Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese system of healing that has evolved and been perfected over the past 4,000 years. Its central theory involves balancing an individual's vital energy, called "CHI" to achieve optimum functioning on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels. Acupuncture theory views disease as a reflection of disharmony in one's vital energy. Blockages in the flow of chi can be caused by physical or emotional traumas, poor diet and other physical injuries. Symptoms are meaningful signals of the need to restore energetic harmony to mind, body and spirit.
During treatment sessions, an acupuncturist corrects the flow of vital energy by inserting ultra-thin, sterile and disposable stainless steel needles at specific "acu-points." Depending on the patient's condition, needles usually remain in place for about 30 minutes while the person relaxes. While patients report little to no pain, some do feel a subtle sensation of moving energy. This is the movement of chi in the energetic channels, also known as the meridians.
Acupuncture is frequently employed to treat:
- Stress, anxiety and depression
- Chronic and acute pain in the back, joints and muscles
- Injuries from sports or accidents, including whiplash
- Carpal Tunnel and repetitive stress syndromes
- Asthma and other respiratory disorders
- Chronic fatigue
- Immune system deficiencies
- Digestive problems such as inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis and acid reflux
- Post-stroke rehabilitation
- Circulatory problems
- Gynecologic problems, including PMS, infertility and menopause
- Side effects from radiation and chemotherapy
- Smoking cessation and substance detoxification
- Children with asthma, allergies, ADHD, developmental delays and seizures
- Pregnant women experiencing nausea, back pain and fatigue
- Neuropathy, Neuralgia and Bell's Palsy
"Light therapy" adds non-invasive, low-level lasers to acupuncture treatments. Low-level laser therapy stimulates biochemical changes in the body resulting in reduced inflammation, tissue regeneration and pain relief for acute and chronic conditions. Using lasers as part of a treatment regime often reduces the number of sessions required to treat a specific condition.
Acupuncture is widely recognized as an effective means of preventing illness. Acupuncture raises the body's T-cell count, boosting the immune system. Treatments also raise endorphin levels in the brain, relieving depression and anxiety. The effects of regular treatments are cumulative, thereby producing long-term health benefits.
