ACUPUNCTURE
China’s 3,000-year-old medical system is based on the idea that balancing active and passive forces within the body enhances Qi (chee) and leads to healing. Qi is a fundamental concept of everyday Chinese culture, most often defined as a “life force” that is part of everything that exists. The purpose of using acupuncture is to treat the root cause, rather than provide a temporary solution. Chinese medicine works to bring balance to the body through acupuncture, cupping (use of suction to increase circulation in an affected area), herbs, nutritional and lifestyle counseling. By inserting very fine needles at certain points, we can manipulate the flow of Qi in order to restore balance. In stabilizing the patient’s physical, mental, and emotional state our purpose is to nurture the body’s own healing process.
DIAGNOSIS AND EMI
Ryodoraku evaluation of the acupuncture meridians also known as ELECTRO MERIDIAN IMAGING (EMI) is an extremely accurate diagnostic meridian examination. The exam may be accomplished in less than two minutes and determines if an individual meridian is excess or deficient in comparison to the entire meridian system average of the 12 primary meridians. Electronic measurements are ascertained by examining the bilateral 24 specific Yuan points of the wrist and ankles. When one finds an elevated or deficient meridian on Ryodoraku, the treatment approach is to specifically tonifiy or sedate the acupuncture points known to replenish or deplete bio-magnetic energy. By doing so, this action will create balance in the meridians.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Perhaps the best way to think about acupuncture is to imagine rivers of energy throughout your body, organized by meridians. These meridians can experience a “log jam” and energy flow is restricted. The needles help loosen the logjam and allow energy to circulate properly. Acupuncture is a principle, not a technique. Therefore, there are many ways to stimulate an Acupuncture point other than a needle. For infants and children (or those with a serious fear of needles), we may use electronic stimulation, laser, or pressure massage to treat an Acupoint. The principle of Acupuncture does not change, only the technique.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I REQUIRE?
Each patient is unique and responds to acupuncture differently, so the number and frequency of treatments will vary from patient to patient. The number of treatments needed to address a specific health concern depends upon the duration, severity, and nature of your complaint. You may need only a single treatment for an acute condition or a series of five to fifteen treatments may resolve many chronic problems. Your body constitution, the severity of the problem, and the length of time that you have been sick will all play a part in this. Since acupuncture addresses the health of the whole body, there are many people that seek regular acupuncture treatment to maintain good health and as a preventative measure. The average acupuncture visit takes around 30 to 45 minutes with the first visit lasting about an hour. Most people experience a variety of post-session feelings, which range from energized to a deep sense of relaxation and well-being.
IS ACUPUNCTURE PAINFUL AND WHAT WILL I FEEL DURING A TREATMENT?
At the time the ultra-fine, sterile needle is inserted, some may feel soreness or slight pain. Others may feel nothing. Common qi sensations around the needle include tingling, electrical sensations that may travel above or below the needle, or a sense of swelling at the insertion site. Stimulation of needles can be done manually, or by attaching electrodes that transmit a weak current. Some people are energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed.
*The average acupuncture visit takes around 30 to 45 minutes with the first visit lasting about an hour. Most people experience a variety of post-session feelings, which range from energized to a deep sense of relaxation and well-being.
*For your convenience, we are providers for most major health insurance companies and we bill them directly.