Acupuncture

What can Acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture is most commonly known for treating pain, but it is also a very effective treatment for a wide variety of health conditions.  Acupuncture can provide relief for headaches, sinus and allergy issues, asthma, digestive problems, neuropathy, menopausal symptoms, emotional disorders, high blood pressure and even chemo and radiation side effects. There really are very few conditions that would not benefit from Acupuncture.

Does it hurt?

No.  Acupuncture typically does not hurt.  At least that is Rebecca’s perspective.  Different acupuncturists have different techniques. Chinese technique tends to use larger needles and stimulates the points more.  Japanese technique uses thinner needles with no needle stimulation.  Rebecca’s technique tends more Japanese and she is very gentle.  You may feel a variety of sensations with the needles – heavy, achy, pressure, warmth or tingling are the most common.  Pain is not a common experience with acupuncture.  Most patient’s actually get very relaxed and fall asleep during an acupuncture treatment.

How does it work?

Acupuncture works by stimulating the circulatory and nervous system.  More than anything it promotes circulation to the body, which gives the body what it needs most for healing.  Acupuncture also has a direct effect on the brain and the stimulates the release of certain neurotransmitters and hormones.  Acupuncture has been tested to have wide ranging effects in the body, including but not limited to increasing the immune system, promoting circulation, reducing pain, decreasing inflammation…..

How many treatments does it take?

This is probably one of the hardest questions to answer.  Every patient and every condition is so individual. Generally speaking acupuncture takes more than one visit to treat any condition.  Just like diet or exercise or physical therapy, it takes time to bring the body back into balance.  It is not magic.  It’s a peeling of the onion, an unravelling of sorts that over time brings the body back into balance.  Many results do feel quick and magical, but the realistic expectation is that you will spend a minimum of 3-5 treatments to treat mild to moderate conditions, and chronic illness could take months to bring fully back into balance.  So much depends on the patient, their lifestyle, diet, stressors, other therapies, length of health condition, etc.  What the patient is doing, and how they are using their body, are two of biggest factors in how quickly they will get results.