Acupuncture is the insertion of hair-thin needles into specific points along particular channels to encourage blood flow and induce the body to release endorphins (natural pain-killing chemicals). This circulation regulates the immune system, calms the nervous system, reduces inflammation and mitigates pain, encouraging the body to heal itself.

 

What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?

 

Often the thought of needles is scary because we imagine what we've encountered at the doctor's office. But these are different, significantly thinner; 13 acupuncture needles can fit in the head of a hypodermic needle! So you might feel a tiny pinch upon insertion, but quickly you become very relaxed. Most people sleep during a treatment.

 

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

 

Generally acute conditions can be resolved in 2-4 treatments, chronic 10-12. However this varies depending on length of time ailments have been around, constitution and lifestyle, and the wisdom of a particular body. Acupuncture does tend to be cumulative and most everyone notices improvement over time. In China patients are treated immediately, daily, and take herbs simultaneously, which results in more efficient and effective results. However, we do a lot here with what we have. The ideal situation is prevention! Many patients come monthly or seasonally to stay healthy.

 

Is Acupuncture Safe?

 

Extremely. Acupuncture is used by several million people throughout the world. Some statistics say you are more likely to win the lottery than become seriously injured by Acupuncture! Licensed practitioners undergo a rigorous medical graduate program and licensing board exams, including detailed study of human anatomy/physiology, and training in Clean Needle Technique. As required by law, this practice only uses pre-sterilized, disposable, single-use needles for complete safety.

 

Your First Visit

 

You fill out an intake form, and discuss your current complaint, as well as aspects of your health history that may or may not seem related. By doing a whole-systems assessment, Brooke gathers information about your body's way of functioning that is key for proper diagnosis. In order to address the root of your disease/imbalance, its essential to understand all contributing factors. Brooke will feel your pulse and look at your tongue to obtain more information. This is how (without blood tests and imaging) the Chinese were able to understand physiological functioning for centuries. An acupuncture point prescription is then created/chosen; depending on your condition the number ranges, but you can expect around 9-12 needles. You are then left to relax for 25-35 minutes. Additional Modalities Included Chinese Medical Treatment often includes cupping, moxibustion or gua sha as additional and different ways of circulating “qi” (getting stuff moving!). If deemed appropriate for your condition based on diagnosis, these applications will be included in treatment.

 

What Can Acupuncture Treat?

 

Acupuncture activates the body's ability to heal itself, whatever the condition. The World Health Organization has documented many symptoms, diseases, and conditions (link) that have been shown in controlled clinical trials to be effectively treated with acupuncture. The most profound clinical, experiential results have been the shifting of difficult patterns. Here are some examples: *helping to resolve a drinking problem *stopping an annual winter bronchitis *releasing childhood trauma *recovering from SSRI withdrawal *easing the intensity of long-held grief *resolving withdrawal symptoms from opiates