What is Acupuncture & What does It Treat?

Acupuncture Basics

  • Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete medical system greater than 3,000 years old that is used to diagnose and treat illness. It is a superb preventive and maintenance medicine and is an excellent complementary medicine effectively treating a wide variety of health disorders.
  • TCM enhances and safely integrates with all modalities of health care.
  • Acupuncture is the insertion of disposable needles that are hair-thin to stimulate areas of low electrical resistance called acupoints. The intent is to correct impaired neurovascular flow and hormonal imbalances, thereby restoring health to the body and mind.
  • Practitioners of TCM may also stimulate acupoints with heat (infrared or moxibustion which is herbal heat therapy), acupressure, or a gentle electrical current (electroacupuncture). Other methods used are cupping and guasha for detoxification and stimulation of circulation in specific areas. Tuina massage utilizes the principles of acupuncture without the needles and is the favored modality for children.
  • Herbs act on the body to produce a balanced state of health and well-being. Herb teas and pills are gentle by comparison to conventional pharmaceutical drugs because active ingredients in herbs are not extracted and concentrated.
  • Herbal prescriptions are carefully evaluated by me for any possible herb/drug interactions. Herbal prescriptions are intended only for the person prescribed. They should not be given to or shared with anyone else.

You can also read: An Introduction to Acupuncture ‘What is Acupuncture: Does it hurt?’

 

What Can Acupuncture Treat? 

Oncological/Cancer Treatment Support
Chinese medicine is very effective in reducing the side-effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatments by helping to strengthen the immune system, the body’s ability to recover and withstand treatments more easily and comfortably. It alleviates systemic reactions and helps to prevent or reduce the severity of any short and long term effects caused by chemotherapy such as peripheral neuropathy, ‘Chemo brain’ body pain, Fatigue, digestive disorders, vision impairment,  effects on the kidneys and liver and much more.

Chronic and Acute pain / Sports Medicine
TCM is well known for its effectiveness in the
treatment of pain from chronic conditions such as  arthritis, or from acute injuries from falls, sports  injuries or surgery.  It enhances circulation, reduces inflammation and shortens healing time.

Autoimmune and inflammatory Disorders and Disease
Acupuncture and herbal medicine can address the root reactions of the body causing autoimmune disease and its symptoms. It addresses and helps to reverse inflammation, and inflammatory reactions, fatigue, pain, spasm

Facial disorders
Acupuncture can help with facial pain and soreness. It can improve facial symmetry and movement. It can improve blood and lymph circulation in the face, which can help restore facial muscles and it can improve skin conditions.
Some of these conditions include:

  • Bells Palsey
  • Surgical nerve damage
  • Stroke
  • TMJ – Trigeminal Neuralgia
  • Jaw and facial tightness and pain from clenching and grinding
  • Roscacea, acne, psoriasis

Scar Therapy
Acupuncture can help chronic pain and disability from the residual impact of scar tissue formation long after the initial trauma or surgery. Research indicates the acupuncture increases circulation, regenerates the nerves and tissues, lessens pain and breaks up adhesions which pull on the organs, muscles, tissues and meridians.

Chronic and acute issues of Lyme Disease
Here at Niantic Acupuncture we specialize in the treatment of Lyme disease, both chronic and acute. Lyme disease is called the ‘great imitator’ of many autoimmune disorders and can be behind a complex manifestation of inflammation, autoimmune disorders, pain, fatigue, mental and emotional distress and much more.  In addition to Acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine, we utilize prepared liposomal Essential oil formulations proven by John Hopkins Research to provide effective treatment and resolution of the sequalae of Lyme and it’s coinfections.

Emotional, mental balance and well-being
TCM provides excellent support for stress induced symptoms such as:    

  • Anxiety or Panic Attacks
  • Depression
  • Emotional Instability
  • Absentmindedness
  • Mental Fatigue

Strengthening Resolve
By effectively supporting the balance of emotions and mental functions, acupuncture and herbs can help transform addictive, impulsive or self-defeating behavior by strengthening resolve, decreasing cravings, and calming the mind.
Treatment can help with issues of:
     Weight loss
     Indecision
     Procrastination
     Cigarette, drug and alcohol addiction

Aging Adults
Older adults who receive periodic treatment tend to maintain steadier, more reliable strength, stamina, memory, circulation, and agility. Treatments help to increase resistance to colds, the flu and infection.

Men
TCM boosts and maintains immunity, strength, stamina, sexual virility, fertility and a healthy prostate.

Women
TCM helps to regulate the menstrual cycle in women with irregularities and symptoms of PMS. TCM can ease the symptoms of menopause such as excessive bleeding, hot flashes, sweats, dryness, and much more:     
     Endometriosis
     
Infertility
     
Fibroids
     
Polycystic ovaries

General Health Maintenance and Immune Support
Seasonal treatments help prepare your body and mind for changes in weather, time and stress. Acupuncture and herbs can boost your immune system, balance the hormonal and nervous system, and keep you mentally and emotionally strong and balanced.

Your path to a balanced healthy life