Acupuncture
What is Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is an ancient system of medicine originating in China over five thousand years ago. Today, people in the United States use TCM primarily as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). TCM practitioners use acupuncture, herbal medicine, adjunctive therapies (such as cupping and moxibustion*) and other mind/body practices to treat and/or prevent health problems.
Acupuncture is a fundamental piece of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Thin, sterilized, single-use needles are inserted at various locations throughout the body. The needles are similar to the size of a strand of hair and insertion is typically painless. The traditional explanation for acupuncture’s effectiveness is that it modifies the flow of energy (Qi or Chi) throughout the body. It has been used traditionally to prevent and treat acute and chronic diseases, as well as to improve overall health.
What does Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture treat?
TCM and acupuncture are used to treat a wide variety of conditions, from emotional disorders, such as depression and anxiety to digestive imbalances, such as indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome to OB/GYN concerns, such as infertility and menopause. It can be beneficial for pain due to an injury or chronic degenerative diseases. Acupuncture can be helpful in treating headaches, such as migraines. Respiratory conditions, including allergies and sinusitis, as well as enhancing overall immunity are successfully addressed with acupuncture. Acupuncture has also proved beneficial for improving sleep, reducing fatigue, and for promoting overall well being and vitality. This is just a small sampling of what acupuncture can treat!
Cupping
is a therapy where glass or plastic cups are placed on the skin and a suction action is created. Cupping is used for a variety of conditions from pain & inflammation to immunity and relaxation. It has recently gained wide-spread recognition from celebrities and athletes using cupping.
Moxibustion
or moxa is therapy that consists of burning dried mugwort plant material on various parts of the body. It is used for increasing immunity & energy, warming channels and points, and expelling cold, which can increase the smooth flow of blood and Qi. Moxa can also help a breech baby turn.
Contact us today for a free consultation at our office in Louisville, Colorado (servicing the Boulder and Denver metro areas) or via phone/video conferencing to see if TCM and acupuncture can help you. We are happy to answer any and all of your questions!
Acupuncture Frequently Asked Questions
Does acupuncture hurt?
In general, acupuncture is painless. Very thin, sterile, flexible needles are gently inserted into the skin. Sometimes people feel a little electrical sensation, feeling of heaviness or dullness when the needles are being inserted that usually goes away momentarily.
How does acupuncture work?
Chinese medicine views the body as a network of channels with specific points that have been demonstrated to influence body functions, systems, and organs. Points are specifically chosen according to ones TCM diagnosis and needles are inserted to bring balance and restore health.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes, as long as it is done by a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) or Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DACM). A Licensed Acupuncturist goes to a three-four year post graduate medical school to learn this ancient system of medicine along with western sciences. Other medical professionals who have not received this education, i.e. Chiropractors and Physical Therapists (PT), often only attend a few weekend seminars on acupuncture or dry needling, which is very different.
I ONLY use single-use, sterile disposable needles. Needles are never inserted over sensitive anatomical structures to ensure your complete physical safety. I am also certified in Clean Needle Technique, another gold standard of practice.
All medical surfaces are routinely disinfected between patients to prevent pathogen transference.
How many treatments will I need?
This depends what is being treated, how long you have had the condition/imbalance for, and your lifestyle. In general, acute conditions resolve fairly quickly with acupuncture. Chronic conditions can take a few months of regular acupuncture treatments. Lasting results are seen quicker when the patient is actively working with their diet, lifestyle and taking herbal medicine.
For example, if you are coming in for a recent case of insomnia, one treatment per week for 3-4 weeks will likely resolve especially if taking herbs and making lifestyle changes. If you are coming in for endometriosis that you have had for 2 years, it might take weekly treatments for 2 months, and then we can move to 1-2 times per month. Most patients do notice changes just after one treatment and continued improvement from a series of treatments. After your first appointment we will discuss a treatment plan which includes frequency of treatments suggested.
How can I prepare for my treatment?
Eat a light meal or snack before and wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes.
What can I expect after acupuncture?
Patients typically report feeling very relaxed or energized afterwards. Please don’t plan on any strenuous exercise for two hours after your treatment. Sometimes a small red dot will appear where the needle was placed and typically goes away within a few hours. If you are having an adjunct therapy applied, such as cupping, small circular bruising will appear that disappear within a few days but can last up to one week.
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What adjunct therapies are offered?
Cupping*, moxibustion*, electro-stimulation,* Tui na/Shitasu* and herbal medicine are adjunctive Oriental medical therapies offered.
Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?
Yes, acupuncture is safe during pregnancy and fantastic to prepare for labor. It can safely treat many common ailments such as:
- Morning sickness
- Back pain
- Fatigue
- Indigestion, reflux, constipation
- Anxiety and insomnia
* Cupping is a therapy where glass or plastic cups are placed on the skin and a suction action is created. Cupping is used for a variety of conditions from pain & inflammation to immunity and relaxation. It has recently gained wide-spread recognition from celebrities and athletes using cupping.
*Moxibustion or moxa is therapy that consists of burning dried mugwort plant material on various parts of the body. It is used for increasing immunity & energy, warming channels and points, and expelling cold, which can increase the smooth flow of blood and Qi. Moxa can sometimes help to turn a breech baby.
*Electro-stimulation is also known as electroacupuncture. This therapy utilizes a pulsating electrical current that is applied to acupuncture needles inserted in the body. The patient may feel a slight pulsating sensation. This is used for a variety of situations from pain to paralysis to increasing qi and blood flow.
*Tui na and Shitasu are Asian forms of bodywork where the patient remains fully clothed and points and channels are balanced from various techniques.
