Acupuncture

Traditional Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the 2000 year old practice of directing and rebalancing the bodies physiology by way of targeting the biological energy systems of the body. This biological energy has many names, Prana, Spirit, Breath, or Qi. Without this energy system conducting throughout the body, there would be no physiological processes happening and therefore no life. Acupuncture strategically places needles along meridian pathways, analogous to the connective tissue, in order to effect the flow of this energy.

When the body receives input from the needle, there is a whole cascade of healing mechanisms. There is an affect at the neurological level, reprogramming the limbic system’s response to pain. There is a release of endogenous pain killers, enkephalins and endorphins. There is an anti-inflammatory response regulating the nitric oxide levels in the tissue and the cytokine production. There is an immunological response by stimulating and regulating the white blood cells and T-cells. And, there is the ability to stimulate regeneration of new tissue by stimulating the production of stems cells.

All these mechanisms make it possible for acupuncture to be able to treat a number of different conditions.

Schedule an Appointment

Orthopedic AcupuncturE

The art and science of acupuncture has developed many different treatment styles over the course of its 2000 year old history. One such style that was developed for treating pain and muscular-skeletal problems is called Ashi Acupuncture. In the west this treatment technique has many names such as Trigger Point Therapy, Dry Needling, or Orthopedic Acupuncture. All these treatments are relatively the same, but only qualified acupuncturists have the full training and depth of knowledge behind this technique.

One of the tools often used in Orthopedic Acupuncture is the use of electro-stimulation. Physical Therapists often use a TENS-unit for electrical stimulation of the superficial muscles to alleviate pain and tension, but with acupuncture the Electro-Stim device can be attacked to the needles that enter into the deeper muscle structures and are also able to enter deep within a joint. Research has shown that different frequencies of stimulation are able to trigger different nerve fibers and neurotransmitters responsible for pain relief.

Endophin

Enkephalins

Dynorphons

5-HTP

Oxytocin

Dopamine

Nitric-Oxide

Hertz

Endorphine

Function

2-4 Hz

2-15 Hz

100Hz

20-50 Hz

2-30 Hz

Analgesic

Mood

Circulation

Nerve

Mu

Delta

Kappa

HTP-r

OXTR

D1

Epithelial

Japanese Acupuncture

Japanese Acupuncture is another therapeutic style of Acupuncture that uses the abdomen (Hara) as form of diagnosis. By locating patterns of tension and tenderness on the abdomen one can diagnose a pattern of dysfunction and imbalance in the organ systems. Based on these patterns Japanese Style of acupuncture style uses specific treatment protocols each kind of imbalance.

Japanese style acupuncture also uses much thinner gage needles that can be more comfortable for needle-sensitive patients. While the treatments are much more subtle the beneficial change in the body can be profound.

Auricular Acupuncture

Auricular Acupuncture is a specialized form of acupuncture that works by regulating the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) through the stimulation of the Vagus Nerve. This Vagus Nerve which is one of the major nerve branches of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) happens to have smaller sub-branches that run through the ear. Through stimulating these points in the ear the acupuncturist can work on treating many different conditions controlled by the ANS.

Conditions include …

Anxiety & Depression
Neurological Disorders
Substance Addiction & Detox
Gastrointestinal Regulation

Pain Management
Allergies
Sleep
Endocrine Regulation