Acupuncture

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According to legend, acupuncture was accidentally discovered when ancient warriors found that arrows, striking certain points in the body, healed certain chronic conditions. 

Acupuncture is an old-fashioned remedy for modern times and is helpful in pin-pointing pain relief. How does it work? The insertion of the thin needles triggers the release of endorphins, your body's natural painkillers. It may also boost levels of the mood-lifting brain chemical serotonin and the anti-inflammatory hormone, cortisol. The end result is less pain, swelling, and muscle tightness.

An important concept used by such acupuncturists is that of the "trigger point." This is an area of increased sensitivity within a muscle which is said to cause a characteristic pattern of referred pain in a related segment of the body. An example might be tender areas in the muscles of the neck and shoulder which relate to various patterns of headache.

Typically, between four and 10 points are needled during an acupuncture session. Acupuncture needles are extremely thin (only about three times the thickness of a human hair and are designed to enter the skin with little resistance. Once the needles are inserted, the physical therapist may twist them manually or send a weak electrical current through them to increase the stimulation of the trigger point. The needles may be left in for 15 to 40 minutes, depending on the ailment. Some practitioners also use moxibustion, which involves burning herbs (primarily the dried herb mugwort), near acupoints, to hasten healing.

Different people experience different sensations from acupuncture. Some describe a tingling pins-and-needles feeling, others may feel numbness or nothing at all. Most find the sessions relaxing, and many fall asleep during or immediately after treatment.

Acupuncture can be effective in treating a variety of painful disorders, both acute and chronic. Some of the disorders are:

Muscle & Joint: Headaches, Neck & Back Pain, Frozen Shoulder, Neualgia, Sciatica, Arthritis

Digestive Disorders:  Gastritis, Spastic Bowel, Diarrhea

Menstrual Disorders

Respiratory Disorders:  Asthma, Sinusitis, Bronchitis

Neurological Disorders:  Chronic Phase of a Stroke 

Some patients notice rapid improvement after just a few sessions. In those whose conditions have taken years to develop, treatment may take longer.

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For more information on Acupuncture, or to determine if you are a candidate for treatment, please call us at (780)466-1104.