What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an effective form of health care that has evolved into a complete and holistic medical system. Practitioners of acupuncture have used this noninvasive medical system to diagnose and help millions of people get well and stay healthy.
An acupuncturist will place fine, sterile needles at specific acupoints on the body. This activates the body’s Qi (pronounced “chee”) and promotes natural healing by enhancing recuperative power, immunity and physical and emotional health. It can also improve overall function and well-being. It is a safe, painless and effective way to treat a wide variety of medical problems.
What will my acupuncturist do?
During the initial exam a brief health history may be taken. Questions will be asked regarding symptoms, health and lifestyle. Your acupuncturist also may check your pulse and tongue and may conduct a physical exam. This information is then organized to create a complete, accurate and comprehensive diagnosis of where Qi has been blocked or imbalanced. After the interview process, you may receive an acupuncture treatment. Visits with your acupuncturist may last from thirty to ninety minutes.
How should I prepare?
- Write down and bring any questions you have, We are here to help you.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points.
- Do not eat large meals just before or after your visit.
- Refrain from overexertion, working out, drug or alcohol for up to six hours after the visit.
- Avoid stressful situations. Make time to relax and be sure to get plenty of rest.
- Between visits, make mote of any changes that may have occurred, such as the alleviation of pain, pain moving to other areas, or changes in the frequency and type of symptoms.
How safe is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is an all-natural, drug-free therapy, yielding no negative side effects, just feelings of relaxation and well-being. There is little danger of infection from acupuncture needles because they are sterile, used once and then discarded.
Acupuncture and Migraines
A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that traditional Chinese acupuncture as well as Yamamoto new scalp acupuncture significantly decreased patients’ migraine frequency and severity. The study involved 80 patients who suffer from migraine headaches and concluded that participants had improvement in their ability to do daily activities after treatment.
Acupuncture and Fibromyalgia
A study showed that acupuncture , when added to traditional fibromyalgia treatments, reduces pain and improves the quality of life for up to three months following treatment.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.
Mindfulness can be very beneficial for stress, anxiety and depression reduction and can help us to be present and allow thoughts and emotions to come without judgment.
- Anyone can do it. Mindfulness practices cultivates universal human qualities and does not require anyone to change their beliefs. Everyone can benefit and it’s easy to learn.
- It’s a way of living. Mindfulness is more than just a practice, It brings awareness and caring into everything we do—and it cuts down needless stress. Even a little makes oar lives better.
- It’s evidence-based. We don’t have to take mindfulness on faith. Both science and experience demonstrate its positive benefits for our health, happiness, work and relationships.
- It sparks innovation. As we deal with our world’s increasing complexity and uncertainty, mindfulness can lead us to effective, resilient, low-cost responses to seemingly intransigent problems.