What is acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) originated as a part of a preventative medicine. This holistic medicine system has been in use for nearly 3000 years. The style of treatment is tailored to the unique individual, which means we give a lot of attention to a variety of symptoms to get as much detail as possible relevant to make a diagnosis. We put emphasis on analyzing the whole person to understand the root cause of illness.
The tools used in TCM include fire cupping, gua sha, moxibustion, herbal medicine, qi gong, as well as diet and lifestyle recommendations. In China, both Western Medicine and TCM are used together in the healthcare system. It has stood against the test of time and it is widely used throughout the world. With in depth studies and research that’s provided proof of its benefits, backed by science it’s recognized globally as effective for a variety of issues.
What are the conditions TCM can treat?
TCM can address a wide range of conditions including:
– Addictions, Allergies, Anxiety, Asthma, Arthritis, Back Pain
– Chronic Fatigue, Constipation, Depression, Dizziness, Digestive Issues, Emotional Regulation Fibromyalgia
– High Blood Pressure, Headaches, Indigestion, Improved Cognitive Function, Insomnia
– Low energy, Musculoskeletal Problems, Migraines, Palliative Care
– Post-Operative Recovery, PTSD, Sciatica
– Sexual Dysfunction, Sinusitis, Stress Reduction
– Stroke Recovery, Sports Performance Improvement, TMJ, Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Women’s Health:
– Childbirth, Pregnancy and postpartum care, Fertility and IVF support, Menstrual health (irregular cycles, period pain), Menopause
What is the science behind acupuncture?
Acupuncture has been proven to work with the nervous system. Acupuncture can stimulate the vagus nerve; impacting different parts of the brain and the organs through its influence on the autonomic nervous system. Through this stimulation of the bundle of nerve fibers various neurotransmitters may be triggered such as; endorphin, serotonin, dopamine, and GABA. By working on the autonomic nervous system it helps regulate breathing, digestion, and the function of specific organs.
Some patients will have relief depending on the condition with one acupuncture treatment and others may need multiple treatments for the cumulative effects to create long lasting results.
In summary, science has shown acupuncture helps the body produces these neurotransmitters:
For stress/relaxation/overall wellbeing: dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and oxytocin
Pain relief/muscle tension: Endorphins
Sleep: helps regulate GABA production
Learning/Memory: helps regulate glutamate functions in the brain
What is the difference between dry needling and TCM?
Dry needling uses myofascial trigger points while TCM uses several different theories to strategically choose acupuncture points on the body for treatment.
What does acupuncture feel like?
Acupuncture needles are slightly thicker than a human hair. Treatment should not be painful. We want the body to elicit a response, but it is meant to bring relaxation. People often take “acu-naps”, as they become deeply relaxed.
After a treatment you may feel tired or drained, this is normal.
How to prepare for a treatment?
It is encouraged to eat. Not having an empty stomach can prevent the chance of dizziness.
Wear comfortable and loose clothing.
You may be laying in one position for 20-30 minutes, if you find it difficult please ask your practitioner for adjustments.
If you have any nervousness around receiving needles talk to your practitioner and we can make sure that you can have an experience that allows you to feel the most at ease.
What happens throughout the course of a treatment session?
After doing a thorough intake we take pulses on both wrists and check the tongue. We come up with a treatment plan and then proceed with the treatment.
For the session we may begin with palpation to see how the body responds to pressure on certain acupuncture points.
Needles are inserted and we check to see if the sensation is correct in the way the body is responding. (Can be warm, tingling, dull and achy, cool, spreading.)