"Figure out the rhythm of life and live in harmony with it." - Lao Tzu

A person is healthy when their body is balanced and their vital energy flows freely. When either external or internal factors upset this balance, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine work to effectively identify the factors that are out of balance and bring the entire body back into harmony. This protects a person's health from further development of acute or chronic illness.  

Acupuncture and traditional Chinese herbal medicine are the oldest and most continuously practiced medical systems in the world. They are a complete system of health care and prevention of illness which involves nutritional therapy, acupuncture, herbal remedies, cupping therapy, moxibustion, essential oils, lifestyle assessment, exercise, and meditation.

Diagnosis methods used with acupuncture and traditional Chinese herbal medicine differ from traditional Western diagnosis. The treatment protocol is very individualized in order to specifically address the health concern and to support a restorative healing process. This allows a person to achieve an improved quality of health, and to maintain longterm wellness over the course of their lifetime.

Acupuncture has become the most widely used method of treatment in complimentary health care. 

Acupuncture works by promoting the body’s natural healing response to pain, illness or disease. It primarily involves the insertion of thin, sterile, single use, disposable needles into different points on the body. These points are located near nerves, muscles, and connective tissue. An acupuncture needle or pressure applied to these points positively affects the nervous system, endocrine system, and cardiovascular system, resulting in the release of endorphins and other natural pain-killing substances, healthy dilation of the blood vessels and delivery of oxygen, nutrient rich blood, and hormones throughout the body, especially to areas where there is pain or illness.  

In addition to acupuncture needles, non-needle modalities like cupping therapy, gua sha and moxibustion are often used to compliment and promote the circulation of energy throughout the body, helping to relieve pain and prevent illness. 

In 2003, the World Health Organization and the National Institute of Health recognize over 40 conditions for which acupuncture has been proven effective. Click here to to find a systematic review of acupuncture for specific conditions.

Taking traditional Chinese herbs in conjunction with acupuncture enhances the healing and balancing aspects of treatment without the unwanted effects commonly associated with pharmaceuticals.

Traditional Chinese herbal medicine uses over 3,000 herbal plants, plus 300 minerals and animal extracts in more than 400 different formulas. These herbs and formulas work to correct imbalances in the body, strengthen the immune system, and increase resistance to disease. They can be used to treat the signs or symptoms of both acute or chronic issues, modern illnesses and disease.

Traditional Chinese herbal formulas are time tested and safe, and have been used by millions of people with positive results, when prescribed by a trained and licensed practitioner. Today, at least 40 states license practitioners of traditional Chinese herbal medicine, and it is taught in approximately 50 colleges in the United States.

There are many companies that produce and distribute traditional Chinese herbs, however only a select few are GMP (Good Manufacturer Procedure) certified. GMP certified herbs and formulas have been tested for heavy metals and pesticides, and have met the highest standards possible.

 Moxibustion

Moxibustion is a therapeutic technique that involves burning the herb mugwort (Artemisia argyia) to facilitate healing. It is an external therapy that warms an acupuncture point or area on the body in order to strengthen the blood, stimulate energetic flow and maintain general health, by positively affecting the immune system.  Common ailments treated with moxibustion include pain from injury or arthritis, digestive issues, asthma, and protection against cold and flu strains. It is also especially beneficial for gynecological and obstetrical conditions. Moxibustion is an alternative option for adults or children who are hesitant to try acupuncture needles.

Cupping

Cupping is a safe, traditional treatment that helps resolve chronic muscle tightness and reduce inflammation. This therapy works to increase circulation to the area where the cups are placed, and helps the body to dispel toxins, the muscles to release tension and the cells to repair. Modern research has shown that the small micro-trauma created from cupping produces anti-inflammatory, immune boosting, and tissue regenerative effects that account for the immediate relief from pain, stiffness, fever, chill, cough, wheezing, and nausea.

Gua sha

Gua sha is a natural, alternative therapy used to release muscle tension, tightness, constriction and pain. A specialized tool is used to gently rub or scrape the problem area, using mild pressure. This ancient healing technique aims to improve circulation and reduce inflammation that could be causing chronic pain. Gua sha is generally performed on the back, neck, arms, and legs and feels like a deep tissue massage; it is even used on the face to reduce tension in the jaw or alleviate headache and migraine pain.

Ear seeds

An ear seed is a tiny seed stuck to a small piece of adhesive that is placed on an acupuncture point. These seeds can be left in place for three to four days. Ear seeds are good for adults or children who are hesitant to try acupuncture needles.

Q: How does acupuncture work?

Physiologically, acupuncture points are located at places where nerves, muscles and connective tissue are densely bundled. Stimulating the fascia above these bundles subtly shifts signals to the brain. This has a number of systemic effects, including 

• promoting blood flow, 

• stimulating the immune system, and 

• releasing the body's natural pain relievers. 

Acupuncture also stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, shifting the body from fight or flight mode to digest and heal. 

Acupuncture has three primary effects: it relieves pain, reduces inflammation, and restores homeostasis.  Homeostasis refers to the body's ability to regulate its environment and maintain internal balance. All diseases involve a disturbance of homeostasis, and most diseases also involve some degree of pain and inflammation. If we understand that most diseases are characterized by pain, inflammation, and disturbance of homeostasis, we begin to understand why acupuncture can be so effective for so many conditions.

According to the National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health (a branch of the NIH), acupuncture is associated with multiple biological responses. These responses occur both at the point of insertion as well as at at other places in the body. Responses are related to the stimulation of sensory neurons that connect to structures within the central nervous system. This leads to activation of pathways affecting various physiological systems in the brain as well as in the periphery. 

One of the major actions of acupuncture's effectiveness is in decreasing inflammation. Physiologically, acupuncture has been found to down regulate pro-inflammatory cells known as M1 macrophages. It also up regulates anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages, which are a source of anti-inflammatory interleuken-10.   

Considerable evidence also shows that opioid peptides are released during acupuncture and that the analgesic effects of acupuncture are at least partially explained by their actions. In addition, stimulation with acupuncture activates the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, resulting in a broad spectrum of systemic effects. Alteration in the secretion of neurotransmitters and neurohormones and changes in the regulation of blood flow, both centrally and peripherally, have been documented.

Q: Am I a good candidate for acupuncture?

You could very likely benefit from acupuncture if you are: 

• Struggling with chronic health issues that have not responded well to conventional medicine

• Looking for alternatives or compliments to your current forms of treatment

• Interested in decreasing your dependence on prescription medications

Q: How many treatments will I need?

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 depends on the duration, severity, and nature of your condition(s).  You may need only a single treatment for an acute condition, or a series of six to eight treatments in order to resolve chronic problems.  Some degenerative conditions may require continuous treatments over time.

Having 4 treatments in the first 2 weeks of beginning acupuncture is recommended to see if it helps your condition, after that the acupuncturist will be able to provide you with a tailored treatment plan.

Q: Are the needles clean?

Only sterile, disposable needles are used so there is no risk of infection. Each needle is only used once, and is then disposed. Acupuncture needles are solid and hair-thin in diameter; they are not hollow like needles used for giving shots or drawing blood.  

Q: What kind of education and training do licensed acupuncturists receive?

Licensed acupuncturists go to school for 3-4 years in order to earn a Masters of Acupuncture degree, or a Masters of Oriental Medicine degree, prior to passing national board exams and state licensing requirements in order to practice.

A professional Acupuncture curriculum consists of at least 705 hours in Oriental medical theory, diagnosis and treatment techniques in acupuncture and related studies; 660 hours in clinical training; 450 hours in biomedical clinical sciences; 90 hours in counseling, communication, ethics, and practice management.

A professional Oriental medicine curriculum consists of at least 705 hours in Oriental medical theory, diagnosis and treatment techniques in acupuncture and related studies; 450 hours in didactic Oriental herbal studies; 870 hours in integrated acupuncture and herbal clinical training; 510 hours in biomedical clinical sciences; 90 hours in counseling, communication, ethics, and practice management.

Q: What are the licensing and certification requirements for acupuncturists?

45 states and the District of Columbia currently provide for the licensure (or a comparable form of practice authorization) for practitioners. The laws of each state can differ regarding specific education, training, examination, and application requirements. In most states, one or more of NCCAOM's examination modules is required or accepted as a route of licensure. Graduation from an ACAOM accredited or candidate school is required to take NCCAOM's national certifying examinations.