Acupuncture is a 2000 year old medicine that uses hair-thin needles placed in specific points on the body in order to stimulates the body’s internal resources to help promote healing. In Chinese Medicine, it is said that the body’s vital life force, called “Qi”, circulates through the meridians of the body. When there is a blockage of the flow of qi in the body, this presents as illness or pain. Small needles are placed on specific points on the body in order to restore proper flow of qi and allow the body to come back into balance. Although western science continues to research the mechanisms of action acupuncture has in the body, it is understood that acupuncture works through different body mechanisms, releasing natural pain killing endorphins, increasing blood flow to tissues and organs, decreasing inflammation, activate neurotransmitters, upregulating the immune system, and regulating bodily hormones. Acupuncture also activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which brings the body into our healing rest and digest state, and is helpful in lowering stress levels.

Acupuncture has been researched and proven to treat a variety of difference conditions ranging from psycho-emotional conditions, skin conditions, allergies, chronic and acute pain, digestion, and more.

See conditions treated page

Acupuncture uses sterile, single-use needles during treatment. Compared to opioids or prescription medication, there are no serious side effects from an acupuncture treatment. Side effects can include, light bleeding, bruising, soreness, or dizziness. Single-use needles are then disposed in biohazard containers after treatment.

Since acupuncture uses tiny hair thin needles, many patients will not feel much while needles are being inserted. Some patients may experience a small pinch upon insertion or nothing at all. Acupuncture is considered relatively painless and patients often relax and fall asleep on the table while getting treated. It is normal however to feel needle sensations which are called “de Qi” in Chinese Medicine, and this indicates Qi arriving at the acupuncture point and it has been activated. This sensation ranges from a dull ache, to warm heavy feeling.

The number of treatments needed will depend on the severity of a patient’s condition and how long they have been suffering with it. Patients with more acute conditions should see improvements in their symptoms within the first 4-6 treatments while longstanding chronic conditions can take 8-12 treatments. Once the symptoms reach a more manageable stage, a patient can come in less frequently for maintenance treatments to prevent their condition from worsening or returning.

Check out our First Time Patients page

Feel free to contact us here