Acupuncture

We also utilize other modalities, or augment treatments using some of the following:

Cupping: the use of glass “cups” in which a suction is created. The cups are applied to the skin and the suction is used to promote and stimulate blood flow.

Mild electro-acupuncture: the stimulation of acupuncture needles with a mild electrical current to stimulate the flow of Qi.

Dietary advice: based on traditional Chinese medical theory.

Tui-na: Chinese traditional massage/acupressure to promote and stimulate blood and Qi flow.

Chinese prepared medicines and tinctures: used as an herbal adjunct in many cases.

Acupuncture and Herbs, Cupping, Gua Shu or Auricular Therapy Treatments Can Treat:

• Pain (Back/Neck/Hand/Shoulder/TMJ/Plantar Fasciitis/ Tendinopathy/ Knees/ Bursitis/Sciatica etc.)
• Insomnia
• Headaches/Migraines/ Menstrual Headaches/Cluster Headaches etc.
• Anxiety/Depression/Panic/ Fear/ Anger/ Grief/ Stress
• Allergies
• Hormones/ Menopause/Perimenopause
• Digestive Disorders/ Gerd/ Ulcers/ Constipation/ Diarrhea/ IBS/ Etc.
• Women’s and Mens Health
• Substance Abuse Disorders and Smoking Cessation
• Neuropathy/ Fibromyalgia/ Numbness/ Tingling/ Diabetic Issues/ MS Related Issues
• High Blood Pressure and Cardiac Issues etc.

After meeting the educational requirements mentioned above, Acupuncturists must pass a DPHAS prescribed examination (Connecticut uses NCCA), which includes written and practical portions, as well as a board examination in Clean Needle Technique.

Educational requirements for licensure vary from state to state. In Connecticut, Acupuncturists must complete 50 semester hours of postsecondary education. They must successfully complete an acupuncture course of study in a program which is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency; the program of study must include a minimum of 1350 hours of training, 500 hours of which must be clinical.

It is possible to effectively treat acute conditions or symptoms, such as a runny nose or back pain. The aim of Acupuncture, though, is to identify and treat the underlying cause(s) of the problem. This is called the “root” of the problem, and it is said that Acupuncture treats the root, rather than chasing the leaves (the symptoms). Sometimes, while working on the root, it is necessary and beneficial to address some of the leaves simultaneously, but it is inherent in the medicine of acupuncture that the root is never ignored.

The National Institutes for Health have stated that Acupuncture is effective in the treatment of post-operative dental pain, post-operative and chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting. The NIH further states that acupuncture is useful as an adjunctive treatment or as an alternative to current standard treatments in other conditions, such as addiction, stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and asthma. This limited list is based on the conditions for which the most efficient study models could be designed, further research is likely to uncover additional areas where acupuncture interventions are highly effective. In clinical practice, it has been seen that acupuncture is effective in the treatment of many other conditions and symptoms. These conditions include, but are not limited to, high blood pressure, arrythmias, colds and flus, earaches, sinus infections, allergies, eczema, acne, digestive complaints, diabetes, hemorrhoids, menstrual irregularities, hot flashes, morning sickness, neuralgias, anxiety, arthritis, impotence, sprains, strains and sciatica.

The acupuncture needles that we use are single use, disposable, sterilized stainless steel needles. They will be removed from their sterile containers just before they are used on a patient, and they will be thrown away after that use. They will never be re-used on another patient.

Surprisingly, acupuncture is not usually painful. Acupuncture needles are a mere fraction of the size of the conventional needles that are used for injections or blood draws. The tiny acupuncture needles are quickly inserted through the skin, where the nerves that transmit pain are located. The sensation of the insertion is like a “quick pinch”, which resolves in several seconds to a minute after insertion. Once past these nerves, the needles do not usually cause pain. In fact, the sensation of the inserted needles is often referred to as being numbing, achey, heavy, distending or energizing.

The practice of acupuncture is based on the understanding that a vital energy, referred to as “Qi” (pronounced, “chee”), flows along channels or meridians throughout our bodies. When this Qi becomes blocked or does not flow freely, it can cause disharmony or disease. In order to correct this disharmony, the Qi must be stimulated so that it moves freely again. Acupuncture uses very fine needles to stimulate specific points located on the body, in order to influence the Qi of the body. Stimulating acupuncture points causes both the local area being needled and other, remote areas of the body to be stimulated. The acupuncturist uses an understanding of the flow of Qi and the actions of the various acupuncture points to treat diseases and disharmonies in the body.