Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a therapeutic technique that involves placing tiny, sterile needles into specific points of the body to re-align and rebalance the body. In an acupuncture treatment, needles can be placed in the arms, legs, torso, and head. In fact, there are over 300 acupuncture points all over the body, each with unique treatment properties. After the needles are placed, the patient lies on the treatment table for 30 - 40 minutes. The experience can be so calming, it is not uncommon for patients to doze off during treatment and wake up feeling relaxed and refreshed.
Acupuncture uses a system of energetic channels throughout the body to treat all manner of health imbalances. The chinese medical approach to treatment is to address the underlying pattern of imbalance that is causing the symptoms or disease patients experience, thus getting at the root of the problem. Chinese medicine was developed over the course of 2,500 years and in China, it was simply "medicine", used to treat every ailment people faced, from aches and pains to tuberculosis. Some of the issues acupuncture addresses include:
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Pain and injury recovery – sciatic pain, low back pain, neck pain, plantar fascitis, shoulder pain or stiffness, wrist pain and more.
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Inflammation
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Headaches and Migraines
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Arthritic pain
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Leg cramping
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TMJ/Jaw issues
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Facial paralysis, Bells Palsy, Trigeminal Neuralgia
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Sinus congestion and pain
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Allergies
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Insomnia and sleep issues
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Women's health – PMS, Menopausal symptoms
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Pregnancy and Fertility
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Digestive problems such as abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, acid reflux, bloating
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Weight loss
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Urinary issues – frequent or painful urination
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Fatigue
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Stress, anxious or depressive feelings
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Persistent cough
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Cold and flu, sore throat
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Acupuncture Work?
From the Western, biomedical perspective, it is understood that when a needle is inserted, the fascia twists around it and sends a signal to the brain. But the question of why certain points affect different parts of the body – for example, why placing a needle on a specific point on the leg will treat shoulder pain – is yet unanswered. Acupuncture is best understood within the context of Chinese medical philosophy from which it was born. Within this philosophy, acupuncture points occur along distinct energetic channels. This explains why needling a point on the foot can get rid of a headache, because they are on the same channel and by needling the point on the foot we are drawing the stagnation causing headache down from the head and out.
In the coming years our understanding of acupuncture from a scientific perspective will grow and deepen. What we know to be true now, and for the past 2,500 years, is that it works. And it's kind of magical.
Does It Hurt?
Usually no. The needles are not at all like those used for an IV or blood draw. They are tiny, like the breadth of a hair. Often, the patient barely feels them, but may feel a tingly, achy, heavy, or sharp sensation, which fades quickly. Once all needles have been inserted (depending on the practitioner and the issue being treated, it will be 10-30 needles), the patient rests on the treatment table for 30-40 minutes. Most find this to be an enjoyable and relaxing experience.
Do You Accept Insurance?
No. The exception is auto accidents and worker's comp, which I can often bill for.
Can I use my HSA/FSA Card?
Yes!
Do You Reuse Needles?
No! Needles are one time use, taken from sterile packaging at the moment of treatment and immediately put into a sharps container upon removal. Furthermore, the site of insertion is cleansed with alcohol to ensure cleanliness and safety.
Is Acupuncture The Same As Dry Needling?
Yes and No. Here are some key differences:
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Dry needling and acupuncture use the same needles.
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Acupuncture is performed by a licensed acupuncturist with a minimum of 1,900 hours of training and a masters degree. Dry needling is performed by physical therapists who have limited training in needle insertion (in some states, 50 hours – only 10 of which are in person). There are many documented cases in recent years of physical therapists causing pneumothorax in patients, a puncturing of the pleura surrounding the lung.
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Acupuncture treats the local area of pain where appropriate, but looks at the whole body to heal your underlying pattern to avoid re-injury. It works to engage the circulation in your whole body to support local healing. Dry needling focuses only on the local area of pain.
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Acupuncture rarely hurts. It is gentle. The needles are placed and left to do their work with your body. In dry needling, the physical therapist often heavily manipulates the needles, which can cause pain and dizziness with too much movement of energy. Intense needle manipulation does not make for a more effective treatment, and in some cases can have the opposite effect.
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Chinese doctors have spent 2,500 years studying the most effective ways to use needles in the body. What did they come up with? Acupuncture. What did they not come up with? Dry needling.
How Many Treatments Do I Need?
It depends on the issue treated, the severity, whether it is acute or chronic, and how the patient responds to treatment. I recommend coming in for 4-6 sessions to begin with. Some issues fully resolve within that period of time while others require further care. Usually after a few treatments we are seeing week after week improvement.
People often tell me, "I tried acupuncture once." Trying acupuncture once is like taking one antibiotic pill – it could resolve the issue but likely it will take a few treatments.
I Want to Learn More. What Book Do I Read?
The Web That Has No Weaver: Understanding Chinese Medicine by Ted Kaptchuk is an essential guide to understanding Chinese Medicine on its own terms. I also provide education to my patients so they can understand how I am viewing their diagnosis and treatment, as well as how it ties into lifestyle choices and changes.