Acupuncture is part of a complete system of medicine known as Oriental medicine that has diagnosed, treated and prevented illnesses for over 3500 years.

Acupuncture as a part of Oriental Medicine can remedy physical and emotional ailments, improve state of mind, enhance recuperative power, strengthen the immune system, heighten one’s capacity for work & creativity. Our purpose is to educate as many people as possible about the benefits of holistic healthcare, so they in turn can educate others about how to achieve optimum health without the use of drugs or surgery.

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?

Overview

In the view of Oriental Medicine the body is comprised of a network of energy pathways called meridians. When a pathway is blocked the energy flow is decreased or stopped. Illness, pain, or a feeling of general disease can result. Needles as fine as human hairs are inserted into selective sites on the surface of the body to unblock the pathways and allow the meridian energy to flow normally. The body is restored to its natural state of balance and health returns.

The basics

All flows of nutrients and oxygen in the body are controlled by the vascular (blood vessel) system. Ancient Chinese doctors discovered that when you inhale the lung extracts “vital vapor” or “Qi” from the air. It then transfers this “vital vapor” to our blood vessels, and the blood then carries the “Qi” to nourish and animate every cell of our body.

If there is any disturbance in the flow of “Qi”, or the flow of blood, it will lead to a lack of ease or disease in our body. Today we call Qi oxygen, and we credit the Chinese for this discovery well over 3500 years ago. According to Chinese medicine Qi is the vital energy which flows through a system of channels called meridians and regulates the bodily functions. All the vital activities of the human body are explained by changes and movement of Qi.

It is important to realize that all the healing powers of the body are inherent (existing naturally inside) in the blood. Meaning, we can function NATURALLY. But if an area of the body is sick or injured, and there is not enough blood flowing to the affected area, it is extremely difficult for the body to ever heal the injury. In the blood we have hormones, neuro-chemicals, anti-inflammatories & pain relievers; it is just a matter of having the body in balance. Acupuncture works by increasing Qi/blood flow to the targeted area, thereby allowing the body to heal itself .

ACUPUNCTURE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an effective form of medical treatment that has evolved into a complete holistic healthcare system. Practitioners of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine have used this noninvasive treatment method to help millions of people become and stay well.

It promotes natural healing. It can enhance recuperative power and immunity, support physical and emotional health, and improve overall function, and well being. It is safe, painless, and effective way to treat a wide variety of medical problems.

What is Qi?

At the core of this ancient medicine is the philosophy that Qi (pronounced “chee”), or Life Energy, flows throughout the body and protects if from illness, pain, and disease. A person’s health is influence by the quality, quantity, and balance of Qi.

How does Qi move?

Qi flows through specific pathways called meridians. There are 14 main meridians inside the body. Each of these is connected to specific organs and glands. Meridian pathways are like rivers flowing inside the body. Where a river flows, it transports life-giving water that provides nourishment for the land, plants, and people. Similarly, where meridian pathways flow, they bring life-giving Qi that provides nourishment to every cell, organ, gland, tissue and muscle in the body.

How is Qi disrupted?

Physical and emotional trauma, stress, lack of exercise, overexertion, seasonal changes, environmental toxins, additives in food, poor diet, accidents or excessive activity are among the many things that can influence the quality, quantity, and balance of Qi.

Normally, when a blockage or imbalance occurs, the body easily bounces back, returning to the state of well-being. However, when this disruption is prolonged or excessive, or if the body is in a weakened state, illness, pain, or disease can set in.

What will the Acupuncturist do on my first visit?

During the Initial Consultation and Examination a full health history will be taken and discussed. Questions will be asked regarding symptoms, health, and lifestyle. After the consultation, a physical examination is conducted. During this exam trigger points, the tongue, and the pulses will be evaluated. This information is then organized to create a complete, accurate, and comprehensive diagnosis of where Qi has become blocked or imbalanced.

If we can accept your case, Acupuncture treatments will follow. For treatments, you will lie on a comfortable table in a room with dimmed lights and relaxing music, our Acupuncturist will insert Acupuncture needles – this goes unnoticed by many people, others may feel a slight tingle followed by a sensation of warmth and heaviness. Breathing exercises will be given on your first treatment.

Why does the Acupuncturist check my pulse?

There are 12 pulse positions on each wrist that our Acupuncturist will palpate. Each position corresponds to a specific meridian and organ. Our Acupuncturist will be looking for individual qualities of each pulse that reflect overall health.

Why do they want to look at my tongue?

The tongue is a map of the body. It reflects the general health of the organs and meridians. Our Acupuncturist will look at the color, shape, cracks, and coating on the tongue.

What if I have a lot of symptoms and problems?

Acupuncture is a whole body treatment. Most patients have multiple symptoms or problems. Because it works to treat the entire body (mentally, physically, emotionally) ailments are able be to be treated as a whole at each visit.

Is Acupuncture expensive?

No, our office prides itself on working with you to develop a course of treatment that suits your condition, lifestyle, available time, budget and expectations.

This is not western medicine – you will not receive expensive medications that mask and hide symptoms. Acupuncture will allow your body to heal itself – in the long term, you will spend much less time and money in healthcare – AND FEEL BETTER.

Will my insurance cover Acupuncture?

Insurance coverage varies from plan to plan. Contact your health insurance provider to learn what kind of care is covered. Here are a few questions to ask:

• Will my plan cover Acupuncture?
• How many visits per calendar year?
• Do I have a wellness benefit?

What type of education is required to practice Acupuncture?

You should ask where our Acupuncturist was trained and how much experience he/she has had in treating your disease. Acupuncturists receive 3 to 4 years of extensive and comprehensive graduate training preferably from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. All Acupuncturists must pass a national exam and meet strict guidelines to practice. Marc Cutler’s bio is available on this site for credentials.

Is there just one Acupuncture method?

No. There are several different techniques an Acupuncturist can use to stimulate the greatest, most successful response in the body. Depending on what is being treated, a variation may be used. Below lists details of some techniques.

TECHNIQUES

Ear Acupuncture

The human ear has as many as 200 Acupuncture points that act as a “mini map” of the body. Each acupoint on the ear, when treated, triggers electrical impulses from the ear, via the brain, to the specific area of the body that is being treated. Stimulating these acupoints using needles, low-level, cool lasers, gold pellets or tiny magnets can reduce pain and stress as well as resolve other physiological and psychological issues, all while concentrating on a very isolated portion of the body.

Electro Acupuncture (Acutron)

Electro Acupuncture or E-stim is used to promote circulation in particular areas of the body, stimulate sensory and motor function, and relieve muscle spasms in addition to other uses. Acupuncture needles are inserted on specific pressure points on the body and then small electrodes are placed on the Acupuncture needle. The pulses provide consistent, controlled stimuli to the pressure points with no discomfort. This method is extremely effective in treating neurological diseases, as well as providing relief from pain and improving function, especially on the body’s motor points.

Laser Acupuncture