Acupuncture

A whole system of treatment for ailments of the body that have been in practice for thousands of years continues today to help you feel your very best.

ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture therapy involves inserting sterile fine needles into different points on the body to help regulate or redirect the flow of energy (Qi or Chi) through the body. There are meridians that run along our body that connects our whole body together, which is why acupuncture can help treat a wide variety of ailments. Regulating the flow of energy helps with decreasing pain, promoting circulation, regulating the nervous system and other regulatory systems of the body. Acupuncture is helping to facilitate the natural healing processes of the body and has been around for thousands of years.

Within acupuncture, there are additional adjuncts like moxibustion therapy, which involves a burning herb (Mugwort or Ai Ye) to acupuncture points. It brings heat and stimulation to an acupuncture point and in conjunction with acupuncture it is very useful in chronic conditions.

Electro-stimulation can be used in conjunction with acupuncture needles to provide a strong stimulation to certain acupuncture points.

Cupping and Gua Sha are tools that can be used during an acupuncture treatment session. Cupping utilizes a suction that lifts up on the skin and fascia, allowing better blood and lymphatic movement. Cupping has become after seeing top performing athletes sport the iconic marks that can be left on the skin after a cupping session.

Gua sha is a rubbing or grinding technique utilizing a tool with a smooth edge. Physical therapists have adopted this technique as their “Graston Technique” utilizing the Graston tool, but the original tool used in China was the porcelain spoon. This technique is useful for breaking up muscular adhesions and supporting lymphatic and blood movement.

Many of the common conditions treated include: Pain (chronic or acute), psycho-emotional health, fertility, autoimmune, headaches/migraines, sports injuries, and digestive health.

Perinatal Acupuncture and Acupressure

Perinatal acupuncture is a specialized branch of acupuncture that focuses on providing acupuncture treatments to pregnant individuals and those in the postpartum period, which includes the weeks and months following childbirth. Perinatal acupuncture aims to address various physical and emotional concerns that pregnant individuals may experience during pregnancy and after childbirth. Some of the common reasons people seek perinatal acupuncture include:

1. Pregnancy Discomfort: Acupuncture can help alleviate common pregnancy discomforts such as nausea, back pain, sciatica, swelling, and fatigue.

2. Labor Preparation: Acupuncture is sometimes used to prepare the body for labor by promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety, and encouraging optimal positioning of the baby.

3. Labor Induction: In some cases, acupuncture may be used as part of a comprehensive approach to induce labor naturally if a pregnancy is overdue and medical intervention is being considered.

4. Postpartum Recovery: Perinatal acupuncture can assist with postpartum recovery by addressing issues like pain, hormonal fluctuations, breastfeeding difficulties, and postpartum depression.

5. Stress and Emotional Well-being: Pregnancy and the postpartum period can be emotionally challenging. Acupuncture may help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms by promoting a sense of relaxation and balance.

6. Balancing Energy: Traditional Chinese Medicine views pregnancy as a time when the body's energy is in a state of flux. Acupuncture is believed to help rebalance and harmonize this energy to support the health of both the mother and the developing baby.

Cosmetic Acupuncture

Cosmetic acupuncture, also known as facial acupuncture or facial rejuvenation acupuncture, is a specialized form of acupuncture that focuses on improving the appearance of the skin and promoting a more youthful complexion. It is a non-surgical and holistic approach to skincare that originates from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principles. The treatment involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the face, as well as other parts of the body, to stimulate circulation, boost collagen production, and enhance overall skin health.

Here's a description of the key aspects of cosmetic acupuncture:

1. Needle Placement: During a cosmetic acupuncture session, tiny, sterile needles are inserted into specific acupuncture points on the face and body. These points are chosen based on TCM principles, which emphasize the flow of energy (qi) and blood circulation to enhance overall health and vitality.

2. Stimulation and Circulation: The insertion of needles into the skin triggers a micro-trauma response, which prompts increased blood flow to the area. This improved circulation helps nourish the skin cells with oxygen and nutrients, promoting a healthy and radiant complexion.

3. Collagen Production: Acupuncture is believed to stimulate the body's natural collagen production. Collagen is a protein that provides structure and elasticity to the skin. As we age, collagen production decreases, leading to sagging and wrinkles. Cosmetic acupuncture aims to address this by encouraging the body to produce more collagen, which can lead to firmer and smoother skin.

4. Muscle Relaxation: Some of the acupuncture points targeted during cosmetic acupuncture correspond to facial muscles. By gently relaxing these muscles, cosmetic acupuncture can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles caused by repetitive facial expressions.

5. Holistic Approach: Unlike invasive cosmetic procedures, cosmetic acupuncture takes a holistic approach to beauty. Practitioners consider not only the skin but also the overall health and well-being of the individual. This means that the treatment may address underlying health imbalances that could be contributing to skin issues.

6. Individualized Treatments: Each cosmetic acupuncture session is tailored to the individual's unique needs and concerns. The acupuncturist will assess the person's skin condition, health history, and goals to create a personalized treatment plan.

7. Natural Results: While cosmetic acupuncture can lead to improvements in the skin's appearance, it's important to manage expectations. The results are generally subtle and gradual, requiring a series of treatments for optimal outcomes. It's not a replacement for more invasive cosmetic procedures like facelifts or dermal fillers, but it offers a natural and holistic approach to skin rejuvenation.

As with any health or beauty treatment, results can vary from person to person.

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