What is Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine are used to induce the bodies internal regulating system, ultimately promoting physical and emotional well-being. It is a treatment that can used for pain management, stress and to aid in recovery from illness.

Chinese Medicine takes on a whole-body approach and acupuncture involves the insertion of fine, sterile, single use needles along certain channels and points in the body. Upon insertion the needle triggers a release of biochemicals and neurotransmitters like endorphins and immune system cells, this activates a nervous system response. Creating blood flow and allowing the body to enter a state at which it is better able to heal itself.

For over 3,000 years Chinese Medicine has evolved and stood the test of time. Studying, researching and making connections as to why when something in the body is dysfunctioning or experiencing pain, discomfort can be felt in another area of the body. Through a symptomatic intake and observation of the tongue and pulse a Chinese Medical Diagnosis (or TCM Pattern Diagnosis) can be established.

In Chinese Medicine you treat the entire person. Encompassing both aspects of the mental and physical body to allow the body to heal itself optimally. Through the release of neurotransmitters and activation of the nervous system, involuntary responses in the body can be adjusted through the parasympathetic body functions and create an effect in your muscles, brain and organ function. Some neurotransmitters are looked at as the bodies own natural pain killers, through the release of these molecules tissue is better able to heal and a basis for disease resolution is established.

Herbs can also be used as an adjunct to acupuncture to aid in the healing process. Taken as a tea or in capsules, herbs are a non-pharmaceutical approach to optimize recovery and well being. Chinese Medicine encompasses multiple modalities such as the use of Moxa (mugwort), cupping, ear seeds and electrical stimulation if applicable.

Each patient case will be evaluated individually and a custom program and treatment plan specific to the patient is created.