What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of very thin needles into specific anatomical points on the body, referred to as acupuncture points. The needles are solid, sterile, and disposed after one use. Needles are inserted into muscles and surrounding tissue, just below the level of the skin. As the needle penetrates the skin, the sensation may be similar to a “mosquito bite” followed by a dull ache, heavy sensation, warmth, or electric sensation that typically fades after a few seconds.
Chinese medical theory states that these points generally lie along meridians, or energy channels, and that when these meridians become blocked, pain and sickness can occur. Inserting needles into acupuncture points removes these blockages in order to balance the meridians and return the body to a state of health.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
As stated above, acupuncture assists in removing blockages from energy channels to reestablish smooth flowing qi (pronounced chee).
In contrast to classical theory, modern science suggests that when acupuncture points are needled, the nervous system is stimulated to release chemicals such as endorphins, neurotransmitters, and immune system cells. These chemicals can influence regulating systems of the body and affect involuntary bodily functions such as blood flow, body temperature, digestion and immune reactions. Stimulating the nervous system in this way can help the body heal itself naturally.
Is it Safe?
When performed by a licensed practitioner, acupuncture is very safe. Licensed acupuncturists in the state of Colorado are trained and certified in Clean Needle Technique, which requires adherence to strict safety guidelines to minimize the risk of infection.
What Can Acupuncture Treat?
According to the National Institute of Health and the World Health Organization, there are numerous medical conditions acupuncture has been scientifically proven to treat.
Although far from exhaustive, here are a few of the more common things we tend to treat:
· Stress is a major factor in many illnesses. Acupuncture works well in managing stress
· Musculoskeletal disorders sciatica, low back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, arthritis, gout, tendinitis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, sprains/strains, contractures, fibromyalgia, traumatic injuries
· Neurological conditions headaches, migraines, trigeminal neuralgia, facial palsy, paralysis following stroke, peripheral neuropathy, Meniere’s disease, disc problems
· Psychological conditions depression, anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD, OCD, insomnia, addiction
· Cardiovascular disorders high or low blood pressure, fluid retention, cold hands and feet, poor circulation
· Autoimmune disorders lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, psoriasis
· Gastrointestinal disorders esophageal spasms, IBS, colitis, acute and chronic gastritis, acid reflux, acute and chronic duodenal ulcer, constipation, diarrhea, dysentery, paralytic ileus
· Respiratory conditions acute sinusitis, rhinitis, common cold, allergies, acute tonsillitis, acute bronchitis, bronchial asthma
· Conditions of the Eye, Ear, Nose & Mouth acute conjunctivitis, retinitis, myopia, cataract, toothaches, gingivitis, pharyngitis
· Gynecological conditions PMS, dysmenorrhea, menopause, irregular menstruation, amenorrhea
What Can I Expect During My Acupuncture Visit?
On your first visit, your acupuncturist will take a detailed health history, fully investigate your chief complaint, perform a physical exam, and determine a differential diagnosis specifically for you. From this, a treatment plan will be designed and administered. The plan may include acupuncture as well as adjunctive therapies such as cupping, electro stimulation, or moxibustion.
Needles will then be inserted and retained for 20-45 minutes, depending on your condition or preference. Once the needles are in, many people feel a deep sense of relaxation and may even fall asleep.
Once the needles are removed, your acupuncturist will review your treatment plan, determine if you could benefit from herbal prescriptions, and discuss future appointments.
How Often Should I Come?
Your acupuncturist will discuss the number of treatments necessary to bring you relief. The number of treatments varies from person to person. Some people experience significant improvement after one or two treatments, while others may take weeks or months to achieve lasting results. Generally, the longer a patient has suffered from a condition, the longer it takes to resolve.
What Do I Need to Do Before and After My Visit?
Please eat before coming to your appointment. Acupuncture on an empty stomach can sometimes make a patient feel lightheaded or worn out. Something light, rather than a heavy meal, will work well.
Avoid drinking coffee or alcohol before a treatment.
Avoid strenuous activity for at least 3 hours after a treatment, as this may disrupt the flow of energy that we have worked to balance.
What are the Differences Between Acupuncture and Dry Needling?
Dry needling is the use of solid, fine gauge needles to release trigger points for the therapy of muscle pain. The term is used to differentiate the technique from one that uses hollow hypodermic needles to inject trigger points – known as wet needling. Dry needling is performed mostly by physical therapists.
An acupuncturist may needle the same trigger points in orthopedic acupuncture. The only difference is that acupuncturists will use additional acupuncture points to further treat the muscle imbalance.
Acupuncture is the insertion of very thin needles into specific anatomical points on the body, referred to as acupuncture points. The needles are solid, sterile, and disposed after one use. Needles are inserted into muscles and surrounding tissue, just below the level of the skin. As the needle penetrates the skin, the sensation may be similar to a “mosquito bite” followed by a dull ache, heavy sensation, warmth, or electric sensation that typically fades after a few seconds.
Chinese medical theory states that these points generally lie along meridians, or energy channels, and that when these meridians become blocked, pain and sickness can occur. Inserting needles into acupuncture points removes these blockages in order to balance the meridians and return the body to a state of health.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
As stated above, acupuncture assists in removing blockages from energy channels to reestablish smooth flowing qi (pronounced chee).
In contrast to classical theory, modern science suggests that when acupuncture points are needled, the nervous system is stimulated to release chemicals such as endorphins, neurotransmitters, and immune system cells. These chemicals can influence regulating systems of the body and affect involuntary bodily functions such as blood flow, body temperature, digestion and immune reactions. Stimulating the nervous system in this way can help the body heal itself naturally.
Is it Safe?
When performed by a licensed practitioner, acupuncture is very safe. Licensed acupuncturists in the state of Colorado are trained and certified in Clean Needle Technique, which requires adherence to strict safety guidelines to minimize the risk of infection.
What Can Acupuncture Treat?
According to the National Institute of Health and the World Health Organization, there are numerous medical conditions acupuncture has been scientifically proven to treat.
Although far from exhaustive, here are a few of the more common things we tend to treat:
· Stress is a major factor in many illnesses. Acupuncture works well in managing stress
· Musculoskeletal disorders sciatica, low back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, arthritis, gout, tendinitis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, sprains/strains, contractures, fibromyalgia, traumatic injuries
· Neurological conditions headaches, migraines, trigeminal neuralgia, facial palsy, paralysis following stroke, peripheral neuropathy, Meniere’s disease, disc problems
· Psychological conditions depression, anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD, OCD, insomnia, addiction
· Cardiovascular disorders high or low blood pressure, fluid retention, cold hands and feet, poor circulation
· Autoimmune disorders lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, psoriasis
· Gastrointestinal disorders esophageal spasms, IBS, colitis, acute and chronic gastritis, acid reflux, acute and chronic duodenal ulcer, constipation, diarrhea, dysentery, paralytic ileus
· Respiratory conditions acute sinusitis, rhinitis, common cold, allergies, acute tonsillitis, acute bronchitis, bronchial asthma
· Conditions of the Eye, Ear, Nose & Mouth acute conjunctivitis, retinitis, myopia, cataract, toothaches, gingivitis, pharyngitis
· Gynecological conditions PMS, dysmenorrhea, menopause, irregular menstruation, amenorrhea
What Can I Expect During My Acupuncture Visit?
On your first visit, your acupuncturist will take a detailed health history, fully investigate your chief complaint, perform a physical exam, and determine a differential diagnosis specifically for you. From this, a treatment plan will be designed and administered. The plan may include acupuncture as well as adjunctive therapies such as cupping, electro stimulation, or moxibustion.
Needles will then be inserted and retained for 20-45 minutes, depending on your condition or preference. Once the needles are in, many people feel a deep sense of relaxation and may even fall asleep.
Once the needles are removed, your acupuncturist will review your treatment plan, determine if you could benefit from herbal prescriptions, and discuss future appointments.
How Often Should I Come?
Your acupuncturist will discuss the number of treatments necessary to bring you relief. The number of treatments varies from person to person. Some people experience significant improvement after one or two treatments, while others may take weeks or months to achieve lasting results. Generally, the longer a patient has suffered from a condition, the longer it takes to resolve.
What Do I Need to Do Before and After My Visit?
Please eat before coming to your appointment. Acupuncture on an empty stomach can sometimes make a patient feel lightheaded or worn out. Something light, rather than a heavy meal, will work well.
Avoid drinking coffee or alcohol before a treatment.
Avoid strenuous activity for at least 3 hours after a treatment, as this may disrupt the flow of energy that we have worked to balance.
What are the Differences Between Acupuncture and Dry Needling?
Dry needling is the use of solid, fine gauge needles to release trigger points for the therapy of muscle pain. The term is used to differentiate the technique from one that uses hollow hypodermic needles to inject trigger points – known as wet needling. Dry needling is performed mostly by physical therapists.
An acupuncturist may needle the same trigger points in orthopedic acupuncture. The only difference is that acupuncturists will use additional acupuncture points to further treat the muscle imbalance.