About
What is Acupuncture?
The first documentation of of Acupuncture as an organized system of diagnosis and treatment dates back to 100 BCE. (National Library of Medicine (NIH), 2014)​. Acupuncture is a technique of stimulating specific acupuncture points using very thin needles.
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Why is Acupuncture still used?
It's effective! Acupuncture has been scientifically proven to relieve back and neck pain, osteoarthritis, chronic headache and shoulder pain. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Pain has concluded that acupuncture is effective for a number of chronic pain conditions. results indicated that the effects of acupuncture were persistent over time and the benefits could not be explained away by placebo effect. It really works!
Check out a few scientific articles:
Acupuncture Effective for Chronic Pain
Effectiveness of Acupuncture in Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Effect of Acupuncture on Headache measured by number of attacks and drug use
Acupuncture in the treatment of Major Depression in Women
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I've had Acupuncture before, is all Acupuncture the same?
Perhaps the most common mistake is not finishing a course of treatment or not getting treatments with frequency in the beginning. Although number of treatments is individualized, on average, patients should expect 6 treatments, once a week in order for treatments to hold their effectiveness. After that, treatment is re-addressed or spacing out appointments can begin.
One aspect of Acupuncture is the patient-practitioner relationship. In some way, the needles serve as a medium for subtle energy manipulation. An acupuncturist is not simply someone who inserts needles, but an acupuncturist must be skilled in diagnosing through Chinese medicine, as well as needling technique and accuracy. Although some chiropractors and physicians may use acupuncture needles for muscle tension ONLY trained, licensed acupuncturist are trained in diagnosing and in using the points for more than just muscle tension.
Another consideration is every acupuncturist has different skills or may be trained in additional style of acupuncture (TCM, Five Element Acupuncture, Korean Acupuncture etc.).
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What is Five Element Acupuncture about?
The tradition of Five Element Acupuncture or Five-Phase Acupuncture is rooted in the understanding that energy- also known as Qi/chi flows in a cyclical pattern through the Five Elements- Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water.
The Elements work interdependently in an elegant and systematic balance, each one sustaining and supporting the next in the cycle. This cycle can best be seen in the change of seasons, for example, Wood corresponds to the birth and growth of plants and trees in the spring. It is the energy of the sprout pushing through the dirt.
What is planted in the spring matures in the heat of the Fire in summer, which creates the abundance of the harvest of the Earth in late summer. After harvest, autumn arrives and the leaves fall from the trees and nourish the soil with the minerals of Metal. The mountain and rock create and contain the flowing streams of Water, which in turn waters the seed, allowing the plant to sprout again. This cycle also corresponds to the energy cycle within our bodies and organs.
By understanding the relationships of the Elements in nature, we can begin to see them within ourselves and use them as a guide, to treat the root of the person’s illness by balancing the elements
How does Five Element Acupuncture work?
Five Element Acupuncturists recognize that each individual is unique, and although their symptoms maybe identical to another person, the cause of those symptoms depends on the individual.
The acupuncturist works with the patient to determine what element is out of balance and restoring that balance. Rather than simply treating the symptoms, Five Element Acupuncture treats the patient as a whole. Treatments are individualized to help you become the best version of you possible.
How is Five Element Acupuncture different than Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
Five Element acupuncture is one of the most complex systems in traditional Chinese medicine and can take years to master. Five Element Acupuncture tends to use far less needles during the treatment. Needles are not always left in and are often times in and out. Five Element Acupuncture will also search for energy blockages between the body’s meridians as well as blocks on a mental/spirit level. The first treatment often begins with an Acupuncture detox to remove stagnant energy. These unblocking treatments are unique to Five Element Acupuncture.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has its own unique history and methods to restore balance in the body. Both styles use the same meridians (lines of energy) and acupuncture points. Both styles will also use the pulse and tongue to help determine symptomatology. TCM tends to focus more on the symptoms and the balance between yin and yang. Patients with similar symptoms will often receive similar treatments.
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What is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion (commonly called "moxa") is the use of dried mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) and burning them on top of acupuncture points. The mugwort is rolled into small cones that are lit with an incense stick (so no open flame), and monitored closely. When there is a feeling of warmth (not hot) the moxa is pulled off by the practitioner. This is a way to bring the energy to the specific acupuncture point. It tonifies Qi and nourishes Blood, and is commonly used to strengthen. This technique is not recommended for those with asthma or those who are very sensitive to smoke.
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What is Gua Sha?
A technique developed 700 years ago, of manipulating the fascia and muscle with the use of a Gua Sha tool or Gua Sha spoon and oil so there is no friction (we use coconut oil). The light pressure and movement helps release this tension and to improve circulation and reduce pain & inflammation. If present, the Sha raises to the surface as red/purple petechia (small pin point spots under the skin that fade in about 48 hours). This technique is not recommended for patients with bleeding disorders.
I can speak from experience that it is a quick way to permanently reduce muscle pain from an acute injury. Muscle builders find Gua Sha very helpful. Gua Sha is similar to Graston muscle scraping, a technique from 1994 that is found in some orthopedic clinics.
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Is there science behind Gua Sha?
Yes. This website provides a lot of good information: Gua Sha Medical News Today
Check out these studies: The Effect of Gua Sha on the Microcirculation of Surface Tissue
Gua Sha improves perceived exertion scale scores for Weightlifters
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What is Reiki?
Reiki comes from the terms "Rei" meaning universal and "ki" or energy. Originating from Japan, this subtle energy bodywork uses a light touch to balance chakras and remove stagnant energy. The patient remains fully clothed during the session. Patients often report a sense of calm, relief or a release of emotions afterward.
Check out these articles on Reiki: What is Reiki Therapy?
Personally, Reiki helped me in so many ways, so if you have any questions please reach out, I'd be happy to share my own experience.
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Have more specific Questions? Please reach out via text, call or e-mail