do feel anything it's usually just a slight feeling of pressure or a tapping sensation. The needles may then be stimulated. The patient then rests usually for 15-20 minutes then they are removed. 

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How does it work?

Even though it's a 2,000 year old treatment, there is much modern scientific conversation to describe how acupuncture works. Acupuncture points are at areas known as channels or meridians. In western medicine these areas correspond to regions of increased nerve and circulatory activity. The needles stimulate these regions activating the body to increase local blood flow to flush out pain chemicals and bring in healing chemicals to the local area. They also induce the release of natural pain killers and endorphins ('feel good' chemicals) that calm the nervous system to prevent pain signals and encourage relaxation.

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What about side effects/risks?

Acupuncture does involve needles puncturing the skin as such side effects they may include mild bruising, slight bleeding after needle removal, or some surface soreness where the needles were located (which should dissipate within a few hours). 

To minimize risk your acupuncturist has undergone 4 years of supervised training including in depth anatomy study to ensure proper placement and prevent risks from poor location of needles additionally they will use sterilized needles and clean needle technique to decrease risks of infection. 

If a patient has a bleeding disease, like hemophilia, has a metal allergy, or has an infection in a treatment site, they will be asked to consult their medical doctor before acupuncture treatment.

Due to the effects of some acupuncture stimulation, pregnant patients should ensure the acupuncturist is aware before treatment.