FAQs
What does it treat?
What do YOU treat?
How does it work?
Does it hurt?
How does it work?
What Does Acupuncture Treat?
I always say “Acupuncture Treats Humans” which is true. The full scope of the medicine, including Herbs, Cupping, Gua Sha, Dietary Changes, etc. can be integrated into care for pretty much any condition. I am not going as far as claiming we end all human suffering, but can mitigate a fair amount of it.
Specifically we treat a ton of pain. Pain from musculoskeletal issues, neuropathy, headaches, cycle related pain, and more.
What Do YOU Treat?
In clinic I see a fair amount of Musculoskeletal pain and really enjoy Orthopedics. Additionally I treat lots of Women’s health issues, since I am a woman I probably attract a lot of that.
Both types of patients have very different treatments but similar outcomes, greatly improved and happy.
A brief weekly re-cap might be the best way to showcase the medicine in all its glory. An example week in clinic might look like:
Endometriosis
Upper Extremity Nerve Entrapment
Acute Shin Splints
Chronic Headaches
PCOS
Meralgia Paresthetica
Acute Low Back Pain
Unexplained Infertility
SI Joint/Hip Pain
Uppertrap Tension
Difficulty Recovering From An Acute Virus
I am totally freaked out about needles.
How bad does it hurt?
It does not. I mean they are needles so you feel a little prick but that fades. The needles are super fine, flexible and you should be able to relax during a session. Most patients drift off into a deep state of relaxation. Promise.
Is it the same as Dry Needling?
No. Dry needling is a technique used to break up tight bands of tissue or fascial adhesions. Sometimes that is part of a larger treatment plan when coming in for musculoskeletal pain but no you will not be death gripping the table while your muscles involuntarily twitch the whole time.
Dry needling is on the more extreme end of the spectrum, so if you have had that before this will be a piece of cake.
How Does it Work?
We can talk about balancing Meridians, Qi, building Blood, Resolving Damp, Calming Shen…but that means nothing to someone outside of the profession. We have our own language and framework of thinking about the body.
The easiest way to explain the functions of Acupuncture is it works with your body by reducing stress hormones, moving fluids, stimulating circulation, releasing tight bands of muscle, supporting endocrine function, activating dormant muscles, releasing biochemicals from the central nervous system including: endogenous opioids, neurotransmitters, hormones, neuropeptides and anti-inflammatory mediators. Oh is that all??