Acupuncture: A Resource for Your Health and Wellness

Acupuncture is the insertion of sterile, single-use, medical grade needles into specific points on the body that help promote circulation, relax muscles, strengthen the organs, and alleviate stress. During an acupuncture treatment a patient will feel different sensations as circulation is restored, but acupuncture itself is not painful. Every pathology, syndrome, and injury has an associated acupuncture point that can be used to facilitate healing and recovery from that condition. Although acupuncture has the ability to treat a large range of conditions it is important to know that not every acupuncturist has the knowledge and skill suitable to treat your condition.

There are general conditions that most acupuncturists can treat including: low back pain, anxiety, insomnia, digestive disorders, and symptoms of stress. However, there are other conditions that general practitioners of acupuncture are less likely able to treat. For example, acute sports injuries and facilitating recovery from surgery are areas where acupuncture excels, but a prospective patient must find an acupuncturist that is familiar treating these injuries.

Within the paradigm of Chinese medicine, acupuncture is only one branch of eight that you have at your disposal. Herbalism, acupressure (Tui Na), nutrition and, Qigong (pronounced: chee gong) are a few other modalities within the system of Chinese medicine. As a holistic medicine, it is often the case that an acupuncturist will utilize a combination of these modalities for your particular case.

Let me take you through a scenario and treatment plan for a patient working to recover from arthroscopic knee surgery.

First, the Chinese medicine practitioner would use acupuncture to minimize swelling in the area and promote circulation around the knee. Proper circulation is the key to all healing physical injuries.

Second, if they practice herbalism, they would prescribe a Chinese herbal formula to promote circulation, generate healthy blood, nourish the muscles, and strengthen the tendons. Herbal formulas reduce the number of acupuncture treatments needed while also bolstering internal energies to aid proper healing.

Finally, as the patient’s mobility increases the acupuncturist would prescribe Qigong exercises to rehabilitate the knee. Qigong exercises are specific movements that when combined with proper breathing techniques can strengthen the entire body and repair physical injuries.

Within my practice I employ acupuncture, Chinese massage, herbalism, craniosacral therapy, and Qigong. My proficiency in these modalities enables me to provide treatment protocols outlined above. Again, this would not be the case for every acupuncturist; it is important to speak with an acupuncturist before you visit them for treatment. It has been my experience that most acupuncturists are happy to offer a free consultation for patient’s looking to incorporate acupuncture into their wellness plan.