What is Acupuncture / Acupressure?

Acupuncture and acupressure are modalities of Oriental Medicine. Oriental Medicine is an ancient medical art that dates back over four thousand years and is invaluable in assisting the body in its own natural healing process. There are over 350 acupuncture points that are distributed on 14 Meridians or invisible pathways. Acupuncture and acupressure are techniques that stimulate acupuncture points to influence physiological function according to Western Medicine, and to free up blockage of Qi in the meridians according to Chinese Medicine. Acupuncture uses hair-thin needle insertion and acupressure uses finger pressure massage at the acupuncture points.

What is an Acupuncture treatment like?

Once the patient is greeted by one of our friendly staff members, he or she will fill out a comprehensive intake form relating to their chief complaint(s). The form requests for information concerning general health, emotional status, sleep, appetite and digestion, menstruation, urology, musculo-skeleton and respiration. The acupuncturist discusses the relationship of harmony and disharmony in the patient’s bodily system as it related to the collected information. Upon observation and palpatory assessment, the acupuncturist develops an individualized plan of treatment for the patient.

Treatment begins with relaxing on one of our large comfortable massage tables amidst a peaceful setting enhanced by soothing background music. In this private setting, the patient is generally disrobed at the feet, lower legs and arms. When the trunk area needs to be exposed, a drape or gown is provided to ensure discretion. Hair-thin needles are then inserted in the body anywhere from ¼ inch to as far as 2 inches depending on the body locations. The patient may feel different sensations during the needling process but it is not nearly as uncomfortable as one may think of the needles used by a physician. Needle locations are related to various acupuncture points to nourish your internal organ system or to help resolve blocked energy or Qi, Blood, and Fluids. The goal in Chinese Medicine is to establish free flow of Qi, Blood, and Fluids through the meridians and to strengthen the internal organ system.

The needles are then left in place for 20-30 minutes to promote relaxation, influence chemical and physiological changes, and generate analgesic effects by releasing the body’s natural painkillers called endorphins. The patient will experience relaxation and calmness during and after the treatment. Usually the patient will experience a positive shift or change in their condition. After the first treatment, a patient’s main condition will decrease and other areas (secondary conditions) will show signs of improvement. This is what Kim, the acupuncturist, refers to as the "positive side effect" of the acupuncture process.

Aside from using acupuncture needles, a combination of techniques consisting of acupressure (finger pressure, without needles), moxibustion (burning of herbs), electric stimulation and massage can be used in an acupuncture treatment. Treatments do not necessarily require the use of needles.