Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and improve function. This is done by inserting sterilized, stainless-steel needles (that are as fine as a human hair) into specific points located near or on the surface of the skin which have the ability to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions in order to treat a wide variety of illnesses.

Your practitioner will make a Chinese medical diagnosis based upon a thorough examination and consultation. The examination includes the assessment of the pulse and tongue. Once a diagnosis is made, your acupuncturist will choose the most appropriate acupuncture points for treatment.

The classical Eastern explanation for how acupuncture works is that channels of energy or “Qi” run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up, creating imbalance and pain.

A more scientific explanation of acupuncture is that the stimulation of certain trigger points on the body by acupuncture needles prompts the body to release certain hormones and chemicals that can reduce pain, regulate the endocrine system, and calm the nervous system.

Acupuncture points are areas of designated electrical sensitivity. Inserting needles at these points stimulates various sensory receptors that, in turn, stimulate nerves that transmit impulses to the hypothalamic-pituitary system at the base of the brain. Hypothalamus-pituitary glands are responsible for releasing neurotransmitters and endorphins, the body's natural pain-killing hormones. It is estimated that endorphins are 200 times more potent than morphine. Endorphins also play a big role in the functioning of the hormonal system. This is why acupuncture works well for back pain and arthritis and also for P.M.S. and Infertility.

The substances released as a result of acupuncture not only relaxes the whole body, they regulate serotonin in the brain which plays a role in human and animal disposition.

Some of the physiological effects observed throughout the body include increased circulation, decreased inflammation, relief from pain, relief of muscle spasms and increased T-cell count which stimulates the immune system.

ELECTRO-ACUPUNCTURE

Electro-Acupuncture is the use of small electrical currents through the acupuncture needles. Electro-stimulation is often used in conjunction with acupuncture to enhance a treatment. Electro-acupuncture has been proven to decrease pain, accelerate tissue healing, and significantly reduce inflammation, edema and swelling.

MOXIBUSTION

Moxibustion is a technique in which a Chinese herb called mugwort or Artemisia Vulgaris is used to apply heat to an acupuncture point. It is used to treat certain debilitating conditions as well as arthritis and pain. Moxa is usually rolled into a stick the size of a cigar, lit, and held over specific reas of the body. Moxa can also be placed onto the handle of an acupuncture needle, allowing deeper penetration of heat.

CUPPING

Cupping is a technique where a glass cup or bamboo jar is suctioned onto the body and allowed to sit for about ten minutes. This technique stimulates circulation, relieves swelling, and greatly enhances an acupuncture or Electro-acupuncture treatment. Cupping is used for many conditions including; back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, common colds and influenza.

TUI NA

Tui Na is the traditional system of Chinese style physical therapy or massage. It is used in conjunction with acupuncture to enhance treatments in a variety of musculo-skeletal conditions.

The National Institute of Health and The World Health Organization recognizes:

Acupuncture in treating the following disorders:

Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat Disorders

• Sinusitis, Sore throat, Hay fever, Earache, Nerve deafness, Ringing in the ears, Dizziness and Poor eyesight

Circulatory Disorders

• High blood pressure, Angina pectoris, Arteriosclerosis and Anemia

Gastrointestinal Disorders

• Irritable bowel syndrome, Spastic colon, Colitis, Constipation, Diarrhea Food allergies, Ulcers, Gastritis, Abdominal bloating and Hemorrhoids

Gynecological Genitourinary Disorders

• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), Irregular, heavy or painful menstruation, Endometriosis, Menopause, Fibroids, Chronic bladder infection, Kidney stones, Complications in pregnancy, Morning sickness, Impotence, Infertility in men and women and Sexual dysfunction.

Immune Disorders

• Candida, Chronic fatigue, HIV and AIDs, Epstein Barr virus, Allergies Lupus, MS, Hepatitis

Addiction

• Smoking cessation, Drugs and Alcohol

Emotional and Psychological Disorders

• Anxiety, Insomnia, Depression and Stress

Musculoskeletal and Neurological Disorders

• Arthritis, Neuralgia, Sciatica, Back pain, Bursitis, Tendonitis, Stiff neck Bell's palsy, Trigeminal neuralgia, Headaches and Migraines, Stroke Cerebral palsy, Polio, Sprains, Muscle spasms, Shingles

Respiratory Disorders

• Asthma, Emphysema, Bronchitis and Colds and flu's

Miscellaneous

• Chemotherapy/radiation side effects, Diabetes, Dermatological disorders and Weight control

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Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine consists of 5,767 substances derived from plant, animal, and mineral sources. The use of these substances can be traced back to 1,000 BC. Over the past 3000 years, an incredibly rich and powerful system has medicine has been created. During this time, classical herbal formulas that are effective for many health concerns have been developed. The herbs are available in the form of herbal teas, liquid extracts, tablets, capsules, granules, lotions, creams, salves, or poultices.

What is a Chinese Herbal Formula?

Individual substances are rarely prescribed alone in Traditional Chinese Medicine. A carefully balanced recipe of several different herbs is specifically tailored for each person's entire health condition. Each herb is chosen for its own specific functions. In addition, herbs can enhance the strengths and reduce the side effects of each other. The combination of substances in a formula creates a new therapeutic agent that can treat much more effectively and completely than a single substance.

What is the difference between Western Herbs and Chinese Herbs?

Western Herbal Medicine tends to use one or two herbs to treat just a specific symptom. A Chinese Herbal formula has as many as 20 different herbs. The herbs are selected to work synergistically to treat the whole person. In Chinese medicine, due to our diagnostic system, we are able to assess a persons whole constitution (the health of their whole body) and treat the root (or cause) of a health concern along with a branch (or the symptoms) of a health concern. It is in this way that we are able to treat a person's whole body and mind, rather than just a symptom.

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Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine has become more recognized and may be covered by insurance. PIP and PPO plans are most likely to cover Acupuncture. Some insurance plans require preauthorization for acupuncture treatments. Simply give a call at A Healing Arts Center and provide us with your insurance information or complete our Contact Form.

You can also contact your insurer directly to see whether acupuncture will be covered for your condition and, if so, to what extent. Our licensed acupuncture physician will be able to assess your needs during a consultation and educate you about this effective form of therapy.