About Acupuncture

Acupuncture (from Lat. acus, "needle" (noun), and pungere, "prick" (verb)) or in Standard Mandarin, zhēn jiǔ (lit: needle - moxibustion) is a technique of inserting and manipulating filiform needles into "acupuncture points" on the body with the aim of restoring health and well-being, e.g. treating pain and diseases.

Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of but not limited to the following:

*Acute and chronic pain control * Allergic sinusitis * Anesthesia for high-risk patients or patients with previous adverse responses to anesthetics * Anorexia * Anxiety, fright, panic * Arthritis/arthrosis * Atypical chest pain (negative workup) * Bursitis, tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome * Certain functional gastrointestinal disorders (nausea and vomiting, esophageal spasm, hyperacidity, irritable bowel) * Cervical and lumbar spine syndrome * Constipation, diarrhea * Cough with contraindications for narcotics * Drug detoxification * Dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain * Frozen shoulder * Headache (migraine and tension-type), vertigo (Meniere disease), tinnitus * Idiopathic palpitations, sinus tachycardia * In fractures, assisting in pain control, edema, and enhancing healing process * Muscle spasms, tremors, tics, contractures * Neuralgias (trigeminal, herpes zoster, postherpetic pain, other) * Paresthesias * Persistent hiccups * Phantom pain * Plantar fasciitis * Post-traumatic and post-operative ileus * Premenstrual syndrome * Selected dermatoses (urticaria, pruritus, eczema, psoriasis) * Sequelae of stroke syndrome (aphasia, hemiplegia) * Seventh nerve palsy * Severe hyperthermia * Sprains and contusions * Temporo-mandibular joint derangement, bruxism * Urinary incontinence, retention (neurogenic, spastic, adverse drug effect)

What does acupuncture feel like?

This varies from patient to patient. Some people may feel a little prick, but most feel no pain at all. Acupuncture needles are quite tiny and have been compared to a cat’s whiskers and human hair.  At session's end, most people a left with the sensation of extreme relaxation and well being.

What if I am needle shy?

If you are not a fan of needles, there are many acupuncture alternatives which include cupping, acupressure, moxibustion, herbal formulas and nutritional suggestions. I will design a needle-free treatment based on your condition.

How can acupuncture help me?

Acupuncture treats many symptoms at the same time. It not only services your physical symptoms but your emotional well being as well. That is to say, that acupuncture can treat aches, pains, post accident pain and the anxiety and depression that can result from being in pain.

Acupuncture is a safe, all-natural, drug-free form of health care that yields no side effects except feelings of relaxation and well being. If you have questions or concerns about whether acupuncture is right for your condition, schedule a free consultation over the phone or in person. I welcome all your questions.