Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine used to alleviate pain and promote overall health. Acupuncture uses needles placed along invisible meridians that run throughout the body. Today, acupuncturists also use lasers, magnets and electric pulses in addition to needles. Each meridian point has a specific meaning and can unblock and repair meridians and channels with vital energy or chi. Through the stimulation of the meridians, an acupuncturist is able to restore balance and ergo health to the patient.
Acupuncture is used to treat a wide range of health problems, such as:
- Persistent lower back pain
- Chronic tension-type headaches and migraines
- Neck pain
- Joint pain
- Postoperative pain
- Allergies
- Depression and anxiety
- Insomnia
- Sciatic Nerve Pain
Acupuncture takes a holistic approach to understanding normal function and disease processes, and focuses as much on the prevention of illness as on the treatment.
The ancient Chinese believed that there is a universal life energy called Chi or Qi present in every living creature. This energy is said to circulate throughout the body along specific pathways that are called meridians. As long as this energy flows freely throughout the meridians, health is maintained, but once the flow of energy is blocked, the system is disrupted and pain or illness occur. Imagine rivers that flood and cause disasters or an electrical grid short-circuiting that causes blackouts. Acupuncture works to “re-program” and restore normal functions by stimulating certain points on the meridians in order to free up the Chi energy. There are many techniques in which to stimulate these meridians with the most common being with the insertion of tiny hair like needles which are relatively painless. Each treatment may vary depending on the meridians being treated. Most people find any acupuncture treatment relaxing and restorative to their health. Acupuncture works great on a variety of conditions to help your body restore its normal function.
Dry Needling
Dry needling is a highly effective modality for the treatment of a multitude of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions, including, neck, back, shoulder and arm pain, headaches, jaw pain, buttock pain, and leg pain. There are many benefits to dry needling, most often it is used to relieve pain and speed up healing.
