Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an independent and coherent system of medicine that has been developed over a period of 5000 years. It includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary therapy, Tui Na, cupping, Gua Sha and electro-stimulation. According to ancient texts, TCM is the result of a persistent process of analytical thinking, as well as exhaustive clinical observation and scientific testing. Unlike allopathic or Western medicine, which attempts to isolate and separate a disease from a person, Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine emphasizes a holistic approach that succeeds in restoring balance within, so the body’s natural healing abilities can function properly.
How does acupuncture work?
There is a great mystery in the West about how acupuncture works. However, as described in Chinese Medicine Demystified by Chris Kesser, acupuncture can be explained by the following physiological mechanisms. Acupuncture points are located along the nearly 100,000 miles of blood vessels in each human body. The geographic area of each point contains an extensive concentration of microvessels, sensory nerve fibers, lymphatic vessels, and histamine-releasing cells. These points along the body have a lower electrical resistance than non-acupuncture points. Because of this low electrical resistance, acupuncture needles are able to stimulate the peripheral nervous system through the acupuncture points. Acupuncture needles are single-use and disposable and are discarded in accordance with medical biohazard regulations and guidelines after a single-use.
What are the benefits of acupuncture?
- Acupuncture promotes blood flow due to the vascularization of each point. Blood flow brings nutrients, oxygen, immune and anti-inflammatory substances to the region and throughout the entire body allowing healing to occur naturally.
- Acupuncture stimulates the release of the body’s natural painkillers and some are up to 200 times more powerful than morphine.
- Acupuncture reduces chronic pain by involving a neurotransmitter called serotonin.
- Acupuncture relaxes muscles that have shortened over time.
What can Acupuncture treat?
- Sports injuries
- Strains and Sprains
- Musculoskeletal Pain
- Back Pain
- Insomnia
- Menopause
- PCOS- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
- Sciatica
- Stress
- Thyroid Health
- Weight Loss
- Women’s Health
- Anxiety & Depression
- Asthma & Allergies
- Blood Sugar Imbalance
- Digestive Health
- Headaches
- Hypertension
- Infertility
What can I expect in an acupuncture appointment?
At Performance Acupuncture & Functional Nutrition, we take time to get to know you, your lifestyle and your health goals. After a comprehensive evaluation that includes a full health history, review of recent lab work and physical examination, we work with you to create a wellness road map designed to restore integrity to the mind and body. After your initial evaluation, you will begin to implement your plan by making an appointment with one, or more, of our practitioners. Your progress toward meeting your health goals, and the road map to get there, will be re-evaluated at regular intervals to ensure that we are on the right track and meeting your health needs.
Are there any side effects in Acupuncture?
After an acupuncture treatment, you will be advised to rest and drink extra water. Most people feel very relaxed or energized after an acupuncture treatment. On occasion, you may experience a small bruise where a needle was inserted. If you experience any pain, large bruises, swelling, difficulty breathing, or dizziness after an acupuncture treatment, advise your practitioner or doctor immediately.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture treatments do not typically hurt. Occasionally you will feel a pinching sensation as the very thin needles are inserted. With the needles in place, you may feel slight pressure, tingling, or warmth. This is due to increased blood flow in the region. It is not expected to be uncomfortable or painful.