Acupuncture Defined:
Reduced to it’s simplest definition: Acupuncture is the 5000 year old healing system of inserting sterile, hair-fine stainless steel needles into specific points in the body to stimulate energy (Qi) strengthen the organ systems and relieve symptoms of disease.
Diving a little deeper: Classical Chinese Medicine is the original holistic system of healthcare. By activating the body’s energy (Qi) it promotes natural healing by increasing the organ reserves, strengthening immunity and restoring physical and emotional health. Acupuncture has been found to facilitate a natural anti-inflammatory effect, promoting circulation, and calming the nervous system by lowering the production and release of ‘stress hormones’. Its gentle influence upon the nervous system and hormonal patterns allows for a comprehensive treatment that takes into account every system and its functioning, physical and emotional. Acupuncture stimulates the bodies innate self-regulating and self-healing mechanisms.
Chinese Medicine includes not only acupuncture but the use of cupping, gua sha, moxa, herbal medicine, holistic nutrition, movement, stress reduction techniques and meditation to encourage change within the body.
Acupuncture IS right for you!
At Reclaim, we are committed to helping you with your personalized whole-body treatment program. Whether you are suffering from PMS, digestive issues, hormonal imbalances, pains, anxiety and stress, regular infections and colds, metabolic disorders, thyroid issues or chronic illnesses of any kind, we can help. Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years restoring health and vitality and we can devise a one of a kind personalized plan for your health success. When using a multi faceted holistic approach to your health with multiple modalities, such as holistic nutrition, herbs and nutraceuticals and stress reduction techniques we are able to help you achieve your health goals as well as improve your overall quality of life for years to come.
Read about the benefits of teens and acupuncture on the blog.
I had this radical idea…
that together we can change healthcare! Making it exciting and healing. All while using a whole body approach that can benefit absolutely everyone!
Acupuncture FAQ’s:
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING MY INITIAL CONSULTATION?
During your initial consultation and exam a full health history will be taken. The questions asked will be regarding symptoms, health, past injuries, stressors and lifestyle. The acupuncturist may also check your tongue and feel your pulses during the exam. All information will be used to create a comprehensive diagnosis and personalized point prescriptions for your acupuncture treatments.
WHY DID SHE LOOK AT MY TONGUE AND TAKE MY PULSE?
The tongue tells a lot about your internal body. It is like a roadmap of clues letting us know the health of the organs. We look at color, shape, cracks and coating. There are 12 positions on each wrist that your acupuncturist will feel. Each position corresponds to a particular organ system. The acupuncturist will be looking for the qualities of each position and how they reflect the overall health of the organs.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FOR MY FIRST ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT?
Treatments are from 30-60 minutes. Your acupuncturist will get you comfortable on the table and insert tiny hair-thin disposable needles. Needles are retained comfortably for 30-40 minutes and you will be checked on during that time to ensure you are comfortable.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR THE TREATMENTS?
1. Wear loose comfortable clothes for easy access to acupuncture points
2. Don’t eat a large meal just before your treatment
3. Avoid overexertion, working out, drugs, or alcohol for at least 6 hours after treatments
4. Drink plenty of water after your treatment
5. Take notes between treatments of any changes that you have noticed.
Some changes to look for are variations in discomfort, changes in sleep, energy and digestion, but any changes that have occurred should be noted.
DO THE NEEDLES HURT?
The sensations an acupuncture needle can cause will vary. Most of the time you won’t notice anything at all, other points you may feel a slight sensation like a dull ache, a small twitch, or a sensation of heat.
IS ACUPUNCTURE SAFE?
YES! Acupuncture is extremely safe! It is an all natural therapy with extremely minimal side effects, like an occasional bruise. There is no concern of infection since needles are sterile, one- time use, and then discarded.
IS ACUPUNCTURE SAFE FOR KIDS?
YES! Kids are wonderful acupuncture patients because in most instances they respond more quickly than adults. Often, until the child trusts the acupuncturist, we may use magnets on acupuncture points or other non-needle techniques to start our treatment protocols. It usually happens very quickly that the child is comfortable with receiving acupuncture treatments.
WHAT TYPE OF EDUCATION DO ACUPUNCTURISTS RECEIVE?
Acupuncturists receive 3 to 4 years of extensive and comprehensive graduate training at nationally certified schools. All acupuncturists must pass a national exam and meet strict guidelines to practice in every state.