Let's Talk About Acupuncture

So, what is acupuncture good for anyway? Well, we're so happy you asked!

Hey friend! If you haven't heard yet, we have added Acupuncture services to our treatment menu! While I'm sure you've heard of it, you may not know exactly what it's all about. I'm here to fill you in.

What is it?

First, acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), an ancient practice more than 2,200 years old. TCM practitioners utilize more than 2,000 acupuncture points connected by pathways or meridians on every human body. These pathways create an energy flow (Qi, pronounced "chee") through the body that is responsible for overall health. Disruption of the energy flow can cause disease. By applying acupuncture to certain points, it is thought to improve the flow of Qi, thereby improving health.

In contrast, Western practitioners view acupuncture points as places of stimulation for the central and peripheral nervous systems, muscles, and connective tissue. Many believe these stimulation points boost your body's natural painkillers.

Why try it?

Acupuncture is used for a variety of reasons. Some popular and very effective conditions it treats include:

• Chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting

• Emotional stress or symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and depression

• Dental pain

• Headaches, including tension headaches and migraines

• Digestive disorders

• Chronic pain

• Low back/neck pain

• Fertility

• Osteoarthritis

• Menstrual cramps

• Fibromyalgia

• Asthma

• Carpal Tunnel

• Respiratory disorders, such as allergic rhinitis

What should I expect?

Before

While every practitioner is different, some common techniques used to determine your specific treatment course include an in-depth intake form that includes lifestyle habits as well as physical health history, the shape and color of your tongue, and the strength & rhythm of your pulse. You can expect your first visit to be up to 90 minutes. This allows ample time for evaluation, treatment, questions/explanations, and treatment plans. You do not need to do anything to prepare for your appointment.

During the treatment

• Needle insertion. Acupuncture needles are inserted to various depths at strategic points on your body. The needles are very thin, so insertion usually causes little discomfort. People often don't feel them inserted at all. Between five and 20 needles are used in a typical treatment. You may feel a mild aching sensation when a needle reaches the correct depth.

• Needle manipulation. Your practitioner may gently move or twirl the needles after placement or apply heat or mild electrical pulses to the needles.

• Needle removal. In most cases, the needles remain in place for 10 to 20 minutes while you lie still and relax. There is usually no discomfort when the needles are removed.

• Cupping & Massage are also sometimes used during treatments.

After

Some people feel very relaxed or energized after their treatments. We generally recommend continuing with 4-6 treatments if you do not see desired results immediately. Healing can be slow, but that doesn't mean it's not happening. With little to no side effects, acupuncture just might be the thing you need to get you in the right place.

Our Acupuncturist, Katie, is In-Network with Providence, Health Net, Pacific Source, MODA, Regence/BCBS, ASH Network, & UHC. We are also happy to bill out-of-network if your insurance has coverage.

Book online or give us a call at 503-841-6460. We are open 7 days a week.